How to Fix a Blender

A blender works by having blades linked to a motor by a metal drive stud or a coupling. A motor on a blender is easily overloaded, because it is not typically designed for power but for speed. Read on to learn how to fix a blender.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Volt-ohm meter
• Screwdriver
• Pliers
• Electrical contact cleaner

1. Test your blender by unplugging it and turning the on-off switch to on. Use a volt-ohm meter by setting it on the RX1 scale. Clip the colt-ohm meter probes to the plug prongs. When you press the different switches on your blender, you should get a low reading. If you get an infinity reading, your switch is bad.

2. Remove the switch housing from the base housing by carefully lifting the lower corners of the decal or facing that surrounds the push buttons. Then remove the lower screws on the unit with a screwdriver.

3. Spray your electrical contacts on your blender with contact cleaner. Also, spray the openings and terminals in the back of the switch block. If the cleaning doesn't solve the problem, replace the switches.

4. Check the fuse on your blender by taking the unit apart enough to remove the wire connector joining power cord and the lead containing the fuse. Set your volt-ohm meter to RX1 and clip the probes to both ends of the lead. If the reading is high, replace the fuse.

5. Unjam the blade shaft by disassembling the drive as far as you can and strike the shaft against a wood block. Lubricate the parts with white grease.

6. Replace the jar coupling by holding the cap nut with taped pliers. Turn the coupling clockwise to remove it. If you need to replace the motor coupling, hold the motor shaft with pliers and unscrew the coupling. To reassemble after you have replaced the shaft or coupling units, follow these instructions backwards.

Tips & Warnings

• Place your blender on a clean, dry surface when you use it to keep foreign material from being drawn into the motor.
• Clean the jar of your blender after every time you use it. You can clean it most effectively by filling the jar half full with warm water, adding liquid dish soap and running the blender for about five seconds on a low speed. Then run the blender with clean water to rinse it.
• Clean the base of your blender with a damp rag.
• Don't let the power cord of your blender touch any hot surfaces or hang over the edge of your counter. Damaged cords are dangerous.
• Don't store the jar on your blender without having it seated properly.
• Don't ever lift the jar until your motor has fully stopped. You might damage your drive stud if you lift it up prematurely.