How to Fix a KitchenAid Stand Mixer That Runs Then Stops

If you own a KitchenAid stand mixer, you already know it’s one of the hardest-working appliances in your kitchen. From kneading tough bread dough to whipping fluffy meringue, it’s a go-to tool for home bakers and cooks alike. But what happens when your trusty mixer suddenly starts running, then stops mid-job?

It’s frustrating, for sure. Whether you’re halfway through making cookie dough or just starting a sourdough batch, an unexpected shutdown can throw off your whole baking session.

Don’t worry, you’re not alone, and this problem is more common (and fixable) than you might think. We’ll walk you through why your KitchenAid mixer runs and then stops, and give you practical, easy-to-follow DIY troubleshooting steps to get it back in working order.

The information in this article may not apply to your specific appliance model. We recommend consulting your manufacturer’s documentation or contact us with any questions.

Step 1: Safety First – Unplug and Inspect

Before you do anything, unplug your mixer from the wall. Any kind of troubleshooting or opening up of the mixer needs to be done with the power off for safety.

Once it’s unplugged, take a moment to inspect the outside of the machine.

• Is it overheating?
• Does it smell burnt?
• Any visible cracks, damage, or loose cords?
• Was the bowl or attachment overloaded?

Sometimes the issue is as simple as too much dough in the bowl or the motor needing a breather. But if your mixer is shutting off repeatedly, you’ll want to dig deeper.

Step 2: Understand the Most Common Causes

There are several reasons your KitchenAid stand mixer might run briefly and then shut off:

• Overheating Motor: This is the most common issue. If you’re working with heavy dough or using the mixer for an extended period, the motor may overheat and trigger a thermal overload protection feature. KitchenAid mixers have a built-in safety mechanism that shuts off the motor when it gets too hot to prevent permanent damage.
• Speed Control Plate or Governor Malfunction: Inside your mixer is a small assembly called a speed control plate, which uses a spring and copper contacts to regulate power and speed. If it’s misaligned or broken, it may cause the mixer to lose power or turn off.
• Worn Out Carbon Brushes: Your mixer uses carbon brushes to deliver electricity to the motor. If these brushes are worn down, the motor won’t receive consistent power and may shut off.
• Loose or Frayed Power Cord: If your cord is loose at the plug or where it enters the mixer housing, it could be cutting off power intermittently.
• Faulty Control Board (in digital models): In more modern KitchenAid mixers with electronic controls or timers, a damaged control board can cause sudden shut-offs.

Once you know what could be going on, you can move on to targeted troubleshooting.

Step 3: Let It Cool Down (If Overheated)

If you’ve been mixing heavy batter or dough on a high setting for several minutes, your mixer might just need a rest.

What to do:

• Turn the mixer off and unplug it.
• Let it sit for 20 to 30 minutes to cool down.
• Try running it again once it has cooled completely.

If it runs fine after cooling, you’ve likely experienced a thermal overload. To prevent this in the future:

• Use the correct speed settings (lower for dough).
• Don’t overload the bowl.
• Avoid running the mixer for more than 10 minutes at a time with dense mixtures.

If it still shuts off quickly, the problem likely lies deeper inside.

Step 4: Check and Replace the Carbon Brushes

Worn-out carbon brushes can cause erratic motor behavior. Luckily, they’re easy to replace.

How to check:

1. Unplug the mixer.
2. Locate the two brush caps, one on each side of the motor housing (they look like slotted screws).
3. Unscrew the caps and remove the brushes.
4. Inspect the brushes: If they’re shorter than 1/4 inch, they need to be replaced. If the tips are chipped, cracked, or frayed, that’s also a red flag.

How to replace:

• Order genuine KitchenAid replacement carbon brushes (based on your model).
• Insert the new brushes with the curved side facing in.
• Tighten the caps securely.

Always replace both brushes at the same time for even wear.

Step 5: Inspect the Speed Control Plate and Governor

Inside the mixer head is a speed control plate, which adjusts the mixer’s speed and regulates power flow. If this plate is out of alignment or the governor (a small spinning mechanism attached to the motor) is damaged, it could be causing your mixer to stop.

What to look for:

• Loose screws around the plate
• Broken or stretched springs
• Burnt or damaged copper contacts

How to access:

1. Unplug the mixer.
2. Remove the rear cover by unscrewing two or three back screws.
3. Carefully pull the rear housing away to reveal the control plate and governor.
4. Inspect the parts mentioned above.

If you see damage or obvious wear, you can purchase a speed control plate repair kit or replace the governor assembly.

Note: Replacing these parts is a more intermediate-level DIY repair. If you’re comfortable with small components and following guides, it’s very doable.

Step 6: Check the Power Cord and Connection Points

Sometimes a faulty or loose power cord is the issue, and it’s easy to miss.

What to check:

• Is the plug securely connected?

• Are there any frays, kinks, or burn marks on the cord?

• Does the cord wiggle where it enters the machine?

If the cord looks worn or the machine shuts off when the cord is moved, it may be time to replace the cord.

To replace the cord:

• Unplug the mixer.
• Open the back cover.
• Disconnect the old cord from the internal terminals.
• Install the new one, carefully connecting to the same terminals.

Make sure to purchase a manufacturer-compatible replacement cord to avoid electrical issues.

Step 7: Test Without a Load

After making any adjustments or replacements, test your KitchenAid mixer without any ingredients or bowl attached.

Let it run at different speeds for 3 to 5 minutes. If it stays on consistently and doesn’t shut down, you’ve likely fixed the issue.

If it still stops running without a load, the issue may be with the motor windings or control board, which may require professional servicing or a replacement part.

Step 8: Clean and Lubricate the Planetary Gears (Optional)

If your mixer starts and stops with a grinding sound or jerky motion, the problem might be mechanical rather than electrical.

The planetary gears (which drive the beater rotation) need grease to function properly. Dried-out or contaminated grease can cause friction and force the motor to stop.

How to re-grease the gears:

1. Unplug the mixer and remove the top housing.
2. Locate the planetary gear assembly.
3. Scrape out old grease with a plastic scraper or cloth.
4. Add food-grade grease evenly to the gears.
5. Reassemble and test.

This process takes a bit more effort but can improve performance and extend your mixer’s life.

Additional information

Thank you for reading! We hope this guide helped you get your stand mixer working again.

If you have any other appliance repair needs or projects, don’t hesitate to explore our other troubleshooting guides and videos. 

If you need replacement parts or some extra help with ordering them, grab your model number and head over to AppliancePartsPros.com, where you can chat with a pro, read our DIY blog and more.

Don’t forget to subscribe to us on YouTube and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram!