How to fix a leaf blower motor that won’t turn on

Ever had your electric leaf blower quit on you right when you needed it most? Frustrating, isn’t it? Before you rush out to buy a new one, there are some simple troubleshooting steps you can try to figure out what’s going on and maybe even fix it yourself. Let’s see how you can get that motor humming again.

The information in this article may not apply to your specific appliance model. For the most accurate guidance, it’s best to check your manufacturer’s documentation or reach out to us if you’ve got any questions.

Safety precautions   

When working on any appliance, remember to keep safety first. Here are some tips to keep in mind: 

• If working indoors, make sure there is adequate ventilation to prevent the buildup of exhaust fumes. Carbon monoxide poisoning can be a serious risk.
• Wear insulated work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal parts, pinching hazards and debris.
• Never attempt to service or repair while it is running or when the engine is still warm. Wait for all moving parts to come to a complete stop.
• Exercise extreme caution when working near blades, augers, or any other moving parts. Keep your hands, fingers, and clothing clear of these areas at all times.
• If the appliance has recently been used, give it plenty of time for any hot parts to cool down before working on it. 
• Empty the gas tank before beginning any work. Refill using fresh fuel. 
• When working with wires, avoid touching any exposed wires or terminals. If you need to touch a wire, use a non-conductive tool or wear insulating gloves to prevent electrical shock.
• Take your time and don’t rush while working to prevent accidents and personal injuries.
• Work in a well-lit area so you can clearly see and access the interior parts.
• Clear your workspace of clutter and other obstacles. Keep children and pets away from the work area.
• Be gentle when handling or removing parts. Excessive force might damage the appliance or cause injury.
• Wear safety glasses when working with chemicals, dust or cleaning large debris to prevent injury. 
• When not in use, store the machine in a safe and dry location.

Troubleshooting steps

Check the power supply and cable

First off, make sure your leaf blower’s actually getting power. Here’s what to do:

1. Check the Outlet: Plug another device, like a lamp or phone charger, into the same outlet to see if it’s working properly. Sometimes, a tripped circuit breaker or a faulty outlet is the real culprit.
2. Look Over the Power Cord: Give the leaf blower’s power cord a good once-over. Keep an eye out for any cuts, fraying, or damage that could mess with the electrical flow. Even tiny nicks can cause big problems.
3. Examine the Plug: Make sure the plug isn’t damaged. Bent or broken prongs can stop the electricity from connecting properly.

If you spot any damage to the cord or plug, replacing them might just do the trick. And remember, dealing with electricity isn’t something to take lightly. Always unplug the device before checking or fixing any electrical parts.

Check out the motor and fan

A jammed motor or impeller (that’s the fan part) can stop your leaf blower from turning on. Here’s how to see if something’s blocking it:

1. Unplug It: Safety first! Make sure the blower is disconnected before you dig in.
2. Peek Inside the Fan Area: Debris like leaves, twigs, or dirt can get stuck in there. Open up the housing if you need to, and see if anything’s clogging it up.
3. Try Spinning the Fan Manually: Gently give the impeller a turn by hand. It should move smoothly. If it’s stuck or making weird noises, there’s probably debris or maybe some internal damage.
4. Check the Motor Shaft: Find the inspection hatch for the motor and see if the central spindle turns without a hitch.

Clearing out any junk might get your leaf blower going again. Just be careful when handling the impeller—you don’t want any surprise injuries.

Take a look at the switch and wiring

Issues with the switch or wiring can keep your leaf blower from powering up. Here’s how to check it out:

1. Grab Your Tools: You’ll need a multimeter or circuit tester to see if electricity’s getting through. If you’re not familiar, these tools help you figure out if current can pass through a part.
2. Access the Switch: Remove the housing covering it, following whatever steps your manual suggests.
3. Test for Continuity: Set your multimeter to continuity mode. Touch the probes to the switch terminals and flip the switch on and off. It should show continuity when it’s on.
4. Replace If Needed: If there’s no continuity when the switch is on, the switch might be shot and need replacing.
5. Look for Loose Connections: Check that all wires connected to the switch and motor are snug. Loose or disconnected wires can stop power from getting through.
6. Check for Damage: Look for any signs of damaged or frayed wires. That kind of damage can cause all sorts of electrical issues.
7. Test the Wires: Use the multimeter to check for continuity along the wires. If any don’t pass the test or look messed up, they might need replacing.

Having a multimeter is super helpful here. If it’s all new to you, our repair help section has guides to get you started.

Look into the thermal cut-out

Your leaf blower might have a thermal cut-out to protect the motor from overheating. Here’s what to consider:

1. Let It Cool Off: If you’ve been running the blower hard, it might’ve overheated. Give it about 30 minutes to chill out.
2. Find a Reset Button: Some models have a reset button. Check your manual or look around the blower for a little button labeled “Reset.”
3. Press the Button: If there is one, press and hold it for a few seconds.
4. Give It a Try: Plug it back in and see if it’ll turn on.
5. Check the Manual: For specifics, flip through your leaf blower’s manual. If you’re not sure about your model number or where the manual is, our guide on finding your appliance’s model number can help.

Note: The thermal cut-out is there for a reason. Don’t try to bypass it—it could lead to motor damage or even safety hazards.

Check the motor brushes

Motor brushes play a key role in conducting electricity to the spinning part of the motor. If they’re worn out or damaged, your motor might not run.

1. Unplug the Blower: Always make sure it’s unplugged before you start tinkering.
2. Find the Brush Holders: They’re usually behind small panels on the sides of the motor housing.
3. Look for Wear: Brushes wear down over time. If they’re really short or uneven, they might not be making good contact.
4. Spot Any Damage: Cracked or broken brushes need replacing.
5. Check the Springs: Brushes are held in place by springs. Make sure they’re pushing the brushes against the commutator properly.
6. Clean Things Up: Gently wipe the commutator with a soft cloth to get rid of any grime.
7. Check the Wires: Make sure the wires connected to the brushes are on tight.
8. Fix Loose Connections: If wires are loose, you might need to solder them back. Only do this if you’re comfortable with soldering.
9. Reassemble the Housing: Once everything looks good, put the motor housing back together.
10. Give It a Go: Plug it in and see if it fires up.

Check for a blown fuse

Some electric leaf blowers have an internal fuse to protect against power surges.

1. Look in the Manual: It should tell you if there’s a fuse and where it’s located.
2. Access It: Usually, it’s inside the blower housing or near the motor.
3. Visual Check: See if the filament inside is broken or burnt.
4. Use a Multimeter: Set it to continuity mode and touch the probes to each end of the fuse. No continuity means it’s blown.
5. Match It Up: Use a fuse with the same type and rating. The wrong fuse can cause more problems.
6. Install the New One: Pop it into the fuse holder securely.
7. Close It Up: Make sure all parts are back where they belong.

Frequently asked questions

Why does my leaf blower start but won’t stay running?

A common reason is a clogged spark arrestor that restricts exhaust flow, causing the engine to stall. Cleaning it with a wire brush may resolve the issue.

Could a clogged carburetor be causing my leaf blower to stall?

Yes, old or bad fuel can leave a gummy residue in the carburetor, leading to clogs and engine stalling. Using fresh fuel and a fuel stabilizer can prevent this problem.

How often should I replace the fuel filter in my leaf blower?

It’s recommended to replace the fuel filter annually or whenever it becomes visibly clogged. Cleaning it is usually ineffective and may damage the filter.

Can a dirty air filter cause my leaf blower to stop running?

Yes, a dirty air filter can restrict airflow to the carburetor, causing the engine to stall. Replacing the air filter can improve performance.

How do I know if the fuel cap is causing my leaf blower to stall?

Blocked vent holes in the fuel cap can create a vacuum that stalls the engine. Loosen the fuel cap slightly and start the engine; if it runs normally, the cap may need cleaning or replacement.

Need more help?

For all your appliance part needs and more handy repair tips, visit us at AppliancePartsPros.com. Join our community on Facebook and Twitter for the latest updates, tips, and exclusive offers.

If you’ve got questions or need personalized help, we’re here for you. Reach out to our knowledgeable team for support on your DIY repair journey.