Snowblower chute won’t turn: A troubleshooting guide

One of the common challenges snowblower owners may face is a chute that refuses to turn. The chute directs the path of the expelled snow and may become locked up for several reasons.

Let’s explore some of the culprits behind a non-turning manual or electric snowblower chute and how you can address them so you’re always ready to tackle the fiercest winter storms.

If you need replacement parts for any of your snow removal appliances, you can find them here. You can also visit AppliancePartsPros.com and enter your model number in the search bar.

Disclaimer: The troubleshooting information provided in this article is based on general service manuals and may not apply to your specific appliance model. While we strive to offer helpful advice for DIY appliance repairs, variations in models and configurations can lead to differences in troubleshooting steps, error codes and part replacements. For the most accurate information, we strongly recommend consulting the technical sheet for your specific appliance model.

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What you need to know about the chute mechanism

Before we start troubleshooting and trying to resolve a snowblower chute that’s not turning, it’s helpful to understand the basics of how a chute mechanism works.

Here’s an overview:

• The chute is the adjustable tube at the front of a snowblower that directs and launches cleared snow in the desired direction.
• Snowblowers can have either manual or powered chutes to change the direction of the snow discharge.
• Manual chutes are typically adjusted by hand through a crank or lever.
• Powered chutes use a motor or actuator for precise control, often with buttons or switches on the snowblower’s control panel.
• The chute pivots around a vertical axis, allowing you to change the direction in which the snow is thrown.
• In manual chutes, a series of linkages and rods connect the user’s input (crank or lever) to the chute’s gearbox.
• In powered chutes, electrical wiring connects the user’s control inputs to the electric motor or actuator responsible for chute rotation.
• The gearbox (for manual chutes) or electric motor (for powered chutes) is at the heart of the chute mechanism and controls the rotation.
• Lubrication is needed so the chute runs smoothly and should be applied as part of regular snowblower maintenance.

READ MORE: 7 Dos and Don’ts of Winter Appliance Maintenance and Care

Common reasons why a chute won’t turn

Clogs or other blockages

Ice, snow, or debris can accumulate in and around the chute, which can hinder its movement. This accumulation can freeze, especially in extreme cold, making it difficult to rotate the chute.

Poor lubrication

A dry or poorly lubricated chute mechanism can result in increased friction, making it challenging to turn the chute manually or through powered controls.

Misaligned, damaged or loose parts

In snowblowers with manual chutes, issues with the control linkages, such as misalignment, damage, or loose connections, can prevent the user’s input from changing the chute’s direction.

Wrong cable tension

If your snowblower has a cable-based control system, incorrect tension in the cable can hinder the chute’s rotation and cause the cables to stretch or wear out over time.

Gearbox issues

Both manual and powered chutes can experience gearbox issues that hinder rotation. Problems may include worn gears, damaged parts, or a lack of proper lubrication.

Some snowblower models use shear pins to secure the chute to the gearbox. If the shear pin breaks due to a jam or overload, the chute may not turn.

READ MORE: How to Deal with Removing Snow this Winter

Safety precautions

Before you start working on a snowblower chute that won’t turn, remember to keep safety first so you can minimize the risk of accidents and injuries.

• Always wear safety gear including safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, and appropriate footwear while working.
• Disconnect the spark plug wire from the spark plug to prevent accidental engine starts.
• If you’re working in an enclosed space, make sure it’s well-ventilated to disperse exhaust fumes from the snowblower.
• Allow the snowblower’s engine to cool down before touching any parts, particularly those related to the engine and exhaust.
• Keep the snowblower on a stable and level surface while making repairs.

What you need

• Safety glasses or goggles
• Hearing protection (earplugs or earmuffs)
• Work gloves
• Appropriate footwear with good traction
• Wrench set (adjustable and/or combination wrenches)
• Screwdrivers (flat-head and Phillips)
• Pliers (slip-joint and needle-nose)
• Locking pliers (such as Vise-Grips)
• Socket set with ratchet
• Lubricating oil or grease for chute pivot points and control linkages
• Spray lubricant (for easier application)
• A digital multimeter for testing electrical connections (if your snowblower has electric chute controls)
• Replacement shear pins for your snowblower’s model (if needed)
• Cable adjustment tools, such as cable clamps or turnbuckles (if your snowblower has a cable-based control system)
• Hydraulic fluid and a container for hydraulic systems (for snowblowers with hydraulic chute controls)

Troubleshooting steps

Clear blockages

1. Visually inspect the chute for any obstructions that may be preventing it from rotating. Look for anything that could be blocking the flow of snow, such as ice, snow, or debris.
2. If you find any blockages, try to remove them by hand or with a tool. Be careful not to damage the chute or the auger.
3. Once you’ve removed any blockages, check the chute’s rotation to make sure it’s spinning properly. If it’s not spinning, check the auger for damage.

Check the auger

The auger is the spiral-shaped blade that breaks up the snow and ice and feeds it into the snowblower’s discharge chute. It’s usually located at the front of the snowblower, just behind the intake opening.

1. Inspect the auger for any signs of damage, such as cracks, breaks, or bends. If you notice any damage, it’s best to replace the auger to prevent further damage to the snowblower.
2. Check the owner’s manual for the recommended pitch angle and adjust it if necessary. The auger’s pitch refers to the angle at which the blades are set. If the pitch is too high or too low, it can affect the snowblower’s performance.
3. Check the auger’s rotation. The auger should rotate smoothly and freely. If it’s not rotating properly, check the bearings or the auger shaft for any signs of wear or damage. If the bearings are damaged, they may need to be replaced.
4. Make sure the auger has enough clearance to rotate freely without hitting any other parts of the snowblower such as the intake opening, the discharge chute, and the engine housing. If the clearance is too small, you may need to adjust the auger’s position or replace it if it’s damaged.
5. Clean the auger of any snow, ice, or debris that may have accumulated during use. Use a soft-bristled brush or a cloth to clean the auger blades and the surrounding area.

Inspect the impeller

1. Find the impeller, which is typically located near the auger housing.
2. Check the impeller for any visible damage or clogs. Look for cracks, dents, scratches, rust or broken blades.
3. Check for any debris, such as snow, ice, or twigs, that may be stuck to the impeller blades. Use a brush or a small brush to clean out any debris that may be stuck to the blades.
4. Make sure the impeller blades are properly aligned.
5. Check the impeller housing for any signs of damage or leaks. If the housing is damaged or leaking, it can prevent the impeller from functioning properly.

If the impeller doesn’t appear damaged but still isn’t working after cleaning, it may need to be replaced.

Check the bearings

The bearings are typically located in the auger housing, near the impeller blades.

1. Listen for any unusual noises or vibrations coming from the bearings while the snow blower is running. If the bearings are making loud noises, they may be worn or damaged.
2. Use a flashlight to inspect the bearing surfaces for any signs of wear or damage. Look for any scratches, dents, or rust.
3. Use a wrench or pliers to check for play in the bearings. If the bearings are loose or have excessive play, they may be worn or damaged.
4. Check the lubrication of the bearings. If the bearings aren’t lubricated enough, they may wear out faster and need to be replaced sooner.

Inspect the belts

The belts are typically located in the auger housing, near the impeller blades.

1. Look for any signs of damage, such as cracks, frays, or wear on the belts.
2. Check for any loose or missing parts on the belts.
3. Inspect the belt pulleys for any signs of wear or damage. If the pulleys are damaged, they may need to be replaced.

If any part of the belts are damaged or worn out, replace them with new ones. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper installation and tensioning.

Check the gearbox

The gearbox transmits power from the engine to the auger and impeller blades, allowing the snowblower to move the snow. It’s typically located at the bottom of the snowblower, near the ground, and is connected to the engine via a shaft.

1. Listen for any unusual noises from the gearbox area when the snowblower is running.
2. Check the gearbox oil. If it’s low or dirty, it may be a sign of a problem. Change it if necessary.
3. If you notice oil or other fluids leaking from the gearbox, it may need to be replaced.

If none of the above steps resolve the issue, check the owner’s manual for your snowblower to see if there are any other troubleshooting steps or recommendations.

Additional reading

Thank you for reading! We hope you found this information helped you get your snowblower working again.

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

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