Troubleshooting electric leaf blower cord and plug problems

Is your electric leaf blower giving you trouble just when the yard’s covered in leaves? It’s frustrating when your go-to tool won’t power up, but often the issue is something simple like the cord, plug, or even the power source. Don’t worry; we’re here to help you sort it out. In this guide, we’ll walk you through troubleshooting your leaf blower’s power supply, including tips on using a multimeter for testing.

Important: Keep in mind that this advice might not fit every leaf blower out there. Models can vary, and so can the steps to troubleshoot them. For the best info, always check your specific model’s manual or give us a shout if you’ve got questions.

Safety first

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.
• If using a ladder, ensure it’s on stable, level ground. Have someone help hold the ladder or keep an eye on you.

Gather your tools

To tackle this troubleshooting, here’s what you’ll need:

• Screwdrivers
• Wire cutters/strippers
• Replacement cord or plug (if it comes to that)
• Multimeter (for testing continuity and resistance)

Troubleshooting steps

Check the power source

Before blaming the leaf blower itself, double-check that the problem isn’t with your outlet or extension cord.

1. Test the outlet: Plug in something else—a lamp or charger—to make sure the outlet’s working.
2. Inspect the extension cord: If you’re using one, look it over for damage. It should be rated for outdoor use and handle your leaf blower’s power needs.
3. Reset GFCI outlets: Got a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlet? Make sure it hasn’t tripped. Press “Reset” if you need to.
4. Check the circuit breaker: See if the breaker flipped due to overload.

Check the terminals

First up, take a good look at the plug on your leaf blower’s cord.

1. Check the plug prongs: See if they’re damaged, corroded, or bent.
2. Open up the plug: If you can, unscrew the cover.
3. Look inside: Are any wires loose, disconnected, or corroded?
4. Tighten things up: Reconnect any loose wires securely.
5. Swap out the plug if needed: If it’s busted beyond repair, you might need a new one.

Examine the cable connection

Make sure the cord is firmly connected to the plug and doesn’t show signs of damage.

• Discoloration Alert: Burns or discoloration could mean overheating or short circuits.
• Check the Strain Relief: That’s the part that keeps the cord from bending too sharply at the plug.
• Watch for Exposed Wires: If you see any, that’s a hazard—time for repair or replacement.

Inspect the cord

Go over the whole cord carefully:

1. Look for cuts or frays: Any visible damage to the insulation?
2. Check the insulation: Is it intact? Not cracked or peeling?
3. Kinks or bends: Severe bends can mess up the internal wires.

Perform the wiggle test

Sometimes, internal damage isn’t obvious.

1. Plug it in: Carefully plug in your leaf blower.
2. Turn it on: See if it runs.
3. Move the cord around: Gently flex and wiggle different sections.
4. Watch for interruptions: If it cuts out when you move a certain spot, you’ve likely found the issue.

Safety Note: Be super careful to avoid shocks. If you see sparks or smell anything weird, unplug it right away.

Test with a multimeter

1. Set up the multimeter: Turn it to the continuity setting—usually marked with a sound wave or diode symbol.
2. Test it out: Touch the probes together. It should beep or show zero resistance.
3. Unplug the blower: Remove screws to see where the cord connects inside.
4. Test each prong to its wire: Place one probe on a prong and the other on the corresponding wire inside.
5. Repeat for each wire.
6. Read the results. Beep or zero resistance: Good news—the wire’s intact. No beep or infinite resistance: There’s a break somewhere.

Test for resistance

Besides continuity, sometimes you need to check resistance, especially for parts like motor windings.

1. Switch multimeter to resistance (Ω): Pick the right range if it’s not auto-ranging.
2. Check the motor windings:  Get to the motor terminals: You might have to dig a bit deeper.
3. Measure across the terminals.
4. Compare to specs: Check your manual for expected values.
5. Weird readings: If it’s way off, the windings might be shot.

Note: Don’t use continuity mode when you need specific resistance numbers.

Test the power switch

If the cord and plug seem fine, the problem might be the power switch.

1. Get to the switch: Open up the housing.
2. Set multimeter to continuity.
3. Test in ‘On’ position:  Probes on switch terminals: It should beep.
4. Test in ‘Off’ position:  No beep.
5. Faulty switch: If it doesn’t act right, you might need a new one.

Final thoughts

If you still need some parts, just grab your model number and head over to AppliancePartsPros.com to search for them. With over two million parts in stock, most orders ship the same day and arrive within just two days. 

Need more assistance? Our team is here at 1 (877) 477-7278 or through online chat or email. While your part is on its way, why don’t you check out our DIY blog and YouTube tutorials? And remember to stay in touch by following us on Facebook, X and Instagram!