If your Vitamix blender won’t start blending, there are a few potential causes and solutions to try. Vitamix blenders are powerful machines that can last for years when properly maintained. This article will walk through some troubleshooting tips to get your Vitamix working again.
Check the Power Supply
The first thing to check is whether your Vitamix is getting power. Make sure it is securely plugged into a working electrical outlet. Test the outlet with another appliance like a lamp to ensure there is power. If the blender is plugged into a GFCI outlet, press the “Reset” button on the outlet if it has tripped.
Check the cord itself for any cuts or fraying that could be interrupting the power supply. If there are any damages to the cord, stop using the Vitamix until you can replace the cord. You can purchase official Vitamix replacement cords directly from their website.
If the cord looks fine but the blender still won’t turn on, the next thing to inspect is the on/off switch located on the front of the motor base. Flip the switch off and on a few times to see if you can get the power going. If the machine still won’t start, there may be an internal electrical problem.
Inspect the Blender Jar
Another possible cause of a Vitamix not starting is an issue with the blender jar itself. Check these areas on the jar:
- Blender lid – Make sure the lid is securely tightened onto the jar. It should click into place. If the lid is loose or detached, the Vitamix safety feature will prevent the motor from starting.
- Jar base – Examine the thick rubber pad on the bottom of the jar. Make sure it is clean and securely affixed. If the rubber base becomes worn out or peels away, the blender may not start.
- Blades – Spin the blender blades by hand to confirm they can move freely and nothing is obstructed.
Try re-seating the jar into the motor base and giving it a firm clockwise twist until it locks into place. If it still won’t blend after inspecting these areas, the jar may need to be replaced.
Reset the Motor
Vitamix blenders have a built-in thermal protection system that shuts off the motor if it overheats. This usually automatically resets within an hour. If your Vitamix suddenly stopped blending and won’t turn back on, this overheating shutoff could have been triggered.
Unplug the Vitamix and let it sit unplugged for 1-2 hours. This allows the motor to cool completely and reset. After sufficient cooling time has passed, plug it back in and try using the Vitamix again as normal.
If it is still not working, let it sit unplugged overnight. If the issue was caused by overheating, this extended cooling period should allow the thermal system to fully reset.
Check for Blocked Ventilation
Proper air circulation is important to prevent Vitamix motors from overheating. Make sure the ventilation openings on the sides of the motor base are free of obstructions. Do not place the blender directly against a wall or cabinet that could block airflow.
Also inspect the cooling fan located on the back of the motor base. Use a dry toothbrush to gently brush away any debris or dust around the ventilation openings and fan.
Adequate ventilation will allow hot air to escape so the motor doesn’t overtax itself. Keep your Vitamix in an open, well-ventilated area when in use and storage.
Reset the Blender
If your Vitamix suddenly stopped blending and none of the above solutions revived it, trying a reset of the whole blender may help. Here are the steps to reset a Vitamix:
- Unplug the Vitamix from the electrical outlet.
- Leave it unplugged for 30-60 minutes.
- Make sure the power switch on the base is turned to the “Off” position.
- Plug the power cord back into the outlet.
- Turn the machine back on and try using it as normal.
Resetting gives time for any residual energy in the motor to dissipate. In most cases, following these steps to completely reboot the Vitamix will clear up any minor technical glitches.
Contact Vitamix Support
If you’ve tried all the troubleshooting tips above and your Vitamix blender still refuses to start, it likely requires professional service. Contact Vitamix directly through their website for assistance from their customer support team.
You’ll need to provide the model name and serial number of your blender, which can be found on the bottom of the motor base. Vitamix may request you ship the entire blender to their repair center. However, some problems can be diagnosed over the phone or through video chat.
Vitamix also offers in-home repair service in some areas. Their technicians can come to your home to inspect the blender and complete any repairs needed to get it functioning again.
Vitamix provides a 5-7 year full warranty on new blenders. Repairs and services may be covered under warranty if the machine is within the covered timeframe. There are also repair options for blenders past their warranty period.
Replace the Vitamix
For old blenders with extensive wear and tear, it may not be cost-effective to invest in repairs. If a service technician determines your Vitamix is unsalvageable, it may need to be replaced.
When purchased new, Vitamix blenders range from $289 for baseline models up to $689 for their high-performance machines. Expect to pay around $350 or more for a quality blender with complete features.
Buying a reconditioned Vitamix is a more affordable option at $249-$379. Reconditioned units have been thoroughly inspected, repaired, and tested to meet the same standards as new Vitamix blenders. They come with the same full 7-year warranty.
When replacing your Vitamix, consider upgrades that improve blending and durability:
- More horsepower – Higher motor horsepower yields faster, smoother blends.
- Longer blades – The longer 4-inch blades on G-Series models create better blends.
- Hardened stainless steel jars – Aircraft-grade steel makes jars more durable and thermal-resistant.
- Self-detect containers – Newer jars have an NFC chip that enables automatic blender adjustments.
Investing in a new Vitamix with the latest features will provide reliable performance for years before needing repairs.
Tips to Maintain Your Vitamix
With proper maintenance and care, your Vitamix blender should operate smoothly for a decade or longer without issue. Here are some pro tips to keep your Vitamix in optimal condition:
- Clean regularly – Rinse and wash the jar after each use. Run a cleansing cycle with soapy water every few uses.
- Inspect blades – Make sure blades spin freely and are not bent or chipped. Sharpen or replace dull blades.
- Use lid plug – Keep the lid plug inserted when not blending to prevent leaks.
- Don’t overfill – Only add enough ingredients to reach the marked levels on the jar.
- Give rests between blends – Let the motor cool down for 60 seconds between long blend cycles.
- Check base – Make sure the base sits level and doesn’t wobble during use.
Avoiding overuse and following Vitamix’s care and cleaning best practices will maximize your blender’s lifespan. With regular maintenance, your Vitamix may operate for a decade or longer without need for repairs.
Conclusion
Vitamix blenders are built to last, but occasional issues can still arise to prevent blending. From power problems to overheating motors, there are several potential reasons a Vitamix won’t start. Following the troubleshooting tips in this article should help identify and resolve the underlying problem.
Simple fixes like securing the lid, cleaning ventilation, or resetting the motor often get a Vitamix working again. For continued problems, never hesitate to contact Vitamix’s exceptional customer service team for assistance. With proper use and care, your Vitamix blender should provide many years of reliable performance.
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| No power | Check power cord, outlet, and switch |
| Loose lid | Twist lid tightly into place |
| Overheated | Unplug and let cool 1-2 hours |
| Blocked airflow | Clean ventilation openings and fan |
| Needs reset | Unplug 30-60 minutes then restart |
With some troubleshooting DIY fixes and Vitamix customer support, you should be able to get your Vitamix blender smoothly blending again.
