Karcher electric pressure washer troubleshooting



Karcher electric pressure washers proved themselves as safe and durable cleaning equipment. However, there are always worn out parts, resulting in breakage of these electric devices. Do not hurry to become demoralized, as you can identify worn item(s) and replace it(them) with a new one(s) on your own. To do this, below we represent our troubleshooting table. It will help to identify the malfunction of a not working unit in case of no pressure or in cases of other problems of Karcher electric pressure washers.

SymptomCauseSolution
Motor will not startOn/Off switch is in the “OFF” (0) position.Turn switch to the “ON” (1) position
Power cord is not plugged in.Plug in power cord.
Electrical outlet does not supply adequate power.Try a different outlet.
Tripped GFCI plug.Press “RESET” button on GFCI plug.
Tripped circuit breaker.Switch off pressure washer. The reset comes automatically once the temperature of the unit drops.
Unit does not reach high pressure.Diameter of garden hose is too small.Replace with a 5/8 inch or larger garden hose.
Water supply is restricted.Check garden hose for kinks, leaks and blockage.
Not enough inlet water supply.Open water source full force.
Water inlet filter is clogged.Remove filter and rinse out in warm water.
Spray wand is on low pressure position.Turn spray wand to high pressure position.
Output pressure varies high and low.Not enough inlet water supply.Turn water on full force. Check garden hose for kinks, leaks or blockage.
Pump is sucking air.Check that hoses and fittings are air tight. Turn off machine and purge pump by squeezing trigger gun until a steady flow of water emerges through the nozzle.
Water inlet filter is clogged.Remove filter and rinse out in warm water.
Discharge nozzle is obstructed.Blow out or remove debris with a fine needle.
Calcified gun, hose or spray wand.Run distilled vinegar through detergent suction tube.
CauseSolution
Detergent suction tube not properly connected to the machine.Check connection.
Detergent is too thick.Dilute detergent, for best re- sults use Karcher® detergent.
Filter on detergent suction tube is clogged.Run warm water through filter to remove debris.
Damaged or clogged detergent suction tube.Remove obstruction or replace detergent suction tube.
Spray wand is in high pressure position.Turn spray wand tip to low pressure position.
Discharge nozzle is obstructed.Blow out or remove debris with fine needle.
Loose fittings.Tighten fittings.
Missing/worn rubber washer.Insert new washer.
Spray wand not properly attached.Insert the spray wand into the trigger gun. Carefully press in against the spring tension and twist into the locked position.
Broken o-ring or plastic insert.Call Customer Support
Pump is sucking air.Check that hoses and fittings are air tight. Turn off machine and purge pump by squeezing trigger gun until a steady flow of water emerges through the nozzle.
Loose fittings.Check that all fittings are tight.
Water seals are damaged or worn.Call Customer Support