FAQ - Troubleshooting
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Is it normal for the container to move slightly on the motor base when you start the machine?
Yes, it is normal for this to happen as the coupling is aligning with the drive socket.
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Why does my machine smell like it’s burning?
Although all motors are tested at the Vitamix® factory, heavy use will cause further curing of the motor windings. This curing gives off a burning smell and is typical for wound motors. This smell will quickly dissipate after a few heavy uses.
In addition, the Vitamix motor is designed to protect itself from overheating. If the motor should overheat, it may emit a burning smell. Turn the power switch off for up to 45 minutes, allowing the machine to cool down or reset. Reset time will be extended if high room temperatures exist. To reduce the reset time, unplug the machine, remove the container, and blow air into the center section of the bottom of the base with a hair dryer on the cool setting.
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Why did my machine stop while I was blending a milkshake, peanut butter, hummus, or other thick mixture?
The machine stopped because its thermal protector sensed that the machine was about to overheat. Turn the power switch off for up to 45 minutes, allowing the machine to cool down or reset. Reset time will be extended if high room temperatures exist. To reduce the reset time, unplug the machine, remove the container, and blow air into the center section of the bottom of the base with a hair dryer on the cool setting.
Below are some tips to prevent overheating when processing thick mixtures with a Vitamix® 5200. If these suggestions do not improve the performance of your machine, please contact Customer Service.
Check Your Speed
When starting the machine, make sure the switch on the left is down and the Variable Speed Dial is turned to 1. Turn the machine on, turn the Variable Speed Dial from 1 to 10, and flip the switch to High within five seconds. The Vitamix machine performs best on High speed to pulverize food and process thick mixtures.
Check Your Quantity
Processing cooked potatoes, cooked rice, or cooked beans creates a heavier than normal load on the machine. You may want to consider reducing the food quantity placed in the container by half (depending on how much food you started with) and possibly adding a bit of liquid.
Follow Order of Ingredients
Place ingredients into the container in the order listed in your Vitamix recipe. If working with your own recipe, start with the most liquid ingredients first (water, juice), followed by softer ingredients (tofu, yogurt), then juicier fruits and vegetables (grapes, cucumbers), firmer fruits and vegetables (apples, carrots), frozen ingredients (frozen berries), and finally ice. If you use protein powders, they should follow the ice.
Use the Tamper
If ingredients are not freely circulating, the tamper can be used to improve the flow of food. While the machine is running and with the lid firmly in place, insert the tamper through the lid plug opening and hold it in one of the corners of the container. As the food travels around the side of the container, the tamper directs it right into the blades. If there is an air pocket around the blade, the tamper will release the air pocket and create a continuous flow of food through the blades.
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My machine won’t start. What should I do?
Your Vitamix® motor is designed with Automatic Overload Protection to prevent it from overheating. If the motor shuts off, follow these instructions:
Turn off the power switch for up to 45 minutes to reset. Reset time will be extended if high room temperatures exist. To reduce the reset time, unplug the machine, remove the container, and blow air into the center section of the bottom with a hair dryer on the cool setting.
If you are still unable to start your machine, please contact Customer Service.
S30
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Why isn’t the S30 running when I turn it on?
The S30 contains a Safety Interlock System that won’t allow the machine to run if it senses that the container is not properly attached to the motor base. See instructions for how to properly align the container with the motor base.
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Why did the S30 stop in the middle of my recipe?
Either 1) the container was lifted or rocked from the motor base during blending and can quickly be reset or 2) the motor has overheated. Turn the dial to the Stop [○] position and allow the motor to cool for about an hour. Follow these S30 blending tips to avoid overheating the motor in the future.
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I’m having trouble removing the S30 blade base from my container. How can I get it off?
Place a plastic or wooden spatula handle in the notches of the blade base and turn the spatula counterclockwise to loosen the blade base from the container. Watch this technique
Service, Returns & Troubleshooting
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The blades in my container have stopped rotating. What is causing this?
If you notice your motor is no longer turning the blades, you should unplug the machine, remove the container from the motor base, and look at the drive socket (the plastic circle surrounding the metal coupling where the container meets the base). The drive socket should be well-attached, but able to spin freely. If the drive socket is cracked, solidly attached and unable to move, or easily removed, contact Customer Service to request parts or service.
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I hear a high-pitched, squeaking sound. What is causing this?
The high-pitched sound may be indicating that the blade bearing assembly is starting to break down. We suggest you contact Customer Service to troubleshoot the problem you are experiencing.
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Why does my blender sound like it’s grinding?
The grinding sound may indicate the blade bearing assembly is starting to break down. We suggest you contact Customer Service to troubleshoot this problem.
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There’s grease around the bottom of my container or on the countertop. What is causing this?
This may indicate an overfilled bearing or that the blade bearing assembly seal is starting to break down. If the problem persists or if grease is found on the counter, contact Customer Service.
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The motor base of my machine is wobbling on the countertop. What should I do?
The container will slightly move on the base when the machine is turned on. But if your motor base is wobbling on the countertop, there is an issue with your drive socket or the rubber feet on the bottom of the machine. Please contact Customer Service for further assistance.