If your Shop Joe product becomes unusually hot, shuts off during operation, or appears to be overheating, stop using it and allow it to cool.
Follow the general troubleshooting steps below to check for common causes of overheating. Always follow the instructions in your product's user manual.
Important Safety Warning
If your product produces smoke, sparks, flames, or a burning smell, stop using it immediately.
Do not attempt to restart or repair the product. Move away if there is a fire and contact emergency services.
For additional safety instructions, please see What Should I Do If My Unit Is Smoking or Smells Like It's Burning?.
What to Do If Your Product Is Overheating
- Turn off the product. Release the switch or trigger and stop operating the unit.
- Disconnect the power source. For corded products, unplug the power cord. For battery-powered products, remove the battery only if it is safe to do so. Never handle a battery that is excessively hot, swollen, leaking, or visibly damaged.
- Allow the product to cool. Wait until the unit has cooled completely before inspecting it. Cooling times vary depending on the product and conditions. Follow any cooling-period instructions provided in your product's user manual.
- Check for blocked air vents. If your product has ventilation openings, inspect them for grass, dust, snow, or other debris. Once the unit is cool and disconnected from power, clean accessible vents according to the product's user manual.
- Check for excessive workload. If applicable, reduce the operating load. For example, avoid cutting too deeply, forcing the tool through heavy material, or operating beyond the limits described in the user manual.
- Inspect for visible obstructions. If your product has a blade, reel, auger, or other moving component, check for visible debris or material buildup after the unit has cooled and the power source is disconnected. Follow the manual before removing any obstruction.
Product-Specific Cooling and Adjustments
Some products may require additional cooling time or adjustments before they can be used again.
For example, a Sun Joe Scarifier Dethatcher may require up to 60 minutes to cool. Clearing grass-clogged air vents and raising the dethatching height may help reduce strain on that type of unit.
These instructions are not universal. Refer to your product's user manual for the correct procedure.
When to Stop Troubleshooting
Do not continue using or troubleshooting the product if you notice:
- Smoke, sparks, or a burning smell
- Melting, discoloration, or visible damage
- A damaged or unusually hot battery
- Repeated overheating or unexpected shutdowns
- Damaged power cords, plugs, or electrical components
Do Not Attempt Internal Repairs
Do not open the motor housing, battery, charger, or electrical components to investigate an overheating issue.
If the product continues to overheat or shows signs of damage, stop using it and contact Shop Joe Customer Support.
After Troubleshooting
If the product has cooled completely, there are no signs of damage, and the user manual permits restarting, you may try operating it again.
If the product overheats again, shuts off unexpectedly, or does not operate normally, stop using it and contact Shop Joe Customer Support.
Information to Have Ready
When contacting support, please prepare:
- Your complete product model number
- A description of what happened before the product overheated
- Any unusual sounds, smells, or shutdown behavior
- Photos of visible damage, if it is safe to take them
Need More Help?
If your Shop Joe product continues to overheat after following the appropriate troubleshooting steps, contact Shop Joe Customer Support for further assistance.
Have your complete product model number and a description of the overheating issue ready.