If your corded Sun Joe pressure washer buzzes but the motor does not begin running, stop the unit and check the electrical supply and water-pressure setup. A buzzing motor is not the normal Total Stop System response that occurs when the spray-gun trigger is released.
Models Covered
Standalone corded-electric models:
- SPX100-GO, SPX200-GO, SPX1000, SPX1500-Q, SPX2000-GO-TV1, SPX2000-H, SPX205E-XT, and SPX2100HH-SJG
- SPX2680-MAX, SPX2690-MAX, SPX2690-SJG, SPX2700-MAX, SPX2790-MAX, and SPX2990-BLK
- SPX3000, SPX3000-MAX, SPX3000-QW2, SPX3000-XT, SPX3000-XT1, SPX3160P-SJG, SPX3501, SPX4004-MAX, SPX4800, SPX7000-MAX, and SPX7001E
This guidance also applies to the corded pressure-washer unit included in BDL-A0295, BDL-A0296, BDL-A0300, BDL-A0301, BDL-A0313, BDL-A0314, SPX3000-XT1-BV3, SPX3000-XT1-BV4, SPX3000-XT1-MP3, SPX3000-XT1-MP4, and SPXFOAM-BDL.
It does not apply to 24V-PSW25, WA24C-LTE, AUTO-BDL, or the SPX-SRL9 accessory.
Safety Before Troubleshooting
Disconnect the plug before inspecting the power cord or connections. Never touch the plug or outlet with wet hands, and never operate the unit without the water supply connected and turned on. Point the spray gun in a safe direction when releasing pressure.
Troubleshooting Steps
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Turn the unit off
Move the pressure-washer switch to the OFF position. Do not allow the motor to continue buzzing while you perform the remaining checks.
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Remove any extension cord
Unplug the pressure washer from the extension cord and connect its GFCI-protected power cord directly to a working wall outlet. An extension cord can cause voltage loss or may be defective.
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Use the circuit only for the pressure washer
Switch off or disconnect other equipment using the same electrical circuit. The outlet supply must match the voltage shown on the pressure washer's model label.
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Confirm the water supply
Make sure the garden hose is connected and the water tap is turned on completely before operating the pressure washer. Running the unit without water can damage the pump motor.
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Release trapped air and residual pressure
With the unit still OFF and the water supply on, point the spray gun in a safe direction, unlock the trigger, and squeeze it for a few seconds until the water flow is steady. Release the trigger after the trapped air and residual pressure have cleared.
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Restart the pressure washer
Connect the power cord directly to the outlet, reset the GFCI on the plug as directed in your model's manual, turn the unit ON, and squeeze the spray-gun trigger. The motor should run when the trigger is operated on models equipped with a Total Stop System.
Turn the unit OFF, unplug it, release the water pressure, and do not open or attempt to repair the motor or pump yourself.
Still Need Help?
If the motor still buzzes without running after completing these steps, contact Shop Joe Customer Support.