Understanding the Total Stop System (TSS)

Many Sun Joe SPX Series electric pressure washers feature a Total Stop System (TSS). This system automatically switches the pump motor OFF when you release the spray gun trigger or the unit reaches pressure. This is normal operation, not necessarily a power failure.

TSS helps reduce unnecessary motor operation, conserve energy, and protect the pump. If the unit starts and stops in response to the trigger, it is generally operating as designed.

No Power / Unit Will Not Start

If the motor does not engage even when the spray gun trigger is squeezed, follow these steps in order.

1. Unplug the unit. Disconnect the pressure washer from power before checking the setup.
2. Confirm the water supply. Connect the garden hose and turn the water fully ON. Never run the pump without a water supply.
3. Remove the spray attachment if necessary. If the nozzle appears blocked, switch the unit OFF, release pressure, and clean the nozzle using the needle clean out tool.
4. Purge air and trapped pressure. With the unit unplugged and water supply ON, squeeze the spray gun trigger until the water flow is steady. Allow approximately 30 seconds if needed to clear trapped air.
5. Check power and reset the GFCI. Connect to a suitable working outlet. If your model has a GFCI plug, press RESET and verify its power indicator according to the manual. Do not use a damaged cord or outlet.
6. Prepare the spray setting. If your model has interchangeable nozzles, use an appropriate high-pressure cleaning nozzle for this test rather than the low-pressure soap nozzle. For models with adjustable spray wands, select the appropriate high-pressure setting.
7. Change the nozzle on the spray wand. A clogged, damaged, or incorrectly selected nozzle can cause little or no spray pressure and may make the washer appear not to be working. Switch the unit OFF, unplug it, and squeeze the spray gun trigger to release any remaining pressure before changing the nozzle. On models with quick-connect nozzles, remove the current nozzle and securely install a different, appropriate high-pressure nozzle according to your model's manual. Make sure it locks into place, then test the washer again. If your model uses an adjustable spray wand instead, change the wand to its high-pressure setting as directed in the manual.
8. Start the washer while squeezing the trigger. Release the spray gun safety lock, squeeze and hold the trigger, then turn the pressure washer switch ON. Because of TSS, the motor may not run until the trigger is squeezed.
9. Allow the unit to cool if needed. If thermal protection may have activated, switch OFF and unplug the washer, allow approximately 5 minutes to cool, and then retry as directed by your model's manual.

When the Motor Stops Between Sprays

If the motor stops immediately after you release the trigger, this is expected on models equipped with TSS. The pump motor automatically restarts when you squeeze the trigger again.

However, if the motor repeatedly starts and stops without anyone touching the trigger, that is different from normal TSS standby. Stop using the unit and contact Customer Care, as the operator's manual identifies possible leaks or trigger-mechanism issues.

If the Unit Still Will Not Start