If your Sun Joe SPX Series electric pressure washer does not start, work through the checks below in order. Most start-up problems are caused by the power switch, power connection, extension cord, outlet, or GFCI plug.
Important: Keep the pressure washer turned OFF while checking cords and electrical connections.
Stop Using the Unit if Tripping Repeats
Repeated GFCI tripping may indicate an electrical problem. Stop using and unplug the pressure washer if the GFCI continues to trip. Continued use could create a risk of smoke, fire, or electric shock.
Before Troubleshooting
Make note of the following details:
- Which pressure washer model is affected?
- Does the GFCI trip immediately when the unit is turned on, or only after it has been running for some time?
- Is the unit plugged directly into a wall outlet or connected through an extension cord?
- Are any other devices connected to the same outlet or circuit?
Check the Basic Power Connections
- Turn the power switch OFF. Confirm the switch is fully in the OFF position before inspecting the electrical connection.
- Check the power cord. Make sure the plug is fully inserted and the cord is not cut, cracked, crushed, melted, or otherwise damaged. Do not use the unit if the cord or plug is damaged.
- Remove the extension cord. Whenever possible, test the pressure washer directly from a wall outlet. If an extension cord must be used, it should be outdoor-rated, 25 ft (7.6 m) or shorter, and 14/3 gauge or thicker.
- Reduce the circuit load. Disconnect other devices using the same outlet or circuit.
- Turn the unit ON. If the motor starts, the original outlet, extension cord, or shared circuit may have been the cause.
Reset and Test the GFCI
Does the pressure washer have a fuse? Most electric pressure washers do not have an internal fuse that can be serviced by the customer. The GFCI plug acts as the unit’s circuit protection.
- Turn the pressure washer OFF and unplug it.
- Inspect the plug and cord. Make sure they are dry and free of visible damage.
- Plug the unit directly into a wall outlet. Do not use an extension cord for this test.
- Press RESET on the GFCI plug. Make sure the reset engages before turning the pressure washer on.
- Turn the pressure washer ON. If it starts and the GFCI remains set, continue normal use while monitoring the unit.
Try a Different Outlet
- Turn the pressure washer OFF and unplug it.
- Remove any extension cord and disconnect other devices from the outlet or circuit.
- Plug the pressure washer directly into a different wall outlet.
- Reset the GFCI plug and test the unit again.
What the Result May Mean
If the pressure washer works from the second outlet, the original outlet, circuit load, or extension cord may be the cause. If the GFCI continues to trip when the unit is connected directly to a different wall outlet, the pressure washer may have an internal electrical problem, such as water intrusion or an electrical short.
Quick Cause and Solution Guide
| Possible Cause | What to Do |
|---|---|
| The ON/OFF switch is OFF | Move the switch fully to the ON position after completing the safety checks. |
| The power cord is not connected | Insert the plug fully into a working wall outlet. |
| The extension cord is too long, too light, or damaged | Test without the extension cord. If one is required, use an outdoor-rated cord that is 25 ft or shorter and 14/3 gauge or thicker. |
| The outlet does not provide adequate power | Disconnect other devices and test the washer directly from a different wall outlet. |
| The GFCI has tripped | Turn the unit OFF, inspect the cord and plug, press RESET once, and retest. Stop using the unit if tripping repeats. |
Do Not Attempt Repairs
Do not open, repair, modify, or bypass the pressure washer, GFCI plug, wiring, motor, or electronic components. Do not replace a GFCI plug with a standard plug.