Karcher pressure washer troubleshooting



Karcher pressure washers are effective in operation and are easy to maintain. Our troubleshooting table below will help with the close monitoring of the working rhythm of your washing equipment and carrying out of regular preventive repair of Karcher pressure washer. This will not only increase the operation life of your cleaning equipment and minimize its downtime, but will also allow to avoid any large costs for eliminating of more serious problems of not working equipment due to no pressure or in other cases.

SymptomCauseSolution
Motor will not startOn/Off switch is in the “OFF’ (0) position.Turn switch to the “ON” (1) position
Power cord is not plugged in.Rug in power cord.
Extension cord is too long. Extension cord is not proper gauge. Extension cord is damaged.Replace extension cord with either a 25 ft. 12/3 gauge cord or a 50 ft. 10/3 gauge cord.
Electrical outlet does not supply adequate power.Try a different outlet.
Tripped circuit breakerReset breaker
Unit does not reach high pressure.Diameter of garden hose is too small.Replace with a 1/2 inch or 5/8 inch garden hose.
Water supply is restricted.Check garden hose for kinks, leaks and blockage.
Not enough inlet water supply.Open water source full force.
Water inlet filter is clogged.Remove filter and rinse out in warm water.
Output pressure varies high and low.Not enough inlet water supply.Turn water on full force. Check garden hose for kinks, leaks or blockage.
Pump is sucking air.Check that hoses and fittings are air tight. Turn off machine and purge pump by squeezing trigger gun until “a steady flow of water emerges through the nozzle.
Water inlet filter is clogged.Remove filter and rinse out in warm water.
Discharge nozzle is obstructed.Blow out or remove debris with a fine needle.
Calcified gun, hose or spray wand.Run distilled vinegar through detergent suction tube.
No detergent.Detergent suction tube not properly connected to the machine.Check connection.
Detergent is too thick.Dilute detergent.
Rlter on detergent suction tube is clogged.Run warm water through filter to remove debris.
Damaged or clogged detergent suction tube.Remove obstruction or replace detergent suction tube.
Spray wand is installed.Remove spray wand.
Garden hose connection leaks.Loose fittings.Tighten fittings.
Missing/worn rubber washer.Insert new washer.
Spray wand leaks.Spray wand not properly attached.Insert the spray wand into the trigger gun. Carefully press in against the spring tension and twist into the locked position.
Broken o-ring or plastic insert.Call service center
Pump is noisy.Pump is sucking air.Check that hoses and fittings are air tight. Turn off machine and purge pump by squeezing trigger gun until a steady flow of water emerges through the nozzle.
Water leaks from pump (up to 10 drops per minute is permissible).Loose fittings.Check that all fittings are tight.
Water seals are damaged or worn.Call service center.
Oil Drips.Oil seals are damaged or worn.