Replacing Karcher Pressure Washer Electrical Parts

If your pressure washer has stopped working, and you have identified an electrical fault with one of the parts, then you will be pleased to know that you have come to the right place!

If you need to actually diagnose the fault with your pressure washer, then you can view this additional article that will help you determine the fault here.

If you are unsure where to start there’s no need to panic. We’ll talk you through how to successfully replace the main electrical parts within the pressure washer, without damaging your machine.

This video shows an example on how to remove or replace the part on a typical machine, some models may be different but the procedure should be similar.

• The relevant Karcher pressure washer spare(s)
• Screwdriver
• Ratchet

Safety First! Please make sure that you have switched your appliance off at the mains before starting your repair.

Remove any hoses or accessories that may be on the outside body of your pressure washer. Proceed to then separate the two parts of the body by undoing the screws that are holding it together.

Once you have access to the inside of your pressure washer, remove the detergent hose out of the way and then release the mains lead grommet from the motor casing - you will then be able to lift out the motor and its cover.

Please Note: Be careful not to lean it on the switch lever.

You may need a flathead screwdriver to be able to remove the clips that are keeping it in place. You will find a little black clip that keeps the other side of the case on, and with this just give it a little press and that should release the bottom half of the cover.

The switch can be easily removed from the motor assembly, just give it a little pinch to work it away from the assembly. You can remove the switch lever by turning the lever 180 degrees, which should then see it come away from the switch assembly. 

Take the new switch and insert it into place, followed by putting the switch lever in...and then proceed to reattach the electrical connectors. Then refit the switch ensuring it engages with the pump control valve.

The carbon brushes are held to the motor by a spring, that you will need to move to one side which will then allow you to ease the carbon brushes out. You need to then disconnect the electrical connectors, which should come off quite easily (though you might need to give them a little pinch to get them away).

You can then grab your new carbon brushes and proceed to place them in, but first making sure that the spring is out of the way first. When the brushes are positioned correctly, the spring will hold it in position - you then need to reconnect the electrical connectors.

When you've replaced all the carbon brushes on the pressure washer or the switch you can then place it back in the motor case - making sure that the switch fits into its section there that it also has the capacitor next to it.

Push the capacitor right down into the compartment and then make sure that the wires are in the groove at the side - so that they do not get pinched by the motor case (also ensure that the mains cable does not get caught too when fitting the case back over the motor).

Put the motor and its case back in the body of the pressure washer, making sure that the mains grommet goes back in the right place. You can then re-screw together the two parts of the body (but do remember to reattach the detergent hose before doing so).

Replacing The Motor Capacitor

Before starting this specific repair, you need to complete the actions detailed in Step 2 - Separating The Pressure Washer. Once all the screws are removed, turn the chassis over and lift off the yellow parts of the body - making sure that the mains lead is out of the way. 

You will then be able to lift out the motor and pump assembly from the chassis and place it upright on a flat surface.

The capacitor on this model is actually only held in place by the housing (but it is also pinched by the motor the bottom and the pump at the top). You need to remove the four screws at the top - completely remove the two nearest the capacitor first, and then you can slightly release the two screws at the back as far as you can - and then you can simply pull the capacitor out.

When replacing the capacitor line up the connectors nice and straight and you should feel them fit into the two slots in the housing. You can push it up another couple of millimetres to secure it in place - and push it over the lip, then you can re-secure the four bolts to keep it in place. 

When doing this, make sure that the gap in the motor housing has closed and that the capacitor is in the correct position - and also that the water seal is covering the join between the capacitor and its housing (as you tighten the bolts, you will be compressing the spring within the assembly - so for this it might be a good idea to use a ratchet for some added force).

You can now replace the motor and pump assembly in the bottom of the case. It's worth noting the case has a mounting hole there which relates to a specific part of the motor and pump, so you need to ensure that it sits correctly when you place it in. 

You can then proceed to reconnect the detergent hose. Follow this by making sure that the mains cable grommet is in the correct position. Ensure that the mains cables are tucked under the capacitor, and you can then proceed to put the 2 parts of the chassis back together again.

Make Sure You Are Getting The Most From Your Pressure Washer

Here at eSpares, we have a wide range of cleaning products that could be of great benefit to you when it comes to your pressure washer tasks. All of our pressure washer cleaning applications can be found on the eSpares website in the Pressure Washer Cleaning section.

Need To Locate The Correct Parts For Your Pressure Washer?

Here at eSpares, we have a wide-range of Karcher spares such as hoses,  brushes and handguns. You can also choose to view our full range of replacement pressure washer spares - so you can soon be on your way to repairing it yourself, which can save you a lot of money compared to booking a repair or buying a new machine.