Products recommended in the post contain affiliate links. If you purchase something through our posts, we may receive a commission at no extra charge to you. See our full disclosures here.

Sun Joe Pressure Washer Not Turning On: How to Fix

Troubleshooting a Sun Joe pressure washer that is not turning on can be tough, but with a little patience and the right approach, you should be able to get your machine running again in no time.

Here is a guide on how to troubleshoot and fix a Sun Joe pressure washer that is not turning on:

Sun Joe Pressure Washer Not Turning On: How to Fix

sunjoe pressure washer not turning on

1. Check the Power Source

The first thing you should do when your Sun Joe pressure washer is not turning on is to make sure that it is properly plugged in and that the outlet is functioning properly.

Check the cord for any visible damage, such as frayed or cut wires. If the cord appears to be in good condition and the outlet is working, try plugging the pressure washer into a different outlet to rule out any issues with the outlet itself.

2. Check the Fuse and Circuit Breaker

If the power source does not appear to be the issue, check the fuse and circuit breaker. If the fuse has blown or the circuit breaker has tripped, this could be preventing the pressure washer from turning on.

Locate the fuse box and check the fuse or circuit breaker to see if it needs to be reset or replaced. If the fuse or circuit breaker appears to be fine, move on to the next step.

3. Check the Fuel and Oil Levels

If the power source and fuse/circuit breaker are not the problem, the fuel and oil levels could be likely the cause of the fault. If the fuel or oil levels are too low, this could be preventing the pressure washer from turning on.

Check the fuel and oil levels and refill as necessary. If the fuel and oil levels were already sufficient, move on to the next step.

4. Check the Spark Plug

After that, check the spark plug. A faulty spark plug can prevent the pressure washer from turning on. To check the spark plug, follow these steps:

  • Remove the spark plug from the engine.
  • Inspect the spark plug for any visible damage or wear. If the spark plug looks worn or damaged, replace it with a new one.
  • If the spark plug appears to be in good condition, reattach it to the engine and try starting the pressure washer again.

5. Check the Fuel Filter

If the spark plug is not the problem, inspect the fuel filter. A clogged fuel filter can prevent the pressure washer from turning on. To check the fuel filter, follow these steps:

  • Locate the fuel filter on the pressure washer.
  • Remove the fuel filter and inspect it for any visible signs of clogging or damage.
  • If the fuel filter looks clogged or damaged, replace it with a new one.
  • If the fuel filter appears to be in good condition, reattach it to the pressure washer and try starting it again.

6. Check the Fuel Lines

The fuel lines could be the reason for the pressure washer not turning on. A blockage in the fuel lines can prevent the pressure washer from turning on. To check the fuel lines, follow these steps:

  • Locate the fuel lines on the pressure washer.
  • Inspect the fuel lines for any visible signs of damage or blockages.
  • If you find any damaged or blocked fuel lines, replace them with new ones.
  • If the fuel lines appear to be in good condition, try starting the pressure washer again.

7. Check the Engine

If the fuel lines are not the issue, the next thing to check is the engine itself. There could be a problem with the engine that is preventing the pressure washer from turning on. To check the engine, follow these steps:

  • Remove the spark plug wire from the spark plug.
  • Check the flywheel key, which is a small piece of metal that connects the flywheel to the crankshaft. If the flywheel key is damaged or missing, this could prevent the engine from starting.
  • Check the valve clearance, which is the distance between the top of the valve and the rocker’s arm. If the valve clearance is incorrect, this could prevent the engine from starting.
  • Check the air filter to make sure it is clean and not clogged. If the air filter is dirty or clogged, this could prevent the engine from getting the air it needs to run properly.

8. Check the Unloader Valve

When done with the engine, check the unloader valve. The unloader valve is responsible for releasing pressure from the pump when the trigger is not being pulled. If the unloader valve is stuck or not functioning properly, this could prevent the pressure washer from turning on. To check the unloader valve, follow these steps:

  • Locate the unloader valve on the pressure washer.
  • Inspect the unloader valve for any visible signs of damage or blockages.
  • If the unloader valve appears to be damaged or blocked, try cleaning it or replacing it with a new one.
  • If the unloader valve appears to be in good condition, try starting the pressure washer again.

9. Check the High-Pressure Hose

If the unloader valve works fine, inspect the high pressure hose. A damaged or blocked high pressure hose can prevent the pressure washer from turning on. To check the high pressure hose, follow these steps:

  • Locate the high pressure hose on the pressure washer.
  • Inspect the high pressure hose for any visible signs of damage or blockages.
  • If the high pressure hose appears to be damaged or blocked, try cleaning it or replacing it with a new one.
  • If the high pressure hose appears to be in good condition, try starting the pressure washer again.

10. Check the Water Inlet Screen

If the high pressure hose is not the issue, the final thing to check is the water inlet screen. A clogged water inlet screen can prevent the pressure washer from turning on. To check the water inlet screen, follow these steps:

  • Locate the water inlet screen on the pressure washer.
  • Remove the water inlet screen and inspect it for any visible signs of clogging.
  • If the water inlet screen is clogged, try cleaning it or replacing it with a new one.
  • If the water inlet screen appears to be in good condition, reattach it to the pressure washer and try starting it again.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you should be able to troubleshoot and fix a Sun Joe pressure washer that is not turning on. If none of these steps help, you may need to consult the owner’s manual or contact a professional for further assistance.