My Vitamix Keeps Stopping – Why? What to Do?

Are you having trouble with your Vitamix blender stopping unexpectedly? You're not alone!

Many Vitamix owners have experienced this issue, and it can be frustrating when you're in the middle of preparing a meal or a smoothie.

But before giving up on your trusty blender, let's explore some common reasons why this may be happening and what you can do to fix it.

Why Does My Vitamix Keep Stopping?

There are a few possible reasons why your Vitamix keeps stopping. Here are some of the most common causes:

• Overheating: Your Vitamix may be overheating if you're blending for too long or trying to blend thick, heavy ingredients.
•  Overloading: If you're trying to blend too much at once, your Vitamix may stop working.
•  Blade blockage: The blades may be blocked by food or debris.
•  Electrical issues: If there's an issue with the electrical supply to your Vitamix, it may stop working.

You might also like: Why Does My Vitamix Keep Tripping Breakers?

Background on Vitamix Motor

If you're experiencing issues with your Vitamix blender, it's important to understand the motor and its functionality.

The motor used in Vitamix blenders is equipped with Automatic Overload Protection. This feature is designed to prevent itself from overheating.

If the motor gets too hot, the overload protection feature will automatically shut off the blender to allow it to cool down.

Factors that Contribute to Vitamix Motor Overheating

Several factors can contribute to motor overheating, including the thickness and quantity of the blend, as well as the blending time.

The thicker the blend, the more heat the motor generates, and the larger the volume of the blend, the more heat the motor generates.

Similarly, the longer the blending time, the more heat the motor generates.

It's important to note that the motor is most likely to overheat when multiple factors act together.

For example, if you blend something really thick for an extended period, it will overheat the motor.

If you make one recipe after another without allowing the motor to cool between uses, it is more likely to overheat.

What to Do When My Vitamix Stops?

If you're having trouble with your Vitamix blender stopping mid-blend or not turning on at all, don't worry!

Here are a few things you can do to troubleshoot the issue.

Let the Machine Cool Down by Restarting

In case the motor has overheated, the first thing you should do is turn the machine off and unplug it.

Wait about 45 minutes to let the motor cool down, then plug it back in and restart the machine.

If the machine starts up again, you're good to go. However, if it still doesn't work, try the next step.

Check the Power Outlet

If your Vitamix doesn't turn on at all, the problem may be with the power outlet.

Check that the outlet is working by plugging in another appliance.

If the outlet is working, ensure the Vitamix is appropriately plugged in. If not, try plugging it into a different outlet and try turning it on again.

Continue reading: How Many Watts Does Vitamix Have?

Contact Customer Service

If you've tried all of the above steps and your Vitamix still won't work, it's time to contact customer service.

Vitamix has an excellent customer service team who can help troubleshoot the issue and provide you with a solution.

Visit their website or call them, and they'll be happy to assist you.

How Can I Prevent My Vitamix from Stopping?

If your Vitamix keeps stopping, it can be frustrating. Here are some tips to prevent it from happening:

See How Fast it's Going

One of the reasons why your Vitamix may stop is that you're not blending at the right speed.

Make sure to check your Vitamix manual for the recommended speed for different types of ingredients.

If you're unsure, start blending at a low speed and gradually increase it until you reach the desired consistency.

Count What You Have

Another reason why your Vitamix may stop is that you're overloading it with too many ingredients.

It's important to note that processing cooked potatoes, beans, or rice creates a heavier load on the machine.

If you're blending these ingredients, you may reduce the food quantity in the container and add a bit of liquid.

Do Steps in Recipe Order

Make sure to follow the recipe order when blending ingredients.

Adding ingredients in the wrong order can cause the machine to stop.

For example, if you're making a smoothie, start with the liquid, add the soft ingredients, and finish with the hard ones.

Make Use of the Tamper

If you're blending thick mixtures like nut butter or hummus, use the tamper with your Vitamix.

The tamper helps push the ingredients toward the blades, blending everything evenly.

Does Vitamix Have a Reset Button?

If you're experiencing issues with your Vitamix blender, you may have heard about a reset button that can help.

However, it's essential to know that this only applies to the Vitamix 5200 blender 220/240V machine.

If you have this model, you can find the reset button on the bottom of the blender motor base.

You can use a small object like a paperclip or toothpick to press it.

Learn more here: Where Is The Vitamix Reset Button? A Quick Guide For Troubleshooting

Vitamix Error Codes Cheat Sheet

If you're having trouble figuring out the error codes on your Vitamix blender.

We've made this short troubleshooting chart for you! Refer to this for a quick fix.

Error Code	What It Means	How to Fix
E17/E18	The container/pitcher is not properly locked	Reset > Properly secure the container on the motor
E31/E01	Overheating	Turn it off > Let it cool down
E3 2.2	Thermal cut-out has occurred	Turn the machine off for 45 miuntes

Final Thoughts

Investing in a high-quality blender like the Vitamix is a great way to improve your kitchen experience and make healthy, delicious meals and drinks.

Your Vitamix should provide many years of reliable service with proper care and maintenance.

So, don't let a stopping Vitamix get you down.

Follow the steps above to troubleshoot the issue, and if all else fails, contact customer service.

With some patience and persistence, you'll be back to blending in no time.