Food Processor - Troubleshooting

Motor Stops:

The motor in your food processor operates on a standard line operating current. The appropriate voltage and frequency for your machine are shown on a label on the bottom of the base. An automatic, temperature-controlled circuit breaker in the motor ensures complete protection against motor burnout. If the processor runs for an exceptionally long time when chopping, mixing or kneading a thick or heavy mixture in successive batches, the motor may overheat. If this happens, the processor will stop. Turn it off and wait for the motor to cool before proceeding. It will usually cool within 10 minutes. In extreme cases, it could take an hour. Safety switches prevent the machine from operating when the work bowl or the cover is not locked into position. The motor stops within seconds when the motor is turned off; and when the pusher assembly is removed, a fast-stop circuit also enables the motor to stop within seconds.

 

Troubleshooting:

Problem	Solution
The motor does not start.	There is a safety interlock to prevent the motor from starting if it is not properly assembled. Make sure the work bowl and cover are securely locked into position.
	If the motor still will not start, check the power cord and outlet.
The food processor shuts off during operation.	The cover may have become unlocked; check to make sure it is securely in position.
	A safety protector in the motor prevents the motor from overheating, which is caused by excessive strain. Press the Off control button and wait 20 to 30 minutes to allow the food processor to cool off before resuming.
The motor slows down during operation.	This is normal as some heavier loads (e.g., slicing/shredding cheese) may require the motor to work harder.  Simply reposition the food in the feed tube and try again.
	The maximum load capacity may have been exceeded. Remove some of the ingredients and continue processing.
The food processor vibrates/moves around the countertop during processing.	Make sure the rubber feet at the bottom of the unit are clean and dry. Also make sure that the maximum load capacity is not being exceeded.
	This is normal as some heavier loads (e.g., slicing/shredding cheese) may require the motor to work harder.

  

Troubleshooting for Food Processing:

Problem	Solution
The food is unevenly processed.	The ingredients should be cut evenly into 1/2 to 1-inch pieces before processing.
	Process in batches to avoid overloading.
Slices are uneven or slanted.	Place evenly-cut food into the feed tube, cut side down.
	Apply even pressure on the pusher.
Food falls over in the feed tube.	The feed tube should be packed full for best results.
Some food remains on top of the disc.	It is normal for small pieces to remain; cut remaining bits by hand and add them to the processed ingredients.
Cheese is not shredding well.	Cheese should be processed immediately after being removed from the refrigerator. Soft cheese, like mozzarella, must be placed in the freezer for 30 minutes prior to processing to ensure it is firm enough for shredding.

 

Troubleshooting for Dough Kneading:

Problem	Solution
Motor slows down.	Amount of dough may exceed capacity of your food processor. Remove half and process in two batches.
	Dough may be too wet. If the motor speeds up, continue processing. If not, add more flour, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the motor speeds up. Process until the dough cleans the sides of the work bowl.
Blade does not incorporate ingredients.	Always start the food processor before adding liquid. Add liquid in a slow, steady stream or through the drizzle hole in the pusher, allowing the dry ingredients to absorb it. If too much liquid is added, wait until ingredients in the work bowl have mixed, then add remaining liquid slowly (do not turn off the machine). Pour liquid onto the dough as it passes under feed tube opening; do not pour liquid directly onto the bottom of the work bowl.
Blade rises in work bowl.	Excessively sticky dough can cause the blade to rise. Carefully reinsert the blade and immediately add 2 tablespoons of flour through the feed tube while the machine is running.
Dough doesn't clean inside of the work bowl.	Amount of dough may exceed maximum capacity of your food processor. Remove half and process in two batches.
	Dough may be too dry.
	Dough may be too wet.
Nub of dough forms on top of blade and does not become uniformly kneaded.	Stop the machine, carefully remove dough, divide it into 3 pieces and redistribute those pieces evenly in the work bowl.
Dough feels tough after kneading.	Divide dough into 2 or 3 pieces and redistribute evenly in the bowl. Process 10 seconds or until uniformly soft and pliable.
Dough is too dry or too wet	Too dry: While machine is running, add water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until dough cleans the inside of the bowl.
	Too wet: While machine is running, add flour, 1 tablespoon at a time, until dough cleans the inside of the bowl.