Mixer won't shut off.

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autowasherfreak

Well-known member
Joined
Jul 28, 2008
Messages
3,637
The Sunbeam MixMaster that I received from a Goodwill auction will not shut off. When the dial is set to off it will run at a very low speed.

Is this something that can be easily fixed?
 
I was going to suggest sticking a wooden spoon between the beaters, but other than that I've got nothing.

Is there an adjustment on the switch whereas it may have another click before it is actually off?
 
Depending on your model, you should have a screw adjustment behind the dial that will allow you to release the terminal allowing the machine to turn completely off....I had to do this to one I had but I had the opposite, it wouldn't turn on until you reached number 5 on the dial, just adjust to where it works the best for you...
 
Up and Running

If it is the latest "Classic" there is a switch that is flipped by the dial. The dial is pressed on and not designed to be removed. I haven't worked on an Australian Sunbeam but it's clone the West Bend shares some genetics. My aunt has one that quit (fuse) and I am taking her a Vista for a replacement. When I get hers in my hands I'll do some investigating.
Kelly

mixfinder++12-29-2009-19-57-35.jpg
 
Sunbear V-14

The two things things I don't like about this mixer are the motor does not remain tilted back if there is much batter or dough on the beaters and the juicer attachment vibrates "wobbles" during use. I do like the power unit with it's special "foot" to fit the stand to use the grinder/chopper. It also fits Signature/Wards model that is a clone of the mixer and it has a metal stand!
 
Mixer comes on when tilted

I have a Kitchenaid K45SS that comes on and acts irradic (rough sounding and arcing) when tilted back while plugged and the switch is in the off position. Any idea what is wrong? I will post this on the Kitchaid website tomorrow
 
Fall Heads

None of the early mixers had locking heads. GE and Sunbeam introduced that feature in the 70's and 80's. I find it a oain in the ass to fool with locks and safety features. If your too distracted to clean the beaters before trying to have the mixer head hold the weight in the upright position you get just what is deserved. The Vista is more stable in the upright positionNone of the early mixers had locking heads and all of them were prone to falling back in the bowl if the beaters were loaded with cookie dough or heavy frosting.. GE and Sunbeam introduced locking features in the 70's and 80's. I find it a pain in the ass to fool with locks and safety features. If you’re too distracted to clean the beaters before trying to have the mixer head hold the weight in the upright position you get just what is deserved. The Vista is more stable in the upright position than many other mixers because the stand is taller and the beater stems longer giving more bowl clearance when mixing. My aunt who is 84 was given a Kitchenaid for Christmas. Its okay for heavy stuff she said but it won't make cakes like my old Sunbeam. She doesn't have or use the juicer or grinder attachments so she'll be very happy to have the Chrome Vista which is in pristine and barely used condition.
If the Kitchenaid is new or under warrantee call the Kitchenaid experience and they'll send you a new one at no cost and you return the defective machine in the box the replacement was sent in. If it's older, remove the tiny screw under the end cap and remove the cover for the switch assembly. There are three adjustment screws. The two on the bottom control the switch position and speed while the one higher up controls the position of the speed control lever. Turn it in to create more clearance for the off position.
than many other mixers because the stand is taller and the beater stems longer giving more bowl clearance when mixing. My aunt who is 84 was given a Kitchenaid for Christmas. Its okay for heavy stuff she said but it won't make cakes like my old Sunbeam. She doesn't have or use the juicer or grinder attachments so she'll be very happy to have the Chrome Vista which is in pristine and barely used condition.
If the Kitchenaid is new or under warrantee call the Kitchenaid experience and they'll send you a new one at no cost and you return the defective machine in the box the replacement was sent in. If it's older, remove the tiny screw under the end cap and remove the cover for the switch assembly. There are three adjustment screws. The two on the bottom control the swithc position and speed while the one higher up controls the postion of the speed control lever. Turn it in to create more clearance for the off postion.

mixfinder++12-31-2009-10-23-13.jpg
 
Worried for nothing

I see you figure out how to remove the dial!!!!!!! You can see the switch that turns the mixer on and off with the dial off. We need to be sure the dial is intact inside and then securely attached to the mixer. I'll lots of extra parts after I get my aunts so I can send donor parts.
 
Kelly, I think I might have damaged the mixer getting the dial off. I found a small spring, small clip, and small plastic piece all came out of the dial. Maybe I should send it to you and see if you can fix it.
 
Hi Autowasherfreak,One question I guess when you were attempting to repair your Sunbeam mixer did you just pop the dial off the mixer with a screwdriver without removing the center screw first below the handle cap at the end of the dial?You see there is two clips attached to the handle cap that go through the cooling vent holes at the end of the dial.For future reference,to remove this cap you'll need a very small screwdriver ( like you would use to repair glasses with,I found works best ) gently lift up on the handle cap on one side & work the screwdriver around the handle cap it should of come off easily.To reveal the center screw that holds the whole dial assembly to the shaft or stem of the control.But anyways that does not matter right now it sound's like the speed control is broken besides being defective?The reason why your mixer was working only on low speed is because your mixer is "An American Classic series" correct?The speed control on your mixer is electronic,not governor controlled like earlier models.You more likely will have to find an identical mixer head for donor parts or unless Sunbeam might have the electronic control in stock for you,that has to be replaced along with the mix-finder dial since that you have some spare parts leftover?I really doubt it though for parts for your mixmaster it is from the original Sunbeam company (late 1980's to early 90's) not the one that is around now (not sure who owns it now)?E-mail me the model number I can do some looking around for you if you like?I know myself a few years ago I was repairing the Canadian version of your mixer I was told by the Sunbeam parts company in Canada that the electronic control assembly is no longer available then,this was in early 2000.Also that the original Sunbeam company was sold in 1993 I think it was about that time that I can remember the parts guy said.I wish I could be of more help?Thanks Dave
 
I removed the cap and then used a screw driver to remove the dial. So I probably really messed it up. It did work on all speeds, but when the dial was in the off position, it still ran on low speed, so the mixer had to be unplugged all the time.
 
Cool you did remove it correctly then,I would say the on/off lever ( the little metal lever that is to the left of the back the mixer facing you) is defective then,but either way you have to replace the electronic speed control board that is inside in the back.It's up to you but I would say the mixer is worth saving because these mixers are better & have more quality than the ones that Sunbeam sells now.Your mixer is repairable unlike that ones that are sold today (that's if the parts can be still ordered it might be different for you being in the US).If you decide to repair it email me at [email protected] I can help guide you through the repair if you like?Let me know,Thanks again Dave
 
I would definitely like to repair it. I used it a few times on Christmas, and I like it just as much as I do my KitchenAid. These are the parts that came out of the dial when I removed it.

autowasherfreak++1-3-2010-09-33-27.jpg
 
Ok you did not do anything wrong,my guess is the mixer was broken or defective right from the start when you won the Sally Ann auction.Wow all of those parts should be attached to the electronic control board.Email or post the model no & I will see what parts are still available for you?
 
Or unless Kelly has an extra control board he can send you?I know myself I do not have any of these type speed control mother boards.
 
Bored Stiff

Jim the control board is fine and the large plastic piece was the activator that turns the switch off and on. None of the Mixmaster are designed for lay people to disassemble them and it takes a special tool to reattach the knob. My aunt threw her's away and the gears were stripped, testament to the power of the motor. The easiest fix is to find a working one and exchange it. I see them often on Craigs so I'll get the next one and send it to you. They are very quiet and usually the thermal fuse blows when the mixer is stuck in a dough that is too stiff.
 
Boy do I feel dumb now?

I am so glad that Kelly could help out :)!Sorry I misread the original thread I thought the mixer was only working on low speed for you.Sorry about the confusion,I am very Happy that the link was at least helpful.Next time if I answer anyones threads I will make sure to read more carefully!Thanks again
 
Nothing Dumb Here

I appreciate the encouragement, resourcefulness and willingness to help in any thread. I had made so many gaffs and faux paus its a wonder I've not been banned. It takes us all to make it fun and learning experience.
 
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