Blender works well on high speed, but when increasing variable speed, it does not increase smoothly but in spurts. Also makes noise like an engine revving. When it gets to the higher settings, it runs more smoothly. Would this be due to a worn out drive socket/blade assembly that is slipping or would it be the variable speed assembly?
First of all, check if the warranty is valid. I believe Vitamix has a 7 year warranty. Your description does sound exactly like mine, which had a worn out potentiometer. I fixed my speed control without purchasing any spare parts by slightly bending the metal fingers to be tighter and cleaning them. I made a video explaining it here:
https://youtu.be/rGh4hBvNqrA
Posted on Jun 15, 2018
Some models had a weakness with the variable resistance in the rotary switch but your description sounds more like the main PCB or even the motor both of which are very expensive parts to replace.
Posted on Nov 08, 2017
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Posted on Jan 02, 2017
SOURCE: I can't find my manual
You can find the manual for the Back to Basics Solution 5500 Blender here:
Posted on Feb 08, 2011
SOURCE: sounds like gears are slipping
First thing is to find the small hole on the plastic piece below the drive socket and remove the silicone in from it. Next turn the drive socket until the little arrow on the drive socket lines up with the hole, then look thru the hole to see the allen wrench screw in there loosen screw to remove drive socket.
Posted on Oct 03, 2011
SOURCE: At low speeds, my blender has a grinding,
This problem sounds like failure of the Variable Speed Potentiometer component. Here is the most helpful Fixya article so far: http://www.fixya.com/support/t6032529-need_replace_speed_control
I have the same problem right now and don't want to pay ridiculously high prices for a small electronic component.
So far, this is as far as I've gotten in researching replacement parts:Vitamix Part #015955
Partstown sells #15955 for $23.39 on their website but I found out they charge $15 for shipping -- for a one-ounce piece of electronics. I won't pay to be ripped off on shipping so I won't buy one from Partstown until I've exhausted less-expensive suppliers. Here is the product at Partstown: http://www.partstown.com/vita_mix/vm15955
Another Fixya contributor, Robert Sadler, said he was going to try a generic potentiometer from Mouser.com. His descriptions are kind of vague for me. I'm not an electronics expert so I'm not very confident I can interperet his description:
"If you are comfortable with soldering, you can get a replacement part at Mouser.com. The pot is a 5k "slimline" made by Bourns, however looking inside the cover it looks like most pots would fit. I ordered one for a bit over $5 and will update when I get it with how it worked. You would just have to solder the existing wires to it." -Robert Sadler
I have no problem soldering the existing wires onto a new component but I don't really know what would be an appropriate potentiometer to buy as a replacement from an electronics supplier. In addition, Mouser's website seems to sell potentiometers only in bulk quantities of 5, 6, 12, or 45 items at a time. I just want one.
If anyone knows how to interpret Robert Sadler's comments, or has actually done this repair, please post below. I'm sure quite a few people would benefit from a high-quality repair at a low component cost.
Posted on Nov 19, 2011
SOURCE: Vitamx blender works at low
This problem sounds like failure of the Variable Speed Potentiometer component. Here is the most helpful Fixya article so far: http://www.fixya.com/support/t6032529-need_replace_speed_control
I have the same problem right now and don't want to pay ridiculously high prices for a small electronic component.
So far, this is as far as I've gotten in researching replacement parts:Vitamix Part #015955
Partstown sells #15955 for $23.39 on their website but I found out they charge $15 for shipping -- for a one-ounce piece of electronics. I won't pay to be ripped off on shipping so I won't buy one from Partstown until I've exhausted less-expensive suppliers. Here is the product at Partstown: http://www.partstown.com/vita_mix/vm15955
Another Fixya contributor, Robert Sadler, said he was going to try a generic potentiometer from Mouser.com. His descriptions are kind of vague for me. I'm not an electronics expert so I'm not very confident I can interperet his description:
"If you are comfortable with soldering, you can get a replacement part at Mouser.com. The pot is a 5k "slimline" made by Bourns, however looking inside the cover it looks like most pots would fit. I ordered one for a bit over $5 and will update when I get it with how it worked. You would just have to solder the existing wires to it." -Robert Sadler
I have no problem soldering the existing wires onto a new component but I don't really know what would be an appropriate potentiometer to buy as a replacement from an electronics supplier. In addition, Mouser's website seems to sell potentiometers only in bulk quantities of 5, 6, 12, or 45 items at a time. I just want one.
If anyone knows how to interpret Robert Sadler's comments, or has actually done this repair, please post below. I'm sure quite a few people would benefit from a high-quality repair at a low component cost.
Posted on Nov 19, 2011
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