I followed the tips on ThriftyFun for corroded contacts, exhausted batteries, etc. After verifying with a voltage meter that the switch worked and the contacts all through the circuits to the motor were not corroded (battery compartment like new), I was able to verify that when batteries were in the compartment and I pressed the switch, there was a 6v current at the engine contacts.
The motor was frozen. I sprayed it both inside and out with WD-40 and let it sit for a minute. Still didn't start. I pressed the switch button and held it down and started tapping the motor casing with a tack hammer very gently. On the third tap, it started up and has been running ever since without a problem.
To get to the motor, take out the fluid bottle, remove the two chromed Phillips head screws holding the front fascia plate on, then remove the single screw down the swivel at the bottom. Lift up the plate to clear the swivel hinge and pull down slightly and the fascia comes out. The motor and pump are now accessible. To reassemble, put the fascia back on and replace the screws. WD-40 in the motor should prevent future water based corrosion from seizing up the motor shaft.
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Can I call you when I need help?!!! Just kidding - you are very capable and clever. Thank you for posting.
Great suggestion! Putting the stainless screws back in was a challenge, thank goodness for needle nose pliers!! Works like new thank you
Thank you, motor was corroded so WD40 went to work and after tapping it, the motor worked! Happy Wife, Happy Life!
I tapped on the motor housing with a hammer and it atarted working again
I suspected that the silicon in my bottle cap got too tough for the needles to puncture after I started putting it in very hot water to remove the cap (so I could use homemade cleaning solution). I cut an "X" into the silicon, and now I can use the wet jet without batteries. Enough solution comes thru the pad to clean the floor well.
Brand new product!! just put together todaay - makes noise like it will start but liquid is not spraying out
OMG, I tried everyone else's suggestions with the batteries, and erosion on the battery connections, clogged cleaner dispensing holes, etc......I finally resorted to your suggestion of taking apart to get to the motor, WD-40 and tapping method. Once I got the front off (which was not easy) and got to the motor, I could see it was rusty.
While I commend you for your initiative in fixing your Swiffer Wet Jet, I don't have the patience or the skill set for something like that. I'm on the page because my Wet Jet does not work, right out of the box with fresh batteries.
If a product needs this much effort to work, there is something very very wrong. It should not be on the market.
You should return it immediately. Perhaps you got a defective one.
This post worked for us.
Feel it should not happen though, especially after only using it two times.
Thank you very much.
That's great if the WD-40 works but what if it doesn't work and the motor needs to be replaced? Where can I get a replacement motor? What are the specs of this Swiffer Wetjet motor?
Thanks, man! Easy-peasy! 3 screws holding the fascia on our model, but 10 minutes of "work", and I am a hero.
There was no sign of damage, but no sound when I pressed the button. Started by replacing the batteries, then whacking it and swearing at it. Eventually found your solution. Serious rust around the base of the motor, but a PITA to disassemble as all the joints were stuck with dried crud.
Might have my ex try this, except for one thing, I believe my motor is ok. It makes sound when I push the button. Although not as loud as usual. Still think it's the motor?? And before you ask, yes, I checked the batteries and cleaning solution. Both are good. Right before it quit working, it fell from the nail in the closet. Could that be it??
Thanks for input did what you said sprayed motor and its working
Ive done all of the things that we could think of including taking it like what is described above and it still does not work. You would think for the amount that you pay for these thing they would work after you change the liquid bottle out.
Thanks for this. After new batteries and every other possible troubleshooting and cleaning there was no reason mine didn't work like new. However I believe the use of home vinegar/water solutions could be impacting these wet jets. Vinegar is acidic, much moreso than wet jet cleaners. I've noticed several instances from reviewers of using vinegar resulting in these things dying. Just a thought. Mine worked as usual with my vinegar solution, batteries were brand new but after sitting 3 days it wouldn't come on. I'm trying your approach next to see if I can recover it.
Ok, after leaving my post about vinegar possibly corroding the motor, I found my motor was badly corroded. It's so easy to get to it to check. I've sprayed with WD-40 and it's drying. Always check that motor per this poster's suggestion. I believe the home solutions many of us are trying can cause very quick corrosion. Maybe even some of the wet jet solutions.
I had similar problem. I pushed the button no motor running. So I tried pushing button while tapping on motor case. It worked!! Thanks for the idea
Thank you for the info! Like having short cut instructions to a Rubix Cube!
Spraying the WD40 WORKED. HAD TO TAP THE HANDLE AND IT STARTED. Yeah!
wow that would be too much hassle for me....I just use manually my own spray liquid, toxic free, and still buy the swifter pads and I'm good to go...but thanks for the info...
Thanks for the info. Did just as you said and it worked great. THANKS again!!!!
The two silver screws were a style I didn't have a tool for so I gently tapped several times the outside of the plastic housing surrounding the motor and I'm back in business!!! I never would have tryed that! Thanks so much!
Great instructions. I followed step by step, and after a couple of taps the motor started working. Only problem was getting 2 screws back inside housing. Solution: put Vaseline on screws and screwdriver tip. Whole operation was less than 30 minutes.
Thank you - it worked.
Thank you SO MUCH! I had tried all the basic advice of batteries, cleaning the nozzles, etc. and was frustrated that none of it was working. Your suggestion worked like a charm. Appreciate it!
Thank you for this DYI Fix It approach...ultimately, it did work. My swifter was only 6 Months old, and the motor and contacts were not very corroded.
I am not certain if the fix was related to the WD-40 or the tapping/loosening of the motor, when the WD-40 alone did not provide for the motor starting back up. Regardless, the two stage approach was effective. The "newer" model has the motor vents covered, preventing clear access of spray into the motor's coils. I sprayed into a couple tiny pinholes on the side of motor facing the ground...did not work...Tapped the motor while pressing on/off button...and we had lift off. Hoping now that this effort will keep it working for at least 6 more months...
Sidenote: The most difficult part of this repair is putting the two small darn screws back into place after completing the repair. I had to have my wife hold a flashlight, while I operated the needle nose plyers....felt like a surgeon completing brain surgery... =)
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