Troubleshooting Pump Cycling Issues in Your Active 2.0 Pressure Washer
Welcome to the Active 2.0 Support Blog Series. In today’s guide, we’ll show you how to troubleshoot an issue where the pump on your Active 2.0 pressure washer either won’t shut off or begins cycling even when the unit is not in use. This is often caused by pressure loss in the system, and we’ll walk you through the steps to fix it.
Why Is My Pump Constantly Running or Cycling?
Modern pressure washers, like the Active 2.0, are designed to maintain pressure by cycling on and off to build and maintain the target pressure. It’s normal for your unit to cycle a few times over a 5-minute period when idle. However, if the pump continues to run or frequently cycles on and off, there’s likely an issue preventing it from reaching the desired pressure.
Let’s break down how to troubleshoot this issue.
Step 1: Check for Leaks
The most common cause of cycling or a pump that won’t shut off is a leak somewhere in the system. Even a small leak will cause internal pressure to drop, forcing the pump to run continuously or cycle unnecessarily.
- Start by inspecting the pressure washer itself, especially at the base where water may pool.
- Check all accessories, such as hoses, guns, and nozzles, for signs of water leakage.
- If you find a leak, replace or repair the faulty component before proceeding.
Step 2: Verify Your Accessories
Incompatible or faulty accessories can also cause your pressure washer to struggle to reach the correct pressure. Aftermarket hoses, guns, and nozzles may not always be suitable for the Active 2.0’s specifications, so follow these checks:
For Aftermarket High-Pressure Hoses:
- Ensure the hose is no longer than 100 feet in length.
- The hose must have M22-14mm connections that match the pressure washer's fittings.
- If you are using quick connects, verify they are also M22-14mm compatible.
- Make sure the hose is steel-braided to prevent expansion under high pressure, which could prevent the unit from reaching peak pressure.
For Aftermarket Guns and Lances:
- Ensure the gun’s inlet and outlet match the type of connection on your hose and lance (threaded or quick connect).
- Check that the pressure and flow rating of your aftermarket gun is compatible with the Active 2.0. Most aftermarket guns will match, but it’s always worth verifying.
For Aftermarket Nozzles:
- Confirm the orifice size of your nozzle is between 3.5 and 5.0. Nozzles smaller than 3.5 can cause the unit to draw more than 15 amps, risking damage to the pressure washer.
- Check for any clogs or debris in the nozzle’s spray path by using a cleaning needle to clear the orifice.
By using the original accessories that came with your unit, you can easily rule out aftermarket accessory compatibility issues.
Step 3: Ensure the Unit Is Leak-Free and O-Rings Are Intact
Once you've checked for external leaks and confirmed your accessories are correct, it’s important to make sure the unit’s internal components are not leaking. Inspect all O-rings for signs of wear or damage. Replace any faulty O-rings to ensure a tight seal throughout the system.
Conclusion
By following these steps, you should be able to resolve issues with your Active 2.0 pressure washer pump continuously cycling or running. If the problem persists after trying these solutions, feel free to reach out to our support team at support@activeproducts.com, and we’d be happy to assist further.