Fix it
Leaf Blower Not Working? Fixes That Actually Help
Diagnose common leaf blower failures: no start, weak airflow, battery issues, and shutdowns.
Most blower failures are battery, blockage, or overheating issues, not dead motors. Work through these in order.
Blower will not start
For battery models: remove and reseat the battery, check the charge indicator, and try a second battery to isolate a dead pack. Check the safety interlock: most blowers require the battery to click fully home and sometimes a separate lock-off button held during trigger pull. For corded models: verify the outlet with another device, check the extension cord for damage, and confirm you are using 12-gauge for 12-amp blowers.
Weak airflow despite running
Check the intake for blockage first: leaves, plastic bags, and debris sucked against the intake screen strangle airflow. Remove the tube and clear any clogs inside it. For battery models, weak output often means a depleted or aging battery: lithium packs lose capacity over years, and a blower that used to roar on a fresh pack wheezing on an old one needs a battery, not a repair.
Blower shuts off during use
Thermal protection is the usual cause: the motor overheated and shut down to protect itself. Let it cool 15 to 30 minutes, then work at lower speed with breaks. If it shuts off quickly on a full battery, check for intake blockage forcing the motor to labor. Persistent instant shutdown on a cool, clear blower suggests a failing battery or motor controller.
Excessive vibration or rattling
Stop and inspect the fan: a cracked or debris-damaged impeller causes vibration and reduced airflow. Remove the tube and look into the housing for stuck sticks or stones. Check that all housing screws are tight; vibration loosens them over time. A blower that suddenly vibrates after ingesting something hard needs the impeller inspected before further use.
Questions, answered
Why does my battery die so fast?
Max power drains packs in 15 to 25 minutes; that is normal, not a defect. Use the variable trigger at moderate speed for routine work and save turbo for piles. Old batteries (3+ years of heavy use) lose capacity; compare runtime against a new pack before blaming the blower.
Can I leave batteries on the charger?
Modern chargers stop at full and will not overcharge, so overnight is fine. For long-term storage (months), leave packs at roughly half charge in a cool dry place; storing full or empty for months accelerates capacity loss.