Karcher electric pressure washer help starting

Jeff, the specs say it is 230 volt, 16 amp minimum, start up would be more, probably minimum 20 amp.or larger, check your manual. Are you using a small gage/ low capacity extension cord this could blow a breaker or may have an internal short have checked by a Karcher repair center. Check the attached links,instruction and guides, Good luck
"I hope this helped you out, if so let me know by pressing the helpful button. Check out some of my other posts if you need more tips and info."
Any idea why my new 13 amp pressure washer is tripping 15 amp circuit...
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=203916
http://www.electriciansforums.co.uk/electrical-forum-general-electrical-forum/54098-problem-pressure-washer.html

Gail, check the cord/plug for any sign of breakage, probably either switch has gone bad or motor faulty, have tested by a small appliance repair/ vacuum repair shop as they are usually the most reasonable priced.
"I hope this helped you out, if so let me know by pressing the helpful button. Check out some of my other posts if you need more tips and info."

Roy it sounds like this is a problem. If it's flashing the pump may have stuck and you need to invest in a new machine. If its under any insurance make a claim.

FIRST TEST THE GFCI RESET MUST ENGAGE WHEN POWERED WHEN YOU PRESS THE RESET YOU SHOULD FEEL A LIGHT CLICK IF SO THEN PRESS TEST YOU SHOULD HEAR IT TRIP, THIS IS GOOD UNIT SHOULD POWER AFTER YOU RESET IT IF IT DOES NOT RESET EITHER THE GFCI KNOWN AS THE GROUND FAULT CIRCUIT INTERRUPTER IS DETECTING MOISTURE INSIDE THE UNIT POSSIBLY SPRAYED AT THE OPENINGS PREVENTING USER FROM GETTING SHOCK,CHECK UNIT FOR MOISTURE GFCI SHOULD TRIP WHEN YOU POWER UNIT UP UNTIL MOISTURE IS GONE.IF NO MOISTURE DETECTED UNIT HAD A FLOW SWITCH INSIDE THAT CAN ALSO BE STUCK. SORRY FOR THE CAPS.

Your pressure washer is either not fitted with a run/stop device in which case like mine you have to switch off within a few seconds of closing the trigger. Check your model features?
The humming noise is the motor stalled out against the pump because there is nowhere for the water to go. The shutoff is caused by the safety overload switching off after overheat.
Or, it has a pressure operated run/stop which is not working. Because water and electricity don't mix, I would suggest getting more specific help. You can download Karcher manuals /spares lists online from Karcher specialists but remember electricity is the silent killer.

Had a similar problem with a Karcher that I own, after a little troubleshooting it turned out to be the big plug end with the reset in it, I took the plug end apart and found the contacts inside had melted thus not allowing proper contact of the reset button, I opted for a cheap way out, instead of ordering a replacement reset plug assy i changed it over to a regular 3 prong gfi plug end, been working great the past few seasons,hope this helps

The Knob is broken off of the Plastic Shaft..to the switch assembly.
A new switch assembly is available direct from Karcher.

Need to press Reset on the GFCI Interrupter on the Cord Plug End..

They are sensitive to large extention cords. My father in laws pops reset when a small cord is used. If internally shorted- motor will continually pop the reset even plugged direct to outlet. Check voltage at outlet.

your testing the no fault short or motor overload feature. the red light indicates you have power. no light no power.