KitchenAid K5-A Service Instructions Manual

If the mixer is new, it may smoke slightly if there is oil on the resistor, but this smoking will stop as soon as the oil evaporates. If the mixer smokes and the armature is burned out, you should disassemble the motor and replace the armature assembly.

If the mixer will not run or buzz, it indicates an open electrical circuit. You should progressively disassemble the speed control mechanism and motor and perform the following checks until the open circuit is found:

• Faulty plug
• Faulty attachment cord
• Bad connection in speed control mechanism
• Faulty speed control plate
• Bad connection to toggle switch
• Wire lead loose from brushholder
• Bad connection between field and cord
• Open-circuited armature
• Open-circuited field
• Faulty Switch

If the planetary turns but the beater does not revolve, the cause is a broken pinion gear drive pin. To remedy this, remove the planetary and take off the pinion gear, then replace the drive pin.

A normal mixer will heat up somewhat if run continually on high speed for 15 minutes or more, but this heating will not be very noticeable. If the mixer runs continuously on No. 1 position for some length of time, it will heat up considerably because the cooling effect of the ventilating fan is least at low speed and the resistor in the speed control mechanism absorbs most electrical energy. If the mixer is new, it may even smoke slightly if there is oil on the resistor, but this smoking will stop once the oil evaporates. Heating is generally not a cause for alarm, as it will not rise to a point that causes damage under normal conditions.

There should be approximately 1/16" clearance between the bowl and the beater. If the beater is too close to the bowl, turn in the adjusting screw. If it is too far away, turn the adjusting screw out. This can also be corrected by shimming up the motor housing. If there is too much clearance, remove any shims or gaskets from under the motor and gear housing to allow the beater to move closer to the bottom.

If your mixer is making an unusual noise:

• A raspy, bumpy noise at the planetary indicates that the gear case cover internal gear teeth are worn or broken. The complete gear case cover assembly must be replaced.
• Bad vibration and rumbling noise indicates a faulty governor. The governor should be replaced.
• A jerky clattering noise on low speed can be due to a loose connection from the center top of the resistor to the control plate (two black leads). Check this connection to make sure it is not loose. It can also be caused by a tight bearing. If the bearing in the planetary beater shaft binds, remove the planetary and recheck the mixer. If the mixer still uses excessive watts, it must be disassembled and other bearings checked.
• Loud rumbling noise can be caused by a worn or flat ball in the end of the armature shaft, which requires disassembling the motor and replacing the ball. It can also be due to a worn thrust ball bearing; remove the gears from the gear case and the armature from the motor housing, then replace the thrust ball bearing.

To clean the mixer, wash out the gear case with a good solvent and wipe it dry with a clean dry cloth. Clean out the motor housing with a cloth dampened with solvent and wipe it dry with a clean cloth. Clean the brush holders with solvent and wipe them dry with a clean dry cloth.

To mount the bowl, hold the bowl with the bowl latch button to the rear. Push the button under the bowl latch spring, then set the ears of the bowl down on the locating pins. Do not mount the bowl on the pins first and then snap the button down on the latch, as this will break the spring latch.

Before repairs, a watt test should be made. If the dial shows 105 to 135 watts going from 1st to high speed, the mixer is in good condition. If the reading is 175 to 400 watts, there is trouble.

Under normal service conditions, the mixer will not require lubrication for many years. The gear case is packed with a special grease that lubricates all gears and shafts. If the mixer is subjected to abnormally severe usage, it is advisable to check the planetary and its internal gear for proper lubrication.

Yes, the mixer has 10 speed positions. When the switch lever is moved from "OFF" to the No. 1 position, it starts slowly, and as it moves to successively higher positions, the beater speed increases. At No. 1 position, the planetary should turn approximately 60 RPM, and at the No. 10 position, it should turn approximately 275 RPM. Speed Nos. 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 have definite notches, while Speed Nos. 3, 5, 7, and 9 do not.

The planetary action involves a single beater traveling clockwise around the bowl while rotating counterclockwise. This action, also used in commercial bakery mixers, ensures faster, more thorough blending of ingredients and uniform mixing coverage of the bowl without needing to turn the bowl.