How to Fix Kitchenaid Mixer Speed Control Problems?

Wondering where Kitchenaid mixer speed control problems come from?

There are quite a few different mechanical components in the Kitchenaid mixer that are directly responsible for the speed control.

In this guide, we’ll unwrap how to access and inspect each of the suspected components and eventually perform a replacement.

Let’s learn more!

When the Kitchenaid mixer speed control issues start to occur we need to inspect the control plate and whether its screws are tightened. The next step is to disassemble the machine to check the Speed Link Lever and if the Speed Spring is correctly attached.

In case you’ve never opened your Kitchenaid mixer before, keep reading. It’s really simple!

Why Does Kitchenaid Mixer Only Works on Low Speed?

There are quite a few different reasons why your Kitchenaid mixer will be stuck on either low or high speed, without allowing you to control it.

Due to the mechanical nature of the mixer, most of the possibilities are related to faulty components.

Let’s learn more!

• Temporary, Power-Related Issue
• Loosely Attached Control Plate
• Disconnected Speed Spring
• Broken Speed-Link Lever
• Malfunctioning Control Plate
• Faulty Control Board/Speed Sensor

These are the main suspects why a Kitchenaid mixer would be stuck on low or high speed without allowing the user to change anything.

Luckily, we’ve made an easy-to-follow guide that will teach you how to access and replace the components mentioned above.

Without further ado, let’s jump right in!

How To Fix Kitchenaid Mixer Speed Control Problems?

In order to solve the problem, we’re going to undertake a list of methods designed to inspect ALL possibilities that might be responsible.

It’s important not to skip any of the steps, tips, and recommendations so you can solve the problem in no time!

Let’s jump right in!

Method #1 Power Cycle Kitchenaid Mixer

In case your Kitchenaid mixer behaves weirdly for the first time and you’ve never experienced Kitchenaid speed control problems before, you only need to restart the machine.

It’s important to not only switch off the mixer but unplug the power adapter for 5 minutes!

This will allow the Kitchenaid mixer to cool down and reset. When the power circulation is finished, test the weather so you can control the speed.

In case your mixer remains on a high or slow speed without proper reasoning, proceed with the methods ahead.

Tip: Keeping your mixer disconnected for longer is better than not waiting long enough!

Method #2 Tighten Speed Control Plate

A common problem that makes the Kitchenaid mixer work only at slow or high speed, is when the Control Plate screws are loose.

The problem makes the user unable to adjust the speed so taking a look at the Control Plate should be one of the first steps.

Follow the steps below to reach and tighten the screws on the Control Plate:

1. Turn OFF and disconnect the Kitchenaid Mixer from the power!
2. Acquire a Phillips head screwdriver.
3. Use the screwdriver to remove the screw on the top of the end cover.
4. Tighten the 3 x screws holding the Control Plate in place.
5. Also, tighten the 2 x screws on the back of the mixer.
6. Install the end cover by tightening the screw on the top.

When you’re ready, you can plug the Kitchenaid mixer into the power and test whether you can now use the speed control.

Test both, turning to high speed or operating at low speed to justify whether this helped solve the problem.

In case the issue is still there, keep reading!

Method #3 Reset Kitchenaid Mixer!

In case nothing from the methods above managed to help, the last-resort solution is to perform a Factory Reset on the Kitchenaid mixer.

The process is simple but it does require a functional speed lever, so if that’s the culprit for all this fuss, this method won’t help!

1. Plug in and turn ON the Kitchenaid Mixer.
2. Slide the Speed Lever to “OFF” (0).
3. Unplug the mixer from the Power Source.
4. Wait for at least 60 seconds.
5. The Kitchenaid Mixer will automatically reset.
6. Connect the mixer to the power outlet.

When you’re done with the steps, switch on the machine and test changing the speed.

In case the issue is now gone you’ll be able to continue using the mixer normally.

However, in case the problem persists, perhaps the problem is located somewhere else.

Tip: Test performing the reset again in case it didn’t help the first time!

Method #4 Replace Speed Lever

One of the main components responsible for switching between speed controls is the speed lever located in the Kitchenaid mixer.

The steps below will describe how to disassemble the machine, and replace the lever.

Tip: Use the previous method to remove the end cover and proceed with the steps below!

Here’s how to replace the speed lever on Kitchenaid Mixer:

1. Unscrew the Trip Band and lift the component up.
2. Turn the mixer upside down and place it on the Cradle.
3. Unscrew and remove the Hinge Pin.
4. You can now remove the Pedestal Base.
5. Use a hammer to remove the Drip Ring.
6. Remove the Planetary Cover, using 2 screwdrivers.
7. On the other side of the mixer, remove the Power Cord.
8. Undo the 5 special screws around the Planetary Ring.
9. Lift up the Top Mixer Cover.
10. Use squeezers to remove the Control Spring.
11. Undo the screw on the Tension Washer.
12. The Control Ink and Cam Assembly can now be removed as well.
13. Install your New Speed Control Link.
14. Follow the steps in reverse order to reassemble the machine!

It’s important to identify whether the speed lever is in functional condition.

In case it’s broken or worn out, scroll to the bottom of this guide to discover a replacement.

Tip: Keep the Kitchenaid mixer disassembled for easier access to the components!

Method #5 Replace Control Plate

The Kitchenaid Control Plate is another component responsible for the proper operation of your mixer.

To access the control plate you would need the entire machine disassembled and not only the back plate.

Follow the steps in the previous methods for reference.

Alert: Attach the Control Spring to the plastic surface behind the control plate!

• To replace the control plate, undo the 3 screws and install the new plate!

It’s really simple. When you’re ready, simply install all of the components back together, and don’t forget to attach the control spring to the control plate.

Otherwise, your Kitchenaid mixer would continue to be locked on either high or slow speed.

Note: The replacement control board for the Kitchenaid mixer can be found online!

Method #6 Replace Control Board

In case your Kitchenaid warranty is over and you don’t really need to bring the machine for a repair, there is one more thing you can replace.

The last component, from all we’ve already inspected, is the Control Board, which when faulty, much more functions will be inactive.

Using the steps from Methods #2 & #3, open the top cover of the mixer!

1. Unplug the Speed Sensor from the Control Board.
2. Disconnect the Sensor away from the motor.
3. Unscrew the Control Board and install the new one.
4. Plug back the Speed Sensor in the motor and board.
5. Assemble your Kitchenaid mixer and test.

The Speed Sensor is another possible reason for your mixer to be unable to change speed so this might have to be replaced as well.

In case your mixer won’t change the speed even after replacing most of the suspected components, perhaps you’ll need some help! 

Still, Need Help?

In case the Kitchenaid mixer still can’t change the speed, perhaps something else went faulty with your machine.

The best way to approach the issue from now on is to take the mixer for a repair or contact Kitchenaid Customer Service in order to attempt a warranty replacement.

That was everything about Kitchenaid mixer speed control issues, so let’s recap!

Read Next: Why is Kitchenaid Fridge Not Dispensing Water?

Quick Recap:

Thus the Kitchenaid mixer speed control issues start to occur when the Control Place is loosely attached or the Speed Lever is broken. The only way to solve the problem is to replace suspected components one by one to identify the culprit.

Wrapping Up:

Now that we’ve learned why Kitchenaid Mixer speed control problems occur and what’s the best possible ways to solve the problem we’re ready to mix.

The most important part of the guide was the way to open the machine and replace faulty components. Good luck!

Looking for Kitchenaid Speed Lever Replacement?

In case you’ve identified that the Speed Control Link (lever) is broken and that’s why you’re experiencing the control problems, we recommend getting this Mixer Speed Control Lever.

It’s compatible with Kitchenaid mixer models and will solve the issue you’re experiencing!