DIAGNOSIS The motor is seized or jammed, most likely from overloading the jar with too much thick or frozen content. The thermal overload protector has kicked in to prevent burnout.
FIX
- Unplug the blender immediately.
- Remove the jar from the motor base and manually try to spin the blade assembly by hand. If it's stuck, carefully dislodge any jammed food with a utensil.
- Let the motor base cool down completely, which can take up to 30 minutes.
- Plug it back in and try running it with just a cup of water in the jar to see if it spins freely.
IF THAT DIDN'T WORK The drive coupling (the plastic square socket on the motor shaft that mates with the blade assembly) may be stripped. You'll need to inspect it. If the square edges are rounded off, the motor spins but doesn't turn the blades. This requires replacing the coupling or the entire base.
HEADS UP Never force the blade assembly onto the base—it should slide on smoothly. Forcing it is a common cause of stripping that coupling.