Troubleshooting

If you have question about using Aurora paper shredders, the following list includes some of the most frequently asked troubleshooting questions

Troubleshooting Aurora Paper Shredders

I. If the shredder is not operating in reverse OR automatic mode, no power is getting to the shredder. Follow these instructions if the shredder does not work at all:

A. Make sure that the unit is plugged in to a good working outlet.
B. If you have been shredding for a long period of time, the shredder may have overheated.
    1. The shredder needs to cool off for about 20 minutes before using it again.
    2. After 20 minutes, the shredder should at least run in reverse.

C. FOR CROSSCUT SHREDDERS ONLY
    1. Make sure the shredder head is sitting securely on the wastebasket with the words on the shredder facing you.
       a. There is a safety switch mechanism on the shredder that keeps the shredder from operating if anyone happens to pick it up.Located on either the back center, back left corner or back right corner of the wastebasket, there is a tab/strip that fits into a slot on the bottom of the shredder. This activates the safety switch mechanism.
    2. If the shredder is in "Rev" mode and you don't hear the motor running, the safety switch is not being depressed properly. Take the top of the shredder off and put it on the basket again.
    3. If there is a plastic bag in the wastebasket, remove it.
    4. If the shredder has a PULL-OUT WASTEBASKET:
        a. Make sure the wastebasket is properly pushed all the way in and securely closed. The wastebasket also has a bracket on It that activates the safety switch mechanism.

II. The shredder runs in "Rev" mode but not in "Auto" mode:

A. In "Auto" mode, the motor will not start running until paper is inserted into the paper slot.
    1. Switch to "Auto" mode and insert paper into the middle of the shredder.

B. The sensor that activates the shredder in "Auto" mode is located directly in the center of the paper slot. If the paper you are inserting is too narrow, it may not be activating the sensor.
    1. Insert paper into the middle of the slot.

C . The sensor which activates the shredder may have become blocked with paper.
    1. Insert an index card (or something similar such as a postcard or greeting card), directly into the center of the paper slot. Apply force. This will usually clear any paper blocking the sensor or force it closed.

III. The shredder runs in "Auto" mode but does not stop running even after the paper has completely passed through:

A. This problem is usually caused by shredding things with glue and/or gummy substances such as envelopes or labels.
    1. Place a few drops of vegetable oil on a piece of paper and insert into the shredder. Repeat 2 more times. The oil may loosen the sensor and get it on track again.
    2. Never shred anything with glue on it.

IV. The shredder runs in "Auto" mode but does not pull the paper through:

A. This is probably due to a broken gear caused by shredding windowed envelopes. The plastic on the envelopes does not shred and melts onto the gears. The plastic then tends to stretch until a gear breaks with further use. Any similar clear plastic will result In the same and cause the damage to the gears.

 B. The shredder is broken. If available, we can supply a replacement part. If the product is under warranty, we may be able to replace it.