Troubleshooting Steps If the filter doesn’t start, lift the Wonder Tube out of the filter and remove the Magnet Impeller Assembly. Use tweezers to remove any stringy or hair-like material that may have twisted around the shaft. Hold the assembly by its endcaps and try to spin the magnet. If the magnet does not spin freely, rinse under a jet of tap water to “unlock†it. Now hold the magnet and try to spin the impeller one turn in either direction. If the impeller doesn’t spin freely, rinse under a jet of tap water to “unlock†it. If rinsing doesn’t free up the magnet or impeller, replace the assembly.
If you’ve replaced the assembly and the filter still won’t start, it is possible the carbon or aquarium gravel may have lodged at the bottom of the Energizer Well. Slide the Wonder Tube up and down in the filter box (with water still in it). If this doesn’t work, unplug the filter and empty it in your sink. Insert a drinking straw–not a metal instrament–into the Energizer Well and try to break up any sediment. Rinse the Energizer Well and re-assemble the filter.
To determine if the Energizer is functioning, plug it into an electric outlet and hold the Magnet Impeller Assembly against its outside wall. If you feel a magnetic attraction, the Energizer is functional. If not, replace the Energizer.