Hello Melanie Richardson,
Looking around on the internet I did find parts houses
peddling parts...
But when I tried to go through the front door of VITAMIX... are interested in SERVICE (didn't seem all that WELCOMING to Do-it-
yourself OWNERS...
The short answer is yes ...
Vitamix 5200 Getting Started Machine
The speed control usually is by electronics. The speed control switch will merely be telling the circuitry what speed is required but if the circuitry is faulty nothing will happen.
You may need to replace that middle switch then. Hopefully it is only that, if not you will be replacing the printed circuit board on the side of the motor.
they have an excellent customer service dept.
We own 2 of them. Great Product. We have one like yours the 5200, and the new 750. Awesome products, and they always are so helpful.
check it out here:
Contact Us Customer Service Vitamix
Depending on what you are blending, the glass can become scratched. Nut shells, coffee beans, some grains will scratch glass and make it look like a film.
Otherwise, it it is a film, you can try soaking it in ammonia if it is soap **** (from low-priced or "natural" soaps used in hard water.
Or soak in vinegar if it is lime from hard water (usually from letting it air dry after washing and rinsing well). Try rinsing in cold water after the hot water rinse to prevent water spots.
You can typically find replacement carbon brushes for Vitamix blenders at appliance repair shops, online retailers, or directly from Vitamix. Ensure you get the correct model-specific brushes for the VM0145 blender with a 3Hp motor. Double-check the compatibility before purchasing to ensure a proper fit.
Check the black driving clutch on the top of the motor that engages with the other clutch half on the base of the blender jug. The fault should be there, normally it will be the motor part.
What has worked very well for me in the past in similar situations (not with kitchen appliances but any older item needing a part) is find people selling the item or parts for the item on eBay, and then messaging them asking if they have a source for whatever it is I am looking for.
Almost always this leads to what I need, whether it is for a camera or an old watch or a vintage computer or whatever.
Messaging through eBay is easy, fast, and free.
Simply type Vitamix 4000 in the Search box, and get the listings displayed, and then click on Contact Seller.
eBay will send the message, and notify you when there is a reply.
Some models had a weakness with the variable resistance in the rotary switch but your description sounds more like the main PCB or even the motor both of which are very expensive parts to replace.
You will need to source them from a bearing supply company as Vitamix only supply the bearings as a complete unit with the blade assembled. Once you have the bearings out take the sample with you to the bearing supply company for correct identification.
Put your meter across the 2 disconnected potentiometer wires and turn the knob and see if you get the sort of variation you expect to see. The pots do give a little bit of trouble and aren't worth very much, I'd be inclined to throw one in anyway, the very last thing you want it to be is the PCB, they are not cheap.
The wrench hole is hidden firstly by the large rubber part that holds the beaker and secondly by a blob of clear silicone that covers the hole for your allen key