Why Isn't My Sunbeam Heated Blanket Working

A flashing display or light means your control found a problem, and a reset fixes many of them. If nothing flashes and the blanket feels cool, run the fold test before you decide it's dead.

Common issues with Sunbeam heated blankets come down to three: a flashing control, a blanket that feels cold, and trouble after washing.

How to Fix Sunbeam Electric Blanket Blinking

Reset the control: unplug the blanket, check the connection, plug it back in, and turn it on. Find what you see below, then take that branch.

• Your display flashes F, FF, F1 or F2, or a light flashes on your control. Run the reset steps below.
• Nothing flashes, but the blanket feels cool. Run the fold test in the next section before you do anything else.
• The reset fails after 2 or 3 tries, you see damage, a pet chewed the cord, or you lost the control. Stop using it and unplug it. Call Jarden Consumer Care for Sunbeam at 1-800-892-7684. Keep your receipt and ask about the warranty.
• Your throw is the one that failed and you want a replacement. We'd get the Brookstone Cozy Heated Plush Throw. It has a 4-hour auto shut-off and ETL certification, and it plugs into a standard 110-120 volt outlet.

Which code you see depends on your control. Controls flash FF, F1 or F2 to signal a problem. FF applies to ChoicePlus models. F1 and F2 apply to SelectTouch and ComfortSet models. A single F applies to StyleSmart II, DesignSmart and ChoiceTouch models. OneSet, EasySet, PrimeStyle AO and EliteStyle controls use a flashing light instead. If you're asking why your heated blanket is flashing F1, the answer is a fault the control found, and the fix is the same reset.

Here are the reset steps for any of those codes or lights:

1. Follow the instructions on the flag tag attached to the control cord.
2. Check the blanket for visible damage. If you see any, stop and take the third branch above.
3. Unplug the power cord from the wall outlet.
4. Check that the control is firmly connected to the module.
5. Plug the power cord back into the outlet.
6. Set the control to On.
7. If it still fails, repeat the steps. Stop after 2 or 3 resets.

After 2 or 3 failed resets, disconnect the power cord and call. Owner troubleshooting ends there. Don't make internal adjustments, because that voids the warranty.

Electric Blanket Not Heating but Light Is On

A blanket that feels cool laid flat may be working fine, so run the fold test first. It isn't a heating pad, and it won't feel hot laid flat. Here is the test:

1. Fold the blanket over 3 times.
2. Connect the control cord to the module and plug in.
3. Turn it on at the highest setting.
4. Wait 5 to 7 minutes.
5. Feel between the folds.

Never run the test longer than 7 minutes. If the folds stay cool, stop using the blanket and call, as in the branch above.

Why did your heated blanket randomly stop working? Auto-Off is the usual cause. It turns a blanket off after 10 hours of continuous use. Throws shut off after 3 hours. "AutoOff" on the display means the feature is active, and "StayOn" means it's disabled. A power outage resets the timer. Some controls let you pick 2, 6 or 10 hours. If the blanket shut off on schedule, turn it back on.

A warm control is normal when the blanket works. Heat in the control alone tells you nothing.

Damage is the other cause. Folding a blanket in use can damage the internal wires, which causes overheating and possibly sparks. Check both sides for worn areas, loose plugs, cracks or breaks in the wiring, and charred spots. Throw out a damaged blanket. If you'd rather compare brands before replacing it, see the best electric blanket.

Why Is My Heated Blanket Not Working After Washing?

Let it dry completely before you plug it in. The manual says not to reconnect the blanket until it's completely dry. If the control flashes once it's dry, run the reset steps above.

Wash it this way:

1. Disconnect the power cord from the wall before you detach the control cord.
2. Presoak for 15 minutes in mild soap and cold water.
3. Wash on the delicate or gentle cycle in cold water with mild soap for two minutes.
4. Rinse in fresh cold water.
5. Spin dry, then gently stretch it to its original size.

Dry it this way:

1. Preheat your home dryer on low for 2 minutes.
2. Tumble dry for 10 minutes on low.
3. Remove it while still damp and stretch it to its original size.
4. Drape it over a clothesline or shower rod without clothespins.

Never submerge the control or the cords.

Sunbeam Heated Blanket Warranty

The warranty runs from the date of purchase and covers defects in material and workmanship. Arlington is 1 year. Sunbeam HomeChoice is 2 years. Heated waterproof mattress pads are 3 years. All other Sunbeam and SlumberRest heated products are 5 years. Sunbeam may repair or replace the product.

Keep your receipt, because proof of purchase is required. Only the original retail purchaser is covered, and the warranty isn't transferable. Don't return the product to the place of purchase. Make your claim with the number given earlier.

The warranty excludes normal wear, misuse, improper voltage and use contrary to the instructions. It also excludes disassembly or repair by anyone but Sunbeam or an authorized center. Repairing it yourself voids the warranty.

A warranty term tells you what's covered, not how long a blanket lasts. Check yours for damage each time you use it, and replace it when you find any. If you are replacing one and want to stay with the brand, the Sunbeam heated blanket page is the place to start.