Hard time moving from # 2 to # 3 speeds back and forth

Does the mixer operate on the lower settings once you've got it going at the higher speeds?

If so the motor mechanism may need to be serviced (cleaned). OR it could be the switch mechanism is either 'dirty' (maybe with built up flour?) or has failed and needs to be replaced.

While UNPLUGGED, move the switch back and forth from OFF to full speed many times, if you have compressed air, blow that into the slot around (top & bottom) while operating the switch.

Set to OFF, plug it in the mixer and try it.

If that doesn't fix the problem, then consider having the mixer serviced or replaced.

Ideally you need to fix what's bent and that normally would involve splitting the cases to get at and repair or change the speed control lever. If you don't want to do that then removing the back cover and altering the adjustments and maybe bending the switch contacts may make it operate at both ends of the speed control.

The governor should move back and forth as the speed control goes from speeds 1 through 10. It's purpose is to push on the control plate in order to obtain the different motor speeds.

Get a copy of the Repair Part List for your model at Kitchenaid.com
Download a Copy of the Kitchenaid Service manual.

http://www.kitchenaidparts.be/centers/servicemanual/mixer.pdf

Adjust the mixer speeds:
Remove the screw holding the End Cover and locate the three screws from the Control Plate.
All three (2 top left and right, and 1 bottom) must be adjusted.

1. Loosen the lock nuts enough & Turn the 2 top screws clockwise until they cannot be turned
anymore. Leave the bottom screw alone for now.
2. Use a dab of white paint or paper whiteout to mark the positions of the Phillips screws.
3. Plug in your mixer and Set the speed selector to "Stir".
4. Turn each top screw One full turn couterclockwise (alternating between Left and Right)
Keep making one full turn at the time (for both left and right) until the motor starts running.
5. Put your hand near the Agitator shaft and allow it to brush your finger slightly. Use your
watch or clock and start counting the number of times the shaft touches your finger in
60 seconds. The correct count should be 60 RPM (Rounds Per Minute). If it is less
or more than 60, give each screw 1/4 turn counterclockwise or clockwise and start counting
again. Now tighten both lock nuts.
6. Set the speed selector to "6" and turn the bottom screw either clockwise or counterclockwise
to achieve a speed of 180 RPM.

For your reference, the planetary RPM's for the 5-qt. tilt-head Artisan Stand Mixer are as follows:
Stir speed - 60
Speed 2 - 95
Speed 4 - 135
Speed 6 - 180
Speed 8 - 225
Speed 10 - 280

Get A Copy of the Repair Parts List from Kitchenaid.com
Make sure the Speed Lever and and the Speed Link are in place
and operating smoothly. The two Large black screws you are referring to
are the Motor Brushes Caps. The Carbon Brushes are keyed and
designed to be inserted into the Motor Housing but one way. If you
insert them in wrong, they will not make contact with the Motor Coils
and you mixer will never run.

All you have to do now is adjust the mixer speeds (if necessary):

Remove the screw holding the End Cover and locate the three screws from the Control Plate.
All three (2 top left and right, and 1 bottom) must be adjusted.

1. Loosen the lock nuts enough & Turn the 2 top screws clockwise until they cannot be turned
anymore. Leave the bottom screw alone for now.
2. Use a dab of white paint or paper whiteout to mark the positions of the Phillips screws.
3. Plug in your mixer and Set the speed selector to "Stir".
4. Turn each top screw One full turn couterclockwise (alternating between Left and Right)
Keep making one full turn at the time (for both left and right) until the motor starts running.
5. Put your hand near the Agitator shaft and allow it to brush your finger slightly. Use your
watch or clock and start counting the number of times the shaft touches your finger in
60 seconds. The correct count should be 60 RPM (Rounds Per Minute). If it is less
or more than 60, give each screw 1/4 turn counterclockwise or clockwise and start counting
again. Now tighten both lock nuts.
6. Set the speed selector to "6" and turn the bottom screw either clockwise or counterclockwise
to achieve a speed of 180 RPM.

For your reference, the planetary RPM's for the 5-qt. tilt-head Artisan Stand Mixer are as follows:
Stir speed - 60
Speed 2 - 95
Speed 4 - 135
Speed 6 - 180
Speed 8 - 225
Speed 10 - 280

The Speed Control lever is linked to the Speed Link mechanism, which in turn moves the
Speed Control Assembly to allow the motor to operate at different speeds.
Get a Repair Part List from Kitchenaid.com for your particular model to see how it works.
As you select different speed setting, the Speed Link simply moves forward or backward,
thus pushing the Speed Control Assembly back and forth.
If you cannot move the Speed Control lever, means that the Speed Link is somehow bent
or out of place. Remove the Motor Housing and the End Cover and check it out.

Unplug the appliance. Take it to a well ventilated area and spray some alcohol in the slot where the switch is while trying to move it. This must be done with the appliance unplugged and the appliance must be thourughly dry when you plug it in. Use canned air or if you have one a compressor.

Here is where you can download the repair manual. Read the section on speed control adjustments and repair. This might not be difficult for someone who is mechanixcally and electrically knowledgible.

Mike H.

does the motor still run or does it slowly start to get less loud? or is the beater assembly that dosnt work? two different issues. if the motor runs but dosnt beat then its the planitary gears that are ground out and need replacing. if the motor slowly dies out then you need to replace the motor.

I have the same mixer and I believe your problem is the governor that is on the back of the motor. You can figure it out by downloading the repair manual here:http://store.mendingshed.com/kitaidparts.html The manual has all the info you need; including a troubleshooting section. The governor is availible from the the same site here:http://store.mendingshed.com/kagovernor.html What tipped me off on my K5SS was looking at the governor as it ran and I could see it moving back and forth; not steady like it should. Good luck!