DLC-8E interlock plunger does not activate the motor when assembled. Pushing a sharp object into the hole in the base does activate motor. I see black rubber in the hole, looks like a piece that disintegrated. Can this be replaced without replacing the bowl?

Yes it does. It is a snug fit on the blade shaft, if you mean the tall shaft that powers the shredder discs? The short one that holds the cutting blade is not removable.

The tall stem is shown here

Cuisinart DLC-8 Detachable Stem
Item # 943070

https://www.kitchenworksinc.com/cuisinart-food-processor-parts/cuisinart-dlc-8-parts/

..

If it doesn't have a resettable external fuse button then it will need more than a reset. Check and make sure that the bowl & lid (and pusher sometimes) are activating the safety mechanisms that prevent the motor starting if not assembled correctly. If that's all fine then you will need to open it up by removing either the base or the top cover and get your multi meter out and follow the circuit.

Try buying a new motor base on eBay. It's actually quite cheap. If you are daunted by the shipping cost of this monster, you can always ask the seller to sell you just the brown bottom cover. Under each foot is a screw which attaches the molded base it to the rest of the assembly. It's a lot cheaper to just have that part sent to you. This works as long as you are handy in making the switch of the base.

replace the switch the contact maybe totally worn out or maybe the the switch button cannot hits by the plunger.

We fixed the same problem with the same Cuisinart DLC-10S, the problem was the white plastic switch on the work bowl - - it was placed above a short clear plastic partition which blocked the switch from pushing the plunger enough to start the motor. It came out of the box that way, bad quality control. I pushed the white plastic switch down over the partition and now the machine works, and the switch can push the pole down the amount needed to start the motor. Very sloppy packaging by Cuisinart. Now the appliance is working, so far. My wife still likes Cuisinart but I'm suggesting she look at other brands next time. The owners manual for this appliance is C*R*A*P and next to useless.

The DLC-7 SuperPro is awesome -- very powerfull. Be aware they are 1.5 horsepower; the blade can take your hand completely off in a blink of an eye. Because of the potential danger, SAFEGUARDS are in place such that everything must be aligned and in correct position or it WILL NOT POWER-UP. So, yes, is very likely the safety switch.

Simple test: Use just the BASE, (no work bucket, no top, no blades), such that if it starts, only the spindle will turn. There is a little black button on the base, just back of the spindle. Use a chop-stick to depress it. Plug-in, press the button w/chop-stik, press the PULSE button. It should power up.

Presuming it powered up okay, the "problem" is probably in how the unit is assembled; such that the button is depressed properly.
1. The work bowl must be all the way down on the base, and the alignment column in the back, work bowl base skirt turned to the "Hard Stop". It will feel very solid when docked properly.
2. The top inserts and rotates into and snaps into position while pressing the plunger into the button.

It all sounds too easy, but if something is just a little off, the plunger doesn't plunge ind the power doesn't go on.

These are FABULOUS machines -- spend the time into getting it working. The near- equivalent if something this robust and powerful in today's products will cost nearly a THOUSAND dollars - seriously.

I had the same problem: Cuisinart sent a "replacement" sheath for my DLC-8E which turned out to be the wrong one. When I replaced mine,which was cracked, none of my blades would fit over the new sheath! I "solved" the problem by purchasing a new DLC-8E motor base on Ebay for only $9.99!

I don't recognize model #PLE-8E, but if you have a DLC-8E, while you can't get the original parts from Cuisinart, you can get a whole bowl/pusher/lid that will operate your old base. I also see a few auctions for the original DLC-8 series parts, but there is some asterisk by each of them - they will work, but they have a chip somewhere, etc. But, I would keep your eye on eBay - I picked up many a good Cuisinart item at a bargain price.

The workbowl has a spring-loaded assembly inside. You can see it through the plastic. When the workbowl cover is in place and locked, it depresses the button on the base. If this is not happening, then you need to determine whether the workbowl or the cover is at fault. Once you figure that out, you need to replace the faulty one. I usually get my replacement parts at GourmetDepot.com.

Cuisinart does not have the original pieces available, but you can order a replacement work bowl, lid, sleeve, etc that will work from the company. First do a motor test to make sure the motor is still working:

Cuisinart Food Processors – Motor Test

First, do a motor test by removing the work bowl completely and using a pen to press in the grey button on top of the base (with the food processor turned on of course), toward the back. If the processor spins, the motor is still good. At that point, I would inspect the work bowl pieces, lid, pusher assembly, etc for cracks/damage. If all appears well, insert ALL the pieces back into place and try again. If even one piece is out of place, the processor will not spin.

If it no longer spins, the motor has a problem.

Good luck!

-Tha Mp3 Doctor