My robot lawnmower won’t charge any more: what should I check?
Is your robot lawnmower no longer charging or does it stop quickly whilst mowing? There are several possible causes for this charging problem. We’ll go through the possible reasons to understand why your device is no longer working properly.
THE POTENTIAL CAUSES FOR THIS FAULT:
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Faulty power supply
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Dirty or oxidised charging contacts
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Incorrect positioning on the charging station
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Worn-out or end-of-life battery
WARNING
Before you do anything to your appliance, make sure you disconnect it from the power supply.
There is a risk of electric shock.
Wear suitable protective gloves if you need to dismantle anything.
There is a risk of getting cut or injured.
The power supply is faulty
Before carrying out any work, check that the charging station is correctly connected to the mains. If it is not receiving power, the robot will not be able to recharge.
This problem may occur after a period of winter storage or if the cable has been moved or damaged. Outdoors, it is not uncommon for a cable to be cut during gardening work.
Test the mains socket by plugging in another appliance. Also check that the cable is not cut, pinched or burnt, as this would prevent power from reaching the station.
The charging contacts are dirty or oxidised
As robot lawnmowers are used outdoors, the charging contacts easily accumulate grass, dirt and moisture.
When the terminals are dirty, the current no longer flows properly. The robot may then park on the charging station without charging or stop charging after a few seconds.
A simple clean with a dry or slightly damp cloth usually restores a proper connection.
A damp or freshly mown lawn can cause grass and dirt to build up on the charging contacts. After mowing in these conditions, taking a few moments to check and clean the terminals helps to prevent poor contact and interruptions to charging.
The robot is positioned incorrectly on the charging station
To recharge, the robot lawnmower must be correctly aligned with the charging station. If the terminals are not in contact, charging will not start.
This problem is common on sloping or uneven ground, or after rain when the wheels slip. Check that the charging station is correctly installed on level ground and place the robot on it manually to test the charging process.
The battery is worn out or at the end of its life
Over time, the robot lawnmower’s battery loses capacity.
Indeed, after 2 to 4 years, it is not uncommon to notice a reduction in running time: the robot stops quickly, returns to charge more often or no longer covers the entire garden area.
In some cases, the battery charges but discharges very quickly as soon as it starts up.
Replacing the robot lawnmower’s battery restores normal operation and optimal running time.