How to Troubleshoot an iRobot Roomba

Before holding on the line with customer service or sending your Roomba off for repair, try fixing the problem yourself. The following tips will help you to sort out any issues that you may encounter with this handy home appliance.

Instructions

1. If your Roomba beeps one, five, seven or eight times, check the wheels for debris and be sure that the wheels are moving freely. These alerts suggest that the device is encountering mobility issues and hint to a jam in the wheels. When you are sure that the device is clean, restart it in another location.

2. If your Roomba beeps two times, clean the brushes. The Roomba beeps twice when the brushes are stalled and need cleaning.

3. If your Roomba beeps six, nine, 11 or 12 times, then clean off the cliff sensors and bumpers. These beeps may indicate that the device is stuck, but usually suggests that the cliff sensors are dirty or that there is an issue with the bumper. If the Roomba is in a large room and one of these beeps occur, place the Roomba near obstacles or obstacles near it--the Roomba uses obstacles to guide itself.

4. If your Roomba blinks one, two or three times, look over the device to be sure that the battery is properly inserted--with the positive and negative ends of the battery making the proper contacts. These three blinks mean that the battery is not connected or not charged. If the problem persists and the battery is properly inserted, recharge the battery or install a new one.

5. If your Roomba blinks five times, unplug the Roomba and remove the battery. Reset it by pressing the button labeled "Spot" together with one labeled "Dock," and then hold the buttons for a few seconds. Resetting the device will correct the charging errors that triggered the five-blink alert.

6. If your Roomba blinks six or seven times, turn the robot off and disconnect the battery. Allow the battery to cool, and the six- or seven-blink "overheating warnings" will go away.

Resources

• Owners manual for your Roomba