Battery powered leaf blower troubleshooting

Is your leaf blower cutting out just when you’re in the middle of cleaning up? Battery-powered leaf blowers are super handy, but sometimes they act up and leave you wondering what’s up. We’ll walk you through how to troubleshoot and fix common battery problems so your yard stays in good shape.

The information in this article may not apply to your specific appliance model. For the most accurate guidance, it’s best to check your manufacturer’s documentation or reach out to us if you’ve got any questions.

Safety precautions

When working on any appliance, remember to keep safety first. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• If working indoors, make sure there is adequate ventilation to prevent the buildup of exhaust fumes. Carbon monoxide poisoning can be a serious risk.
• Wear insulated work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal parts, pinching hazards and debris.
• Never attempt to service or repair while it is running or when the engine is still warm. Wait for all moving parts to come to a complete stop.
• Exercise extreme caution when working near blades, augers, or any other moving parts. Keep your hands, fingers, and clothing clear of these areas at all times.
• If the appliance has recently been used, give it plenty of time for any hot parts to cool down before working on it.
• Empty the gas tank before beginning any work. Refill using fresh fuel.
• When working with wires, avoid touching any exposed wires or terminals. If you need to touch a wire, use a non-conductive tool or wear insulating gloves to prevent electrical shock.
• Take your time and don’t rush while working to prevent accidents and personal injuries.
• Work in a well-lit area so you can clearly see and access the interior parts.
• Clear your workspace of clutter and other obstacles. Keep children and pets away from the work area.
• Be gentle when handling or removing parts. Excessive force might damage the appliance or cause injury.
• Wear safety glasses when working with chemicals, dust or cleaning large debris to prevent injury.
• When not in use, store the machine in a safe and dry location.

Read more: The Ultimate Guide to Leaf-Blowing

Step 1: Check the battery charge and condition

Make sure the battery is fully charged

Before jumping to conclusions, double-check that your battery has a full charge:

1. Put the battery into the charger.
2. See if the charger indicates it’s fully charged (usually a green light).
3. If the charger shows an error, take a look at the charger’s manual for tips.

Look over the battery for damage

Physical damage can mess with how the battery works:

1. Check for cracks, bulges, or any leaks on the battery casing.
2. If you spot any damage, it’s probably time to replace the battery for safety’s sake.
3. You can find a compatible replacement by finding your leaf blower’s model number.

Step 2: Test battery health

Try a battery you know works

To figure out if the battery is the issue:

1. Borrow a compatible battery that’s working fine.
2. Stick it into your leaf blower and give it a go.
3. If the blower runs smoothly, your original battery is likely the problem.

Use a multimeter to check the voltage

A multimeter can help you see how your battery’s doing:

1. Set the multimeter to DC voltage.
2. Touch the red probe to the positive (+) terminal and the black probe to the negative (-) terminal.
3. Compare the reading to the voltage rating on the battery label.
4. If the voltage is way lower, the battery might not be holding a charge properly.

Step 3: Test the on/off switch

Check the switch for continuity with a multimeter

The on/off switch can wear out over time:

1. Set your multimeter to the continuity setting.
2. Place the probes on the terminals of the switch.
3. Flip the switch on and watch the multimeter.
4. If there’s no continuity when the switch is on, it might need replacing.

What’s continuity? Continuity means electricity can flow through a part. On a multimeter, you’ll usually get a beep or a zero reading when there’s continuity.

Step 4: Inspect the motor and connections

Look for obstructions and debris

Blockages can cause power problems:

1. Turn off and remove the battery before checking.
2. Peek inside the blower’s air intake and exhaust for any debris.
3. Carefully get rid of any leaves, dirt, or obstructions.

Check the cooling vents

Overheating can make the blower shut down automatically:

1. Make sure all cooling vents are clear and unblocked.
2. Clean vents with some compressed air if needed.
3. Look for anything covering the vents, like zip ties or tape.

Examine motor brushes and connections

Loose connections can cut off power:

1. Carefully open up the blower’s housing to access the motor.
2. Inspect the motor brushes for wear and damage.
3. Ensure all electrical connections are tight and secure.
4. Look for any loose wires or solder joints that might need fixing.

Read more: How to fix a leaf blower that starts and then stalls

Step 5: Know when it’s time for a new battery

Spot reduced performance over time

Batteries only last so long:

1. After lots of charge cycles, batteries can lose capacity.
2. You might notice the blower doesn’t run as long or lacks power.
3. This gradual decline is normal and means it’s time for a replacement.

Weigh cost versus performance

Consider the perks of a new battery:

1. A new battery can get your blower back to peak performance.
2. Compare the cost of a new battery to buying a whole new blower.
3. Often, getting a new battery is the more budget-friendly choice.

Step 6: Keep your leaf blower in great shape

Do regular cleaning and checkups

Some basic maintenance goes a long way:

1. Clean your leaf blower after each use.
2. Store the battery in a cool, dry place.
3. Charge the battery as per the manufacturer’s instructions.

Replace air filters

If your battery-powered leaf blower has an air filter:

1. Check the air filter regularly for dirt and debris.
2. Clean or replace the filter when needed.
3. A clean filter ensures proper airflow and helps prevent overheating.

By following these steps, you can troubleshoot and fix most common power issues with your leaf blower battery. Keeping your equipment in good shape means it’ll be ready to tackle those leaves whenever you are.

Read more: Troubleshooting and Fixing a Leaf Blower that Won’t Start

Need more help?

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If you’ve got any questions or need a hand, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team. We’re always happy to help!