Although owning a robot vacuum may seem like a hassle-free solution to keeping your home clean, it’s important to note that these devices can still experience problems and errors. In this article, we will explore the most common errors that can occur with a Roomba, such as errors 6, 17, 14, 5, and 2, and provide tips on how to troubleshoot and fix them.
Roomba is a popular brand of robotic vacuum cleaners that are designed to help homeowners keep their homes clean with minimal effort. However, like any other complex device, Roomba can sometimes encounter errors that prevent it from functioning properly. These errors can range from simple issues like a low battery or a blocked sensor to more serious problems that require professional repair.
Understanding the different types of errors that can occur and how to troubleshoot them can save you time and frustration and help you keep your Roomba running smoothly. In this article, we will cover the most common Roomba errors and provide some tips on how to fix them.
Roomba Error 6
Roomba’s error 6 can be displayed differently, depending on the series model. The e Series Model will display a message that says, “Drop off detected. Move to a new area, then press Clean Error 6.” The 600- 900 Series Roomba displays “Error six (6). Move Roomba to a new location, then press CLEAN to restart.” Lastly, the 500 Series Model plays a two-tone “Uh-Oh” sound followed by six (6) beeps.
When error 6 occurs, it could most likely be due to Roomba becoming stuck over a cliff edge, getting stuck on an uneven surface on the floor, having dirty Cliff Sensors, or driving over a dark surface. Understanding these issues can help you troubleshoot and resolve any occurrences of error 6 quickly so that you don’t suffer any losses in cleaning progress!
Roomba Error 6 – got stuck on an edge.
Error six (6) is a common issue with Roomba, which can occur when a rug is placed over a stair edge. The best way to fix this issue is to first adjust the placement of rugs so that they are flush with the stair edge. If this does not solve the problem, then the next step would be to move Roomba to a new location and press CLEAN. If the issue still persists, using a Virtual Wall may be necessary in order to block off that area. This could also be caused by obstructions on Roomba’s Cliff Sensors. To check these sensors, place Roomba down and press CLEAN again. Through these steps, error 6 can be easily solved.
Roomba Error 6 – Stops in the middle of the floor
Roomba Error 6 can have many possible causes, the second being that Roomba stops in the middle of the floor. To troubleshoot this issue, it helps to first check if the cliff sensors are blocked by dirt or debris. Gently wiping them with a clean cloth should help resolve this issue. If the problem still persists, you could then inspect the side brush and make sure that it is spinning correctly. If it appears to be jammed up by heavy debris or hair, carefully unscrew the part and do your best to remove any blockage with a pair of tweezers or even your fingers. Doing so should get your Roomba back on track!
Roomba Error 6 – stops on a dark surface
Roomba’s cliff sensors can occasionally detect dark surfaces as a drop-off, and instead of cleaning, Roomba will back away or spin to avoid it, leading to the error. In this instance, one of the best ways to prevent it from happening again is to use a Virtual Wall to block off the area that was giving your robot vacuum trouble. This way, you won’t have to worry about your beloved Roomba getting into any trouble!
If none of the above-mentioned solutions help solve the issue and Rommba error six still persists, you should contact customer service.
Roomba Error 17
Roomba error 17 is an unfortunate situation, but it is important to understand the causes in order to properly address them. If a Roomba says that it hasn’t finished cleaning, chances are that there was a change made to the environment while Roomba was in the middle of its mission. This could include obstacles like furniture that blocked Roomba’s path or even a closed door preventing escape from the room.
Additionally, if the space being cleaned is too large, Roomba may be unable to complete the job before running out of battery. Lastly, if the carpet is thick (e.g., shag carpet), this can also cause issues with completing a mission and result in an error 17 message. To avoid this problem, you should use Dual Mode Virtual Wall Barriers for transitions, such as doorway thresholds, to ensure nothing blocks Roomba’s way during a mission.
To ensure the robot is navigated properly, adequate light should be available in the area that it’s cleaning. Dark or dimly lit rooms prevent the iAdapt localization camera from accurately reading its environment, therefore causing problems when attempting to navigate and clean.
Excessive clutter can also lead to this error, so clearing cluttered areas or using Virtual Wall Barriers to block off problematic areas is highly encouraged. In addition, there may be an issue with the robot itself that requires maintenance, such as a loose caster wheel. Also, make sure to wipe away any dust or debris from the clear window on the top surface of the Roomba with a microfiber or soft cotton cloth that has been lightly dampened with water or a screen cleaning solution.
Another possible cause for a Roomba error 17 is debris on the iAdapt Floor Tracking Sensor, which can be cleaned out with a dry – microfiber or soft cotton cloth. Care should be taken not to spray cleaning solution directly into the sensor opening. Infrared signal interference from devices such as Virtual Reality headsets can also disrupt Roomba’s signals and will need to be turned off while it is cleaning in order to ensure your robot completes its job without issue. If all troubleshooting steps have been exhausted and the message continues to display, try moving your Home Base to a different location in order to see if this resolves the issue.
If none of these help in solving the issue, you should contact customer support for further assistance.
Roomba Error 14
Encountering a Roomba Error 14 during your robot’s normal routine is nothing to feel frustrated about. This error code simply indicates that the bin isn’t being detected by your Roomba s Series, and it’s likely due to improper placement. To rectify this issue, simply check that the bin is properly placed into the base of the robot itself, click locked into place, and make sure that the handle is facing downwards and the lid is closed.
If Error 14 persists, you can try ordering a replacement bin from either the iRobot Store – Parts and Accessories or through an authorized retailer. If the error still persists and you have a warranty plan with your Roomba model, contact support for help troubleshooting this issue.
Roomba Error 5
Charging error 5 indicates that your Roomba’s charging system is not functioning as intended. To troubleshoot this issue and find a potential resolution, it is important to first ensure you are using the correct type of battery provided by iRobot®. Once you have confirmed this, check the battery contacts and charging contacts.
First, remove the battery and ensure that no yellow pull tab or other obstructions are interfering with contact points. Then open up the robot’s bottom cover and wipe down both battery and charging contacts with a clean, lightly dampened melamine foam such as a Magic Eraser. After cleaning the charging contacts, reattach the battery, replace the bottom cover and battery door, and place your Roomba back onto its Home Base to attempt charging again. If this does not resolve your issue, it’s best to contact iRobot Customer Care for further assistance.
Following these steps should resolve a charging error 5 for your Roomba device.
Roomba Error 2
Roomba error 2 indicates that your robot’s multi-surface rubber brushes cannot turn. To identify and resolve this issue, simply remove the brushes. You can open the Cleaning Head Module door by pushing on the green tab on the right side of the multi-surface rubber brushes and pulling them out from the robot. After taking out the brushes, close the door and test it out again by placing it on a flat surface and pressing the CLEAN button. If done correctly, your Roomba cleaning experience will be back in full swing!
Inspect the brushes and remove any hair or debris, especially from under the end caps. Then, reinstall the brushes and re-test by turning your Roomba over and placing it on a flat surface before pressing the CLEAN button. If the error doesn’t return after reinstalling clean brushes, it’s important to maintain regular cleaning of the brushes – at least once per week – to keep them free of debris.
However, if the error continues even after following these steps, then you may need replacement multi-surface brushes. Visit iRobot Store – Parts and Accessories or use an authorized retailer to order them. If you’re within your first year of ownership, make sure to contact iRobot Customer Care for assistance.
Conclusion
Roomba errors can be frustrating, but luckily it’s usually a simple issue that can be resolved with some easy troubleshooting and cleaning. If your Roomba error persists even after following these steps, please contact iRobot Customer Care for further help. They will have the best advice to make sure you get the most out of your robot’s experience! Thank you for taking the time to read this article, and we hope it helped diagnose and resolve any Roomba issues you may have encountered.
