Roomba not charging – Roomba 960 diagram
When I first saw a Roomba®, I was not impressed, but I changed my mind after owning one for almost ten years. At first I thought it was a frivolous plaything that would be inadequate for cleaning and it was expensive. Now after years of use, I am convinced of its worth and I am impressed with its engineering.
In 2016, after my spouse had heart surgery, I bought a Roomba® 960. Now seven years later, I have to say it was great investment freeing us from vacuuming. We also have pets and this machine is great at picking up hair . It navigates furniture and vacuums beneath sofas and beds in multiple rooms on a single charge.
The roomba is compatible with smart devices such as phones, Alexa® and Google Home®. It is incredibly easy to operate. The newer models are less expensive with more features and offer even more functionality.
Roombas make great practical gifts for working families and elderly relatives.
Care and Feeding of Your Roomba®
Over the years of owning a roomba, i learned a things or two that I would like to share. I have used these methods and they worked for me.
My Roomba® Is Not Charging Correctly…
Roomba® not Charging…
Probably the most common problem is charging which maybe an easy fix. Most likely this problem is caused by dirty charging contacts on base or vacuum. Using a pencil eraser to rub/polish contact. Another method is using a paper towel moistened with rubbing alcohol (IPA, isopropyl alcohol) to clean contacts.
Next steps
If the roomba® still isn’t charging or performing well after cleaning the charging contacts, maybe the battery needs to be replaced. My roomba was seven years old and I decided to replace it. Its very easy to replace the battery with just a screwdriver. On the 960, there are four screws in a rectangular pattern on the bottom of the unit. Removing these screws reveals the battery compartment. The battery isn’t connected to the roomba and is easily removed and replaced.
After seven years, I replaced my roomba battery with a TATTU 4500mAh XLife Extended Life Replacement Battery. It works quite well with almost 2 hours of cleaning time per charge. It didn’t catch on fire so far though my roomba is docked most of the time. All good. But there is an alternative to aftermarket batteries, but at twice the price.
Maintenance and Care
Besides emptying the lint bin, there are a few other simple things I have done to keep my roomba® healthy.
- Check the extractors (multi-surface brushes: tubular rollers on the bottom of the unit). The roller ends can get clogged with hair and debris. Easily cleaned!
- Check the HEPA filter in the dust bin/filter unit. I will usually just tap the filter on a hard surface OUTSIDE THE HOUSE and maybe lightly brush with a small fine brush. If the filter bad condition or every few months, I will replace it.
- Check the dirt disposal port after removing the dust bin.
- Check ball wheel at front, easily detached, check for lint build-up
900 Series Service Diagram
This is a diagram of a 900 series roomba® layout generally similar to most iRobot vacuums.
- Bin
- Debris extractors
- Battery door
- Cliff sensors
- Front caster wheel
- Side brush
- Right wheel
- Floor tracking sensor
- Charging contacts
- Left wheel
- Room confinement sensor
- Handle
- User interface
- Localization camera
- Bin release