Scooba error stuck but not stuck

newmom · Joined: 28 Dec 2006 Posts: 259 Location: Wisconsin

I have a new problem with Scooba. It may have been stuck for a while and left unnoticed. It was not stuck when I came upon him. When I re started him, he went in a crazy pattern and then shut off, re-started and then completed the crazy pattern before shutting off again, then again he re-started himself after two seconds or so and then after doing the crazy pattern said he is stuck. He was in the middle of the room however just like before. I cleaned the unit but still, it is always the same. I hate to say this, but he is my 4th replacement in a year. :cry:

Gordon

newmom wrote: I have a new problem with Scooba. ..., he went in a crazy pattern and then shut off, re-started and then completed the crazy pattern before shutting off again,... Read about axle-bearing wear here:
http://mysite.verizon.net/gsplews/7frnt-whl.htm
...a non-rotating caster wheel can cause that behavior (but, may be model dependent).

newmom · Joined: 28 Dec 2006 Posts: 259 Location: Wisconsin

Gordon wrote: newmom wrote: I have a new problem with Scooba. ..., he went in a crazy pattern and then shut off, re-started and then completed the crazy pattern before shutting off again,... Read about axle-bearing wear here:
http://mysite.verizon.net/gsplews/7frnt-whl.htm
...a non-rotating caster wheel can cause that behavior (but, may be model dependent).

I checked out the link. This front wheel moves well. One thing I did learn to do for myself was to pop out the wheel and clean it anytime it did not spin with a quick roll. I think I have only had this Scooba for a few maybe three months, so maybe I should just send him back.

Thanks again for this suggestion.

Gordon

newmom wrote: ...I checked out the link. This front wheel moves well. ...I have only had this Scooba for ... maybe three months, ... The holes in the wheel-shroud, or -fender, can wear into oval shapes in that period of use (at least they did in 2006, Q1). Over 2006, Q4 to present, I have not spotted complaints about that type of wearing, so its possible that iRbt changed the material used in that shroud, and solved the excessive wear-fault.

You cannot simply free-spin the caster-wheel to determine whether such wear is great enough to allow the wheel-tires to rub against the inner surface of the shroud. You must also push the wheel toward the shroud (as Scooba does via its own weight) while turning the wheel. If you feel any dragging, Scooba does too; and, if it senses lack of proper rotation, it may go into a wheel-debris clearing mode (which could look like the "crazy" motion you have seen). Quote: so maybe I should just send him back. ... If the shroud-holes are worn larger, enough that you can rattle the axles in their holes, ask iRobot-CS for a new caster-wheel assembly. If you see / sense no such wear, "send him back".

newmom · Joined: 28 Dec 2006 Posts: 259 Location: Wisconsin

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You cannot simply free-spin the caster-wheel to determine whether such wear is great enough to allow the wheel-tires to rub against the inner surface of the shroud. You must also push the wheel toward the shroud (as Scooba does via its own weight) while turning the wheel. If you feel any dragging, Scooba does too; and, if it senses lack of proper rotation, it may go into a wheel-debris clearing mode (which could look like the "crazy" motion you have seen). Quote: so maybe I should just send him back. ... If the shroud-holes are worn larger, enough that you can rattle the axles in their holes, ask iRobot-CS for a new caster-wheel assembly. If you see / sense no such wear, "send him back".[/quote]

I had a spare front wheel I tried after re-setting, but no change so off goes Scooby.

THanks again.