scooba stops running/stuck

mchelz3 · Joined: 27 Jun 2008 Posts: 3

Sosha, our scooba, is encountering problems. When she is running, she stops and beeps, I'm stuck, however, she is in a open area where there is nothing to be stuck on or around. When I press clean again, she tries to start going but is not successful.

stevematlbch · Joined: 17 Jun 2008 Posts: 10

Have you checked the front wheel? It needs to spin freely, if it does not, pull it out and clean it. 2nd thing to check is cleanliness of the area behind the bumper, if dirt builds up it will conclude it's stuck. I got a lot out very quickly with a pipe cleaner, to do it right you need to disassemble. The pipe cleaner every few runs has kept me running fine. Hold it so that any loosened stuff falls down and out when using a pipe cleaner.

mchelz3 · Joined: 27 Jun 2008 Posts: 3

Okay, I tried the above, and still failed. However, one of the back wheels has started gradually stripping....could it possibly be that?

I am so frustrated, the robot was purchased late December of last year and I was so impressed with that I ordered a scooba in January of this year. Both have gone on the blink this week. Parts deteoriate on it so fast. I had already had a problem with the scooba within the first month and at first I was pleased with customer service because the immediately sent a new tank for it. However, it was not the tank they went with the scooba, still works with it, but apparently the original tank was backordered. They said I would be put on reserve list and would receive the correct one....that was three months ago and have yet to receive the correct tank.

Now my irobot, brushes quit turning, and thus is not picking up debris. I emailed customer service two days ago and still have not heard back for a solution. As well as one side brush has fallen off and the rubbery piece has ripped in two places, on the filter and the bin.

My hubby was just about to give me the okay to purchase another irobot so I could have one upstairs and one downstairs, however, now I am not certain I want another. I had been talking these up so much and have had friends/family purchase their own, but I didn't expect so many problems with them for only being 5-6 months old.

stevematlbch · Joined: 17 Jun 2008 Posts: 10

If your robots are under warranty you should get a response within a few days of doing the "email irobot support" thing, with a preliminary answer, a ticket number, and usually some questions. If you have no response after 3 business days you might want to do it again. I don't believe that "no response" is typical.

All the rubber things are wear items and they do wear a little quicker than you would hope.

If you spend some time going thru this forum and the 1 at irobot, you'll pick up a lot of tips on maintenance that avoids problems, and also a bearing modification to the 500 series that will save you grief down the road.

mchelz3 · Joined: 27 Jun 2008 Posts: 3

Thank you for your response.

The robot is still under warranty and customer service did respond. I will have to send it in for repair.

I sent in an email for the scooba as well.

Thanks so much