Lawnbott takes several attempts to charge before settling in?

[RoboBob]

Greetings all,

My 3510/3550 lawnbott does something peculiar -- When it automatically goes back to the dock to charge, it stops for about 2-3 seconds then backs out, does a large U turn then goes back to the charger - It repeats this anywhere from 3-10+ times before settling in.  I have a feeling the lawnbott is not detecting the charge quick enough, and hence continues the search for the charger until somehow it detects the charge from the base.  I checked the contacts - they all look clean and they are making contact with the bolts on the lawnbott to the flaps on the dock - I noticed the previous owner, wedged 3/4" - 1" pieces of wood under the flaps (I have removed them, since they were causing docking issues) - should there be a lot of force on the flaps - if so I should be looking for replacement springs?

Thanks!

[toolbelt]

Steal one or two of your wife's sponge pads she uses to clean the kitchen items with and use it to as a spring.  Some duct tape should hold it place so it doesn't fall out.  If it works then get a spring for long time usage..... and don't tell the better half I told you to do this, ya hear!!!  lol

[RoboBob]

Thanks!

Will try as soon as find that treasure chest of sponges! ;-)

This morning it seemed to be ok - then again it was raining, so maybe the bolts made better contact with the plates...

[Botman]

I've had the same thing happen. I take 220 grit sandpaper and polish the charging nuts and plates.  It's amazing how much can build up after a year.

[RobotLady]

It can also occur if the wire is not straight under the base or in front of the base.  Also, settling of the ground in front of the base can cause it, too.

Another thing is to remove the recharging nuts and shine up the posts they screw onto.

Try all of these things - one will fix it.

Hope this helps...

RobotLady