So back in 2005 (yes dating my roomba!) we purchased our first Roomba Discovery 4310. It worked great for about 2 years, then finally started giving us some issues, and well was moved to the shed to sit.
I tried once or twice over the years to see if I could fix it, but didn’t really bother too much. While cleaning out our shed I came across it, and thought what the heck, let’s give it one more go before throwing it out. Needless to say I spent a few hours on some forums reading up, and there seems to be a lot more development that I can see over the years. So I need your help in finding out what the issue is!
- it won’t charge. Obviously. It’s on the original battery. Regardless, to phase out what the exact problems are I’m going to test the original battery, JUST to make sure before buying another one.
I read a post by Jgendron asking to use a multimeter to check a few readings. I borrowed a multimeter and I’ve posted some images below of the readings. I’ve posted the images because I’m not 100% sure if I set the multimeter correct.
Battery:
http://ditchmond.com/images/misc/roomba/roomba_battery.jpg
Fast Charger Lead:
http://ditchmond.com/images/misc/roomba/roomba_charger.jpg
Home Base:
http://ditchmond.com/images/misc/roomba/roomba_homebase.jpg
Now from what I read, I should get 22.5VDC approximately from the fast charger and when the charger is connected to the home base, I should get across the base’s terminals 4.5VDC approximately. As you can see i’m getting different readings, so I’m not sure if 1) i’ve set the multimeter correctly, or b) my charger is fried.
The reading of the battery is from leaving it on the charger overnight for approx 16 hours. I did do the battery reset (pull the battery, hold down power for 1 min and then plug all back in). I know i’m suppose to wait 72hrs, but I got the multimeter today, so I figured I’d check all the readings and then do the 72hrs again (starting now).
So is my charger fried? Should I leave for 72 hrs? When the battery is in right now, the unit will not start up. The power light is currently slow flashing red while on the charger.
TIA!!
Thanks Julie. I was about to order, but a friend told me of a company that locally sells them (saves time on shipping) so I ended up picking one up locally.
And guess what, the roomba lives on! I plugged the new battery in, pressed power and clean and it started right up. I let it run for around ten minutes, then stopped it and put it on the charger. I’ll let it charge overnight and run it tomorrow as long as a full charge will go for.
So right now, i’m super happy! Glad to find out that it was only the battery. 5 years this Roomba sat in the closet unused 
What is best way I can keep the new battery in good condition? I know I should use it often, but guess my main question is if it’s better to the on the fast charger directly or from home base (slower but better for battery?)
We would suggest replacing the battery completely and not just the cells. We offer a very good quality replacement battery.
Glad to hear that your robot is back to life! Good day,
A Roomba battery usually lasts for approximately 1.5 to 2 years with proper care. It can also last longer if you reset it using the Roomba battery Reset Procedure which can be seen on the following links:
robotshop.helpserve.com/Knowledgebase/Article/View/29/0/roomba-battery-500-series–reset-procedure
robotshop.helpserve.com/Knowledgebase/Article/View/1/0/roomba-battery-discovery-series–reset-procedure
We suggest always leaving your Roomba on the charge whether on the home base or connected directly. We also suggest to use the robot at least a few times a week. If you plan not using your Roomba for more than a couple of weeks we suggest charging your battery fully then removing the battery from the Roomba before storing.
You can use the battery reset procedure every month or so.
We see from the pictures that you have been reading the power supply and home base voltage on the ACV setting of your multimeter. You should read it on the DCV reading just like you did for the battery. This should fix the different readings you are getting.
It is important to note that the battery may read close to 17V but, it may not be able to keep a charge while in the Roomba and a cleaning is started. If your battery is from 2005 you will most likely need to replace it. This would be the first step.
Do you remember what the original problem was with your Roomba?
Your voltages are correct. If you tried the roomba battery reset procedure, we would recommend the full 72 hours.
As soon as you get you battery running, we will be able to help you with the original problem.
So I unplugged the cord today. Pressed on the power button, but nothing, nada. Didn’t even turn on. I plugged the charger back in and the light went back to slow flashing red again. I’m almost 100% certain the battery is dead.
So I’m looking into my cheapest option for battery replacement. Do I replace the cells or just buy another brand battery? Any recommendations?
Thank you!
Fast Charger: 22
Home Base: 4.2
I recall getting a beeping error, just can’t recall what it was. Today when I woke up I noticed the light on the roomba is a solid green. Shall I still keep it like that for another 2 days prior to pressing clean?
