I don’t use my Roomba regularly, but it ran fine last time I did. I just tried to fire it up and it mostly spins in place and backs up in small increments, then issues the “uh-oh” tone and 9 beeps. Searching the internet leads me to believe this is a stuck bumper sensor. I’ve jiggled the bumper, sprayed air, even removed the bumper and checked it. The bumper moves freely and nothing is obviously wrong.
IRobot gave me the option to purchase a replacement “chassis” for $120 (out of waranty), (they won’t sell parts) but I’m reluctant to do so … so far this is one of the more expensive and least reliable “toys” I’ve purchased. Note the word “TOY” … I’ve stopped calling it a vacuum … I’ve still got a vacuum that my parents gave me when I went to college (I’m currently 49 and they are long dead), and it still runs fine.
As an Engineer, I’m surprised by what appears to be good modular design of the Roomba compared to it’s apparent fragility. What are my options. I see that this site sells replacement bumper sensors, but I find it hard to believe that I’ve got an actual electronics failure.
Do you have any thoughts or suggestions? Know where I can get a shop manual for the thing?
Thanks, Cla.
Vahon:
Thanks for your quick reply. Am I correct in assuming that the bumper switch and cliff sensor assembly, RB-Iro-9720, includes 2 of the bumper sensor boards assembled in the switches (along with the cliff sensors)? So another option would be this assembly for $16 more than buy 2 of the raw sensor boards… That way I’ll have extra sensor parts just in case.
Hi clabrown,
The nine-beep error is a dirty or defective bumper sensor. We always first recommend you spray compressed air in between the bumper and chassis to clear out any debris that may have accumulated there.
Seeing that you have already tried that, it is most likely that the bumper sensors are defective. It most likely is an electronics failure; this is what we’ve found from experience with the Roombas. The replacement bumper sensor boards you mentioned will work if installed on your robot.
iRobot does not repair or sell parts for the Roombas (beyond modular parts for the 500 and accessories), so there is no shop/repair manual available as far as we know.
Another option is to have us repair the robot for you. Please see here for more details on our repair service.
Lastly, you could always trade-in your Roomba and get a 40$ credit towards to purchase of a new robot (or even other items, if you so prefer). Please note that all Roombas purchased from RobotShop come with a 5-year warranty.
If you have any questions, please let us know.
Thanks,
Hi clabrown,
Yes, you are correct. The bumper and cliff sensor assembly basically has two functions built into that harness. It has the two bumper sensors, and it also has the four cliff sensors. So you very well could purchase an RB-IRO-972 or 9720 and just take the two bumper sensor boards for your Roomba, while hanging on to the four cliff sensors for future use.
Thanks,
Is there a PDF instruction for installing the RB-IRO-972?
Hello,
have the same exact error with the difference that my Roomba is a 595 pet series and experience the identical response after injecting compressed air.
Having said that, had a look on the manual and seems very self explanatory so I’d try to change it by myself:
1- a) Could anyone tell me what exact spare parts should I purchase (reference) ?
b) do you guys sell them?
2- Also, my sister has the same model and her roomba’s battery just died. Would any of the new models work?
robotshop.com/en/roomba-batt … eries.html
else, where could I find it?
thanks!! David
Repair manuals for the Roomba can be found at our Roomba Resource Center.
Please refer to the disassembly manual and part of the bumper sensor replacement manual.
