When you drop your tool on the floor and battery turns off, you get annoyed. When it turns back on and you plug it in for a fast charge, but notice that charger light is flashing red, you’re not happy. Because Metabo tools performs well and last long, a bad charger seems to break down the system.
It is more than a single part failing, it is a failure of communication between three thing. You usually don’t need to replace the charger brick. Chargers is more like microcomputers; they talks to the wall outlet, the tool and the battery.
If that conversation go wrong, the charger will not charge. Know the conversation and you won’t have to buy one you don’t need. You’ll keep your wallet in your pocket and avoid purchasing a new charger because the issue isn’t the charger at all.
Diagnosing Common Metabo Battery Charger Faults
Dirty Contact Points and Oxidation
The most common issue stem from dirty contact points. Oxidation occurs rapidly when copper are in a wet/dirty environment, such as a shop. Resistance develop between battery charger contacts and terminal ends based off a film of dirt/oxidation.
When the charger sense resistance it shuts off to protect itself. It’s doing its job. Often the fix is simply cleaning the contact points.
Isopropyl alcohol and a rag work well. Alternatively, use wire brush. Proper care prevents bigger problem.
Low Battery Voltage Protection
Next check the battery voltage. The Lithium-ion batteries is tightly protected with circuits that will not allow them to be charged if one of the cells are less than two volts. Basically the battery are dead through neglect.
It can’t be revived by the charger safly. Same result on other chargers. No good.
Problem lie with the battery. Either replace it or cycle it. If you ignore it, you’ll end up with bad batteries sitting in your shop.
Temperature Sensitivity Issues
Chargers is sensitive to temperature, especially with lithium batteries. Extreme temperatures is bad for lithium chemistry. The battery might simply say no and refuse the charger if it is too cold (i.e., out of the heated garage).
The battery need time to warm up. It can take as long as 20 minutes. People thinks the charger is broken.
It isn’t. It’s doing what it should of do. If you have been heavly using your battery and it is now hot, this will also stop the charger.
Wait for the light to change as a way to see if it’s working. Other common causes includes power problems. For example, voltage drops can happens with a long extension cord or a weak outlet.
Unstable Power Sources and Fuses
When the charger detect an unstable source of electricity, it trips its own internal fuse. Why? The charger think a short circuit has occured because of voltage drops from a weak outlet or long extension cord.
It believe there is a short circuit. Plug something else into the outlet. If possible, plug straight into the wall.
This take the variables out of the power grid and limits problem to the charging system. You should also inspect it for physical damage. The housing of the charger may be cracked or the pins bent, which will block the signal.
Physical Damage Inspection
Examine hardware carefully. Is there any melted plastic or burn marks? If so, your casing is damaged, leaving the internal circuitry open to damage from debris or moisture.
Don’t take chances with damaged parts. Replace the part that has been damaged as soon as possible. Newer models gets firmware updates.
Firmware Updates for Compatibility
Metabo chargers, for example, have USB updates on some moddern models. Older firmware might not be compatible with new battery chemistries. Look for firmware updates on their website.
It’s a quick plug-and-play fix for compatibility problems. It’s something easily forgotten but a simple remedy. Before purchasing a new charger, inspect its power source, contacts, voltage and temperature.
Most failures is caused by environmental factors different than mechanics. Keeping your tools humming save you money and time. The indicator light go green.