Roomba 550 - Charge Error 5 - But Battery is Charging?!?

[Necro]

I'm pulling my hair out trying to figure this out. Basically, I hadn't use the Roomba in awhile (as in...over a year). Went back to try to clean, get it running, etc., and now it's refusing to work. Situation is basically the following (on a 550):

- It comes on w/the light green. When I press clean, does the 4 note song of doom then the light turns red.
- When I charge, it pulses orange slowly. Then, after about 30 minutes, gives the 'Charge Error 5' error.
- I've reset/recharged a number of times, doesn't fix it.
- The PSU is outputting a solid 22.54V (measured by my DMM)
- The battery is outputting 17.29V (again, measured by my DMM)
- The batter termistor resistance is 10.22kohms just sitting out on my workbench

Not sure what to attempt next...direct charging of the battery...or how to do additional testing of the robot itself. The battery IS a few years old...so could just have crapped out but don't want to replace only to find it's another $100+ part to fix.

Any suggestions?

[vic7767]

You can determine the health of the battery by placing it under a load test of 2 amps. This can be accomplished using a 12 vdc 25 watt lamp (auto taillight). Observe how long it takes for the battery voltage to go from 17 to 12vdc. If less than an hour then the battery is defective.

[mfortuna]

If you left the battery in the roomba for a year without charging it the battery could be too damaged to charge. A load test like vic7767 mentioned could help determine what is wrong as could direct charging.

[Necro]

Hrm....this may be a good little usage of my 'learn electronics' kit Thanks for the info. I try that and then see how it goes...I'm guessing the batter is dead/screwed but just want to make sure.

[mg06981]

Hey Can you update this thread I am having the same problem.

[vic7767]

Hey Can you update this thread I am having the same problem.

Have you done a load test on your battery?

[mg06981]

No I haven't, I don't know how to do that, and don't have the tools for it tbh.

[vic7767]

Your choices become somewhat limited without some basic tools for troubleshooting a robot. A $10 Multimeter from Radio Shack, some alligator clip test leads, a 12 volt auto lamp, and possibly a Phillips head driver to remove the bottom plate of your Roomba to access the battery. You might consider installing a new battery.

[mg06981]

ok Thank you