Roomba Charging Error 3? (Just Do This Now)

Charging error 3 is a fairly common problem with the Roomba 520, 891, and I, j series robot vacuums and other models manufactured by iRobot.

Like charging error 8 and charging error 5, it usually occurs when there’s a problem with the charging unit itself. But it can also be triggered by other issues, such as low battery power or outdated software. If you’re trying to solve this issue, this guide will help you.

Why does Roomba Charging Error 3 occur?

There are several potential causes for this error, and I’ll review how to fix each one. However, before I do that, you need to understand exactly what “charging error 3” means.

Charging Error 3 in a Roomba vacuum indicates that the charging system isn’t working correctly. It can happen if the Roomba can’t establish a connection with the charging dock or if the battery is damaged and needs to be replaced.

Fixing iRobot Roomba Charging Error 3

To fix the “charging error 3” issue in your Roomba, ensure the charging dock is plugged into a working outlet. If the outlet works, try cleaning the Roomba and Home Base’s charging connectors. If the Roomba is still not charging and is continuously displaying this error, factory reset your Roomba.

Before proceeding to the step-by-step guidelines, take a look at the following table for a better understanding of this problem.

Step 1: Clean the charging connectors

One of the possible reasons your Roomba is showing you this error is that it can’t connect itself with the home base, which is probably due to the dirty charging contacts.

In this case, the first step you should take is to clean the charging terminals. To do that, follow the below steps:

• First, remove the bottom cover and the four screws.
• Then check whether any connections or terminals are broken and, if so, make the necessary repairs.
• Wipe the battery terminals and dock connections with a pink or magic eraser.
• Reattach the bottom cover and reinstall the battery.

Now charge your vacuum for 12 hours and check if Error 3 has been resolved. If this doesn’t work for you, move to the next step.

Be sure to clean the charging points of the home base and the Roomba.

Step 2: Check the charger if it’s damaged

As mentioned, charging error 3 typically means the robot’s charging system isn’t working correctly. It could also happen due to a damaged or malfunctioning power cord. Here’s how to check if this is the case:

• First, closely inspect your charger and power cord for any damage that may be causing an electrical short.
• If you see any damage or defects, try replacing the power cord.

Step 3: Reset your Roomba.

 

If none of the above methods work, factory reset your Roomba. Hopefully, this will fix the problem. Here’s how to do that:

• For 20 seconds, press and hold the “CLEAN,” “SPOT CLEAN,” and “HOME” buttons.
• Hold them until the White Ring Light spins around the “CLEAN” button.
• Let the button go and wait some time. The Roomba is now resetting itself, which might take up to 1.5 minutes.

Remember: after a factory reset, you will need to reconfigure your Roomba and remap your house as if it were a brand-new robot.

Step 4: Replace the motherboard! (Video Guide)

If none of the above-mentioned methods work, you need to replace your Roomba’s motherboard with a new one. You can do it yourself If you have some technical knowledge. But first, you have to buy a motherboard from Amazon or an iRobot store.

Recommended: caSino187 Authentic Motherboard PCB for Roomba 670, 675, 676, 677, 690, 692, 694, 600 Series Roomba. Check more details on Amazon.

If you have bought a motherboard, follow this video guide:

Article Summary

If your Roomba is displaying the “Charging Error 3” message, there are a few things you can try to get it back up and running:

• First, check the charging contacts on the Roomba and the charging dock. Please make sure they are clean and free of debris.
• Try charging the Roomba in a different outlet.
• If you have another Roomba charging dock, use it.
• If you have a spare battery, try using that in the Roomba. Or replace the battery with a new one.
• Finally, if nothing works,  try resetting your device.

Note: according to the manufacturer, iRobot, the battery of the Roomba may last up to two hours after being fully charged. You can charge it up to 400 times, equating to two to four years of use.

If you still have questions, feel free to comment here and share your experience with me. Stay healthy and be happy with your cleaning assistant. See you in the next article. Goodbye!