Automatic Litterbox Central

I got my Litter Robot last November. About six months after getting it, I was having problems with the robot stopping mid-cycle with a flashing red light. I was advised to cut the tie that creates tension on the nylon cord which fixed the problem for a couple of months. I have not put a new tie on it yet (I just requested the kit for that). Then, it started again. I was advised to use WD40 on the sensor contacts to clean them which also worked for awhile.

However, over the past couple of weeks, I have noticed that the robot will start and stop repeatedly over the course of the cycle. I clean the contacts once a week and I don't see any broken or loose wires. Sometimes, it will get through the whole cycle with a few start and stop moments. Othertimes, it will not restart and the red light will start flashing and it stops for good. Litter level is good.

Does anybody have any suggestions??

I bought a used one with the same problem.

I also cut the tie and just received the kit. (The kit is only 2 ties. I thought they would also send a new switch because of the problem as well. If I had known it was only ties I have plenty around the house!)

I still have to play with the contacts to get it working most of the time. I also have to slide the draw in and out to get the clumps to settle.
That may actually be the problem you are having. If the clumps hit the line, it'll stop the process.
Or it could be that the sensitivity needs to be adjusted (-sensitivity)

I like the screening process of the Robot but having sludge smeared over the outside because I didn't know it was full is pretty poor.

I just went back to the LitterMaid and bought a new rake assembly since I needed parts. I will be selling my Robot after cleaning it up.

I just cleaned the tray, so that shouldn't be a problem. I know what the usage is by now and so I don't have to check the tray all the time (I just clean it once a week for two cats).

I believe the sensitivity will only change if the cycle is triggered at all. I think the problem is with the safety sensor which senses if the cat has entered the box while the cycle is in progress. However, since there is no tension on the cord leading to that sensor and I have sprayed it with WD40, I don't know what else to do.

I have only limited experience with mine but I did get it to work.

When a cat enters, the sensitivity switch on the bottom front (looks like a support leg with 2 wires) is tripped and the Robot knows a cat has entered.

Over time I suppose the switch needs to be adjusted.

But I would get more information from others or the company before following what I have to say. There is a lot of experience here and they can be very helpful.

OH, one other thing. When mine stops and starts a few times during the cycle lately, it is because of one inquisitive cat. He likes to stand on the step and look inside. Of course the unit pauses then starts after he has stepped off. One it starts, he gets curious again.

The cats are not stepping onto the tray during the cycle, so I don't think that is the problem. However, I have noticed that the globe is wobbling a bit during the course of the rotation as if the teeth of the motor wheel are not lining up quit right with the grooves on the globe. It was not doing this before. It may be possible that this wobbling is enough to trip the sensor. I am not sure how to fix it though.

Yes, the wobbling could be causing that.

It could be that the globe needs to be lifted off and set back on the base squarely.

This is a known issue. I recommend you call our customer service line at 1-877-250-7729. We can either repair or replace your base unit. Fixes have been implemented which should prevent this from happening in the future.

Best regards,
Brad Baxter

I have had the same cycling problem with the unit that I have. I followed all the instructions that are posted on the forum, as well as what is in the manual, and still had the problem - only now, after it worked for a week, the sensor isn't working at all. The sensor stays green all the time. I just contacted customer service and was given the same information that is posted on the forum. Therefore, this problem has not been resolved and I have a unit that is not working after two months.

This is getting a bit frustrating since this is the second unit I have had. The first one had problems with the globe that could not be repaired. Brad recommended that the company send a new unit. I was really pleased with how he handled the issue - great customer service. However, after two months, I am having problems with the base. This time customer service recommends I find a box and send it back to them.

A quick update - Litter Robot is sending a refurbished base to replace the one that is no longer working. I really hope that I can get past the two month mark this time. It is a great cat box when it is working.

It's been three months and the new box is working great. The only problem that I have had happened today - which is why I am checking out the message list. I changed litter when I was not able to get the one that I have been using for several months. Unfortunately, one of my cats does not like the new choice, Nature's Miracle. I believe it is the smell that she doesn't like. I guess it's back to the old one.

I have to say that the people at the Litter Robot company have been great to work with. No other company would have gone to the extent that they have for their customers. It really is a great product with great customer service - made in the USA.

I have had my LR for 11 months and have always had some problems with the LR cycle. Stopping, moving forward/backward and then completing the cycle. But in the past few months it will do the forward/backward movements then just stop and all the light will flash. I have adjusted the sensor foot, played with the sensor wire above the basket, completely cleaned the LR, but still the unit will not complete the cycle consistantly. And its annoying when the cats wake me up in the middle of the night because the LR has not completed its cycle and the cats have no where to go. Any suggestions?

I suggest you contact customer service at Litter Robot.

Terry,

We also just received your letter yesterday regarding the problems you described. I wrote you back with some comments regarding the on/off switch you requested. Please contact our customer service or get back to me so we can coordinate getting your unit fixed, modified, or replaced - whatever it takes!

Best regards,
Brad

Terry:

I have contacted the people at Litter Robot by email with much success. If you find that you need to contact them in the future for any reason, I suggest you try that way - much faster results.