Fixing Roomba Error 9 and Circle Dance

Fixing an iRobot Roomba 530 with Error 9. This repair also resolves the "circle dance" issue and works for 500, 600, and 700 series robots. My Roomba wouldn't move forward, only backwards and in circles, even after a thorough cleaning. That's a sign of bad IR LEDs and/or phototransistors. See the links below for the parts and tools I used:
IR LED & Phototransistor Pack:
www.ebay.com/itm/115606220081
Soldering Iron:
amzn.to/2URUMJe (affiliate*)
Solder:
amzn.to/3bKn5jl (affiliate*)
Desoldering Wick:
amzn.to/39yiwHA (affiliate*)
Helping Hands with Magnifying Glass:
amzn.to/39upUDL (affiliate*)
*Purchasing from these Amazon affiliate links earns my channel a small commission. Think of it as a tip that doesn't cost you anything. Thanks for the support!

[@Mikeattempts]

IR LED & Phototransistor Pack: www.ebay.com/itm/115606220081 Soldering Iron: amzn.to/2URUMJe (affiliate*) Solder: amzn.to/3bKn5jl (affiliate*) Desoldering Wick: amzn.to/39yiwHA (affiliate*) Helping Hands with Magnifying Glass: amzn.to/39upUDL (affiliate*) *Purchasing from these Amazon affiliate links earns my channel a small commission. Think of it as a tip that doesn't cost you anything. Thanks for the support!

[@jordankennedy3298]

Is there a way to determine which bumper has failed instead of repairing both.

[@Mikeattempts]

I can't think of an easy way to tell if only one bumper has failed. The thing is, these sensors just seem to wear out over time so I would recommend always repairing both bumpers at the same time. It wouldn't be worth it to take it all apart, fix one bumper, and put it all back together only to have the other side fail a few months later.

[@jovonb935]

Mike great descriptive video, but you wouldnt happen to have a video for the same circle dance for coredy vaccum?

[@AndThenIMade]

Plus $7.08 shipping

[@Mikeattempts]

@@jovonb935 Sorry for the very late response, I just saw this comment. Sorry, no, I don't have any info for Coredy.

[@klaasbil8459]

I had an error 9 on my Roomba 875. What did the trick to overcome this was cleaning the small sensor windows in the bottom, near the edge. I simply wiped my finger once across each - took a few seconds.

[@Mikeattempts]

Yep, that's the recommendation from iRobot. I should have mentioned it in the video but I guess I just assumed that if you're willing to take your Roomba completely apart, you'd probably at least tried cleaning it first. ;) Thanks for watching!

[@myanh2515]

Thank you . It worked

[@docbrazen]

Tip for those that want some soldering advice: Don't touch the solder to the iron. Use the iron to heat the component lead (prong) and PCB pad, takes about 1-2 secs, then touch the solder to the component lead and PCB pad. The component lead and PCB pad should be hot enough to melt the solder so it wets (bonds) and flows on to the metal parts. If you apply the solder to the iron, the lead and PCB won't get hot enough and make a bad deformed cold joint. Don't leave the iron on the parts for more than 2-3 secs or you risk burning them out.

[@Mikeattempts]

Thanks for the tips, hopefully other viewers will find 'em useful. I hafta admit, my soldering skills could use some improvement. :)

[@patriciaterranova1074]

This was awesome and so helpful ! I only soldered one time in my life. Based on your excellent resource I’m going to try this fix! Ty❤

[@Mikeattempts]

Cool, let me know how it goes! :)

[@patriciaterranova1074]

@@Mikeattempts Mike before I begin I will have to get a few lessons on soldering. I have a brand new gun for hobbies plus the one I used to solder my gold charm bracket from the 1966 high school!

[@Mikeattempts]

@@patriciaterranova1074 Yeah, definitely practice a bit before soldering on the Roomba and you should be fine.

[@Nonez1985]

Hi Mike Nice guide for fixing the error. Just a tip for your soldering. Use a smaller tip and turn your temperature down abit. After removing the solder use flux to get a bether solder and after cliping the legs use isopropanol to clean it up.

[@Mikeattempts]

I agree with everything you suggested. Problem is, that was my smallest tip and the iron is only one temperature. :) If I start fixing more small electronics, I'll need to invest in a better iron. Thanks for watching!

[@mwaters3594]

@@Mikeattempts Does this work on 890 model?Thanks

[@Mikeattempts]

As far as I know, these specific parts only repair this issue in the 500, 600, and 700 series Roomba. Before going any further, tap around the edges of the bumper to dislodge any dust bunnies. Next, use some compressed air to blow out the area between the bumper and the body of the Roomba. Finally, use a q-tip to clean the bumper sensors and also clean the front of the bumper with a little glass cleaner. Let me know how it goes.

[@KeithSkates]

For $16 I bought and replaced the entire harness that included all of the switches and sensors with 2 spares.

[@Mikeattempts]

Nice, that would make this job much easier but I wasn't aware you could get those modules so cheap. Where did you get it, eBay?

[@herewegofans]

Fixes Goovi robot vacuum as well. circle dance caused by bad IR LED sensors and same logic installed. Thanks for head start.

[@Mikeattempts]

Ah, I didn't know the Groovi used the same method to detect bumps. I guess this would help with any robot vacuum that used IR LEDs. Thanks for the comment!

[@fernando2385]

Thank you for this video!!!

[@Mikeattempts]

Thank you for watching! :)

[@benjamincsikos3461]

Brilliant vid. Champion.

[@Mikeattempts]

Thanks for watching!

[@GuthrieDennis]

Awesome thank you 🙏🏽

[@Mikeattempts]

Thank you for watching!

[@patrickmccleary1144]

Just what I was looking for but I have to comment on your production value and narration, I majored in communications and both were excellent. It's like you were making a training film for the actual compaany! And my soldering is a little shaky :-) and I prefer to use a solder sucker I have one of the older ones from the 1970s that doesn't have that big cage on it! Anyway great work and have a nice day 🙂

[@Mikeattempts]

I really appreciate the positive feedback. It's always nice to hear what I'm doing well (or not so well). Thanks for the comment and let me know how your repair turns out.

[@patrickmccleary1144]

@@Mikeattempts it turned out fine but it took me three times as long as I thought it would to make the repair. Or should I say make the modification.

[@Mikeattempts]

@@patrickmccleary1144 That's great that you got your Roomba working again! I definitely know how you feel, this wasn't a quick repair. It almost always takes me 2-3 times longer than I thought to do most things. :)

[@tjwvjk2195]

Hey, thank you for making this video. I’m in a physics class and as one of our last assignments we have to fix an appliance of our choosing. My appliance happens to be a Roomba with this exact problem. I’ve been finding this video extremely helpful, but I had a question regarding the IR LED. Is there a way to know which one needs to be replaced? Or should you just replace both? Thanks again for the video!

[@Mikeattempts]

That's cool, I never thought one of my videos would help someone with their homework. :) I would definitely replace both IR LEDs and both phototransistors (4 individual components). They're so cheap ($7 total) that even if they aren't all bad now, it'd really suck to put it all back together only to have one of the others die a month later. It's a bit of a chore taking everything apart so you might as well replace everything while you're in there. Good luck and let me know how it goes!

[@sherylflores2332]

Thank you so much for posting the video. I had no idea how to replace the sensors, but the video walked me through it! Unfortunately Roomba is still not functioning correctly. After a few minutes of looking lost, a red light comes on and 9 beeps sound. Any ideas?

[@Mikeattempts]

Thanks for the positive feedback! Did you replace both sensors in each bumper? Most info about Error 9 says that you only need to replace the IR LED but the phototransistor can go bad too. Also, when replacing the sensors, be sure that the little circle bumps (eyes) are facing each other and that the new solder points aren't accidentally touching. You can also buy the whole bumper assembly, just in case something else is wrong in there. That's all I can think of off the top of my head, let me know how it goes.

[@Mikeattempts]

I thought of one more thing, make sure the IR LED is on the end and the phototransistor is closest to the wires. The parts look almost exactly the same but the phototransistor usually has a dark line on the top or back and the packaging should have been labeled.

[@Shino2600]

Help. I accidentally dropped my roomba , sensor down when cleaning the bin. I took off covers, Arch, the center wheel (which had enough hair to be a full sized mouse) you think that will help?

[@Mikeattempts]

Yes, you can get error 9 if the bumper sensors are too dirty so cleaning them might resolve your issue.

[@awokenbacon5047]

Hi Mike I’m trying to fix my parents old roomba and I can’t open the ir sensor and the photo transistor links

[@Mikeattempts]

Yeah, it looks like the guy who used to sell 'em doesn't anymore. I found just the IR LEDs here: www.ebay.com/itm/261191571639 . Maybe the phototransistors don't fail as often? I also found this: www.ebay.com/itm/175488664981 . It's 5 IR LEDs and 5 phototransistors but I can't guarantee they're exactly what you need. I guess you could contact the seller and ask before ordering.

[@ohadkar13]

Thank you! I will try this. i want to buy the IR pack. but I can buy it from the link.. no shipping to Israel. i found this.. Specifications: Emitted Colour : Infrared. Size: 5mm. Forward Voltage (V) : 1.2-1.4V. Forward Current (mA): 100mA. Wavelength (nm): 940nm. it can works?

[@Mikeattempts]

Contact the seller, LittleElectronics (either through eBay or via email at [e-mail]), and ask him about the specifications you found to see if they match. You could also ask him if he'd be willing to ship to Isreal. Let me know how it goes.

[@tommynanthavongsa9356]

do you know around in Dallas Tx where irobot fix?

[@Mikeattempts]

No, unless it's under warranty, I don't know any places that would perform this repair. If you could find a place, the repair would probably cost more than the average person would want to pay.

[@tommynanthavongsa9356]

how can I find out . if I need to replace phototran sistor

[@Mikeattempts]

Before taking anything apart, try cleaning behind the bumper with compressed air. If that doesn't fix it then it's probably the IR LED and phototransistors inside the bump sensors. The parts are so cheap that you might as well replace each part in both bump sensors while you have everything taken apart.

[@mikegrieco822]

time for a knew one!

[@Mikeattempts]

Hahaha, yep, it's kind of a big job. :)

[@doggone6670]

any new links for the IR LED/Phototransistor pack

[@Mikeattempts]

It looks like the eBay seller I bought from is out of stock. You could try this one: www.ebay.com/itm/275075653981

[@jffii]

Might just be dirt that somehow got inside the sensor window. Is there a way to blow it out without tearing down the machine. It's the left front that I can see dirt clouding the window. Thanks for a great video on tearing it down. If I must.

[@Mikeattempts]

Yep, this can be caused by dust buildup between the main body and the front bumper. Just use compressed air to blow out the gap behind the bumper to see if that resolves your issue. You can also clean the little sensor windows with some rubbing alcohol on a Q-tip. Thanks for watching!

[@jffii]

@@Mikeattempts the dust is inside the sensor enclosure. Inside the clear plastic facing toward the bumper.

[@Mikeattempts]

@@jffii If that's the case, I can't think of a way to clean it without taking it apart.

[@dongledhill6214]

I would like to know what phototransistors to use on a roomba 540 as the link does not work anymore as its been a few years.If you are still around could you give me a ideal on what to order.thank you Don

[@Mikeattempts]

Sorry about that, I've updated the link in the video description: www.ebay.com/itm/114741413942

[@dongledhill6214]

One question how many do I need for the unit

[@Mikeattempts]

@@dongledhill6214 The kit includes 2 Phototransistors and 2 IR LEDs (4 pieces total) which is all you need to fix 1 Roomba.

[@wannabesmithy]

Hi there, don't know if you're still active on this video but, do you know if this fix also works for series 900? I have the exact same problem of circling and only moving backwards but just wanted to be sure before tearing into my expensive robot haha

[@Mikeattempts]

I don't blame you. :) Before tearing it apart, use some compressed air to blow all of the dust bunnies out from behind the bumper. Sometimes that's enough to fix the problem. From what I understand, the fix in this video only works for the 500, 600, & 700 series. Let me know if you have any luck.

[@SharonAustin-iv8yp]

Hi, can you do the same thing for a Roomba j series?

[@Mikeattempts]

The process might be similar, but I doubt it's the same for the J Series.

[@michaelyurgalite9143]

I bought new sensors and tried to solder them. I think i burned up the circuit board. Do you know if a new one can be purchased?

[@Mikeattempts]

Depending on your Roomba model, you can buy the bump & cliff sensor sets like this www.ebay.com/itm/155291747484 , this www.ebay.com/itm/235286640444 , or this www.ebay.com/itm/373176620310

[@michaelyurgalite9143]

@@Mikeattempts thank you

[@kylemiller5442]

Hi great video - any new links for the IR LED/Phototransistor pack? Amazon ideally. The ebay link is expired

[@Mikeattempts]

I haven't been able to find it on Amazon. Thanks for letting me know, here's the updated eBay link: www.ebay.com/itm/115272998007

[@kylemiller5442]

@@Mikeattempts Thanks for the reply - Do i only need to buy one set or multiple?

[@Mikeattempts]

@@kylemiller5442 One set should be all you need to fix both bump sensors.

[@90210sky]

how do I reverse the video for reassembly?

[@Mikeattempts]

Hahaha! 😂

[@patriciaterranova1074]

Well, you show that there are two parts to fix the 9 Beeps Circle Dance for the Irobot: IR LED & Phototransistor Pack. I found a part on the internet that was supposed to fix the error. I received two "EMITTERS" that appeared to look exactly/similar to each other yet Im unclear if the part is correct. You show two different names on the parts, is there a source for what I specifically need? I'm worried about my parts. But, it didn't stop me to learn how to solder. With the help of a handyman, we actually attempted to replace one on the front bumper EMITTERS, even to the point of soldering it in, with the eye pointing inward, THEN the fiasco happened when the baby spring bounced off, never to be found. I scoured the internet and located an assembly with a spring but it was very expensive, so before I buy I need to be satisfied that the parts I used are correct. Any feedback, please.

[@Mikeattempts]

I went back and was able to find a new listing, from the same seller, for the exact parts I purchased to repair my Roomba. I updated the link in my video description but here it is: www.ebay.com/itm/115606220081 . So, each bump sensor has 1 IR LED & 1 Phototransistor. The IR LED shines infrared light, and the phototransistor sees that light. When the bump sensor is activated, the light beam is disrupted which signals the Roomba to back up and change direction. Anyway, I'm not exactly sure which part is the "emitter", but I assume it's the LED (cuz it "emits" the light). The phototransistor might have a much longer life so maybe you only need to replace 1 IR LED in each bumper to fix the problem. However, since it was so much labor to take everything apart, I replaced both the IR LED and the phototransistor in each bump sensor. As for the spring, I would put a magnet in a sock and swing in around on the floor in hopes of recovering that spring. Let me know how it goes and if you have any other questions.

[@patriciaterranova1074]

You are awesome! I think you're right, the Ebay source just sold me one 1/2 of the parts that should be replaced. I can't tell which one it is tell I investigate, Like you, taking apart the vacuum does take time. We were at a Dare to Repair Clinic, in a public Library Space with volunteers assisting in the repairing when my spring popped out of sight. Being a woman, men sometimes don't like taking advice from us, I actually brought a rubber foam piece and a cloth to place under the vacuum just to protect the table/vacuum and stop the bouncing of screws. Over the years, I've fixed my camera and computers, so I know about some parts disappearing and years ago, I can recall we were wearing rubber gloves to avoid wrecking the motherboards in our electronics. Regarding the Dare to Repair Clinic, you'd be perfect for organizing one. It's a Non-profit, with Tool Library, lending equipment to paid members. The point is to keep fixing and avoiding throwing things into a landfill when items can be easily fixed by a volunteer team and the owner of the broken item. Thank you. I'll share your video with the others who may have Roomba problems.

[@Mikeattempts]

@@patriciaterranova1074 That Dare to Repair Clinic sounds really cool. Anything that gives people the confidence fix things, or at least try, instead of just buying new is great!

[@bogdanpreda988]

BIG LIKE !!!!

[@Mikeattempts]

Big thanks for watching! :)

[@Peterborough_Guy_Slots]

By the time I take it apart and replace the part then put it back together I could have a new one delivered by tomorrow off Amazon

[@Mikeattempts]

Yeah, I think that's why they make the parts so hard to replace, they want you to just buy a new one. :)

[@nessieness5433]

Cannot they design this any simpler to remedy a fault, error?!

[@Mikeattempts]

My thoughts exactly! This is a pretty common issue so wouldn't it be nice if there was just a little cartridge you could replace that contained the new sensor parts? I'm sure they would rather you bought a new Roomba rather than trying to fix it on your own anyway. ;)

[@nessieness5433]

@@Mikeattempts Yes, so much is throwaway, whereas sustainability is needed to lessen our impact.

[@Mikeattempts]

I agree. If products were made to last or to be repaired easily, it would create customer loyalty. If I buy something expensive that needs a difficult repair after the warranty has expired, I'd be much less likely to buy that brand in the future.

[@elsummers7892]

Okay...so I am just buying a new Roomba...

[@Mikeattempts]

Hahaha, yeah, that's fair. :)

[@themastereal8345]

It wouldn’t hurt to try and fix it Your going to throw it away anyways

[@thespacecowboy420]

fuck this my brand new 676 is doing this im sending it back

[@Mikeattempts]

If it's still under warranty, definitely get a replacement.

[@thespacecowboy420]

@@Mikeattempts Not buying another. What a bunch of planned obsolescence garbage this thing is

[@Mikeattempts]

Yeah, I don't blame you, they aren't cheap and there are a lot of things that can malfunction.

[@CompacityOfficial]

Too much work 😅

[@Mikeattempts]

You aren't wrong! :)

[@zeezeebo]

This is too much for me, have to get a mechanic

[@Mikeattempts]

Yeah, it was a lot. Since this is a common issue, it'd be nice if they made those bump sensors easier to remove. :)

[@howaboutno6052]

You having a laugh?! You even had to speed up the video, so people watching it wouldn't give up on it! I should have watched the video first, before wasting an hour looking for a skrewdriver that is as useful as your advice!

[@Mikeattempts]

Hey man, I didn't say the fix was quick or easy but this is the fix. It's sped up in places because not everyone wants to watch every single turn of the screwdriver. If it's too fast for you, slow it down in the settings. Also, you should organize your tools a bit better so it doesn't take you so long to find 'em next time. ;) Thanks for watching!

[@howaboutno6052]

@@Mikeattempts I'm sorry mate! Didn't mean to insult or mock your work as a craftsman and DIY video creator. It was more meant as a joke (a bad one I'll admit) Good luck to you and with your channel!

[@Mikeattempts]

@@howaboutno6052 Hahaha, no problem, thanks for the clarification. :)