How to fix a Maytronics Active20/30/60/Dolphin when it runs a few seconds and stops

If you have any questions please contact us through our website at: www.poolspecia...

[@AlexSzell]

This is why KZbin is worth every penny. Videos like these are gold. It helped our little vacuum, thank you!

[@MyMomHadMe]

How much you paying? Lol

[@AlexSzell]

@@MyMomHadMe whatever your wife’s rate is

[@MyMomHadMe]

@@AlexSzell damn that sucks for you brother.

[@CornPopWazABadDude]

Especially when you've never paid a penny to use it 🤔... What version do you have that requires you to spend pennies?

[@bingefox4056]

youtube has done alot for youtube.

[@mikebraze6545]

i had the same problem, i was a click away from ordering a new control unit until i came across this video. took 5 minutes to fix. thanks a million guys!!!!

[@snowmanfl]

While waiting for Maytronics to contact me about my Dolphin Explorer 20 that would travel 2 feet before shutting down, I found your video and followed your instructions. I found that a very small amount of hair wrapped around the impeller was the culprit. Thanks again for taking the time to make this video!

[@jwilkinson171]

Thank you so much! You just saved me hundreds of dollars at the pool store! My impeller had long hair twisted around it into a knot, which thanks to you and your clear directions, I cleaned off. And now my Dolphin pool vac is working!!! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!!!

[@TomWilson8003]

Worked perfectly. Thanks for saving me $150 and a trip to the pool store. Why Matt Tronics doesn’t include videos like this with their FAQs is beyond me. Thanks again.

[@judyhathcoat7853]

That was very helpful. I have seen a number of videos that simply showed how to clear the impeller from above. We have four trees behind the pool and lots of palms that shed those little wiry threads. Thanks!

[@_MikeLI_ATX]

Thank you so much! This video should be the first one that pops up when a search is done for an automatic pool cleaner starting then stopping! Thank you so much!

[@kevindodge732]

Such a quick and simple fix, sometimes I just need an expert to point me in the obvious direction. Thank you!

[@mgarcia8878]

The impeller gets jammed up so easy that I'm surprised they have not come up with a solution like a screen to prevent hair and debris from getting trapped in there.

[@MrBrianJoseph]

Sitting at my work station today facing off against 6 of these bad boys diagnosing and I tell you, Your videos are very very helpful Thanks Alot!

[@wildgoose6596]

I was very disappointed to take my impeller out and find that it was spotless. I found a tiny acorn or pebble in one of the directional vanes that surround the impeller. I removed the 4 screws popped that little guy out (it fell in the lawn and was gone so I'm not sure what it was) and put it all back together. To my delight, my robot is back to cleaning! So while it was not this exact issue, it was very similar and I wanted to let other viewers to know to make sure those directional vanes surrounding the impeller are clear of any tiny bits of grit. Thank you!

[@joeldstirling]

Thank you I will try this now

[@scottripley8535]

Thanks Craigie. We at the Ripley Homestead appreciate your guidance. We have Rosie up and running again thanks to you.

[@memargolis]

I had this problem. Took it apart as was shown. It was clean. But for some reason, now its working. So thank you.

[@donnellwalah5690]

This was the EXACT problem I encountered today (after several cycles picking up winter debris from the bottom). The instructions took me 15 minutes to fix our "Little Geek". Debris plant "needles" had wrapped up the impeller like weeder whacker line. 5 minutes to clean out. "Little Geek" back in business! Thanks, Craig!

[@ironsled]

Thank you for the video. I wish this reply may help someone else out. The propellor was clear. After checking the belts, realized my drive gear wheel was hopping around out of balance. This created a start and stop effect under a normal cleaning cycle. The small gear output of the motor was binding on the drive wheel. I swapped the left drive wheel for the right drive wheel. Cleaner is back in business. Be sure to take a close look at the gear and wheel play after removing the track belts. Placing an order for a new wheel. Device is cleaning like a champ. Cheers!

[@markamark123]

This issue happened today 12/23/2023, and your video helped me figure it out! Thank you

[@southerntanker001]

Thanks Craig! Just what we needed. Saved us some money and it is a simple operation.

[@fyrmun37]

Thank you! Our “Lil dude” was doing same thing and I just cleaned the fan area with my fingers and he was good to go after doing same start/stop. He’s been picking up pine needles and the ladies’ long hair which tangled up the fan. Didn’t wanna risk breaking the waterproof seal. He’s happy to be back to work now 😂 What an amazing little machine. Was gonna try to find an expensive replacement on Black Friday, but saved a lot of money. Thanks again!

[@jmackinjersey1]

There isn't any water proof seal in the areas where he is servicing in this video. The w/p seal is in the housing that holds the motor/board, which is under the impeller shaft.

[@Shezyootz]

Thank you for helping me fix my dolphin. I’ve saved myself some money especially how easy it was to fix it.

[@maxdowdy2888]

Great Video! Definitely earned a subscriber, had a little piece of plastic that was jammed and preventing the impeller from spinning. Saved me a lot of money Thank You!

[@victoriababbs3635]

Thank you so very much for making this video! It worked perfectly for us!! You not only saved us money but time waiting for the repair.

[@duanebeecham3582]

Thank you very much. You saved me a few dollars. I almost ordered a new unit before finding your video

[@shinycharizards]

My impeller is not blocked yet the robot has the same behavior. The rollers spin one direction easier than the other, however there are no obstructions on the track. Any ideas?

[@Sendnomail]

Me too. Still not going on reverse.

[@spungewurthy]

This happened to me. The next few power ON cycles, I spun the impeller forward and backward by hand AND moved the square piece that "aims" the water (just above the impeller) side to side gently to make sure it was moving freely. It has run several startups with no problem since :)

[@artiejanow9942]

@@spungewurthy could you explain that in a little more detail. Does that mean you take it apart again and move the propeller by hand? I’m not sure how this works with a power on while you’re doing that. Sorry I’m just a little confused. Any clarification would be greatly appreciated.

[@TheRemyRomano]

@@spungewurthy mine did the same thing. I didn’t take mine apart, but just turning it on and off i was able to get it to run a few more times in full cycles but now it has stopped again so I’m gonna be tearing it apart tomorrow to see if the impeller is dirty

[@spungewurthy]

@@TheRemyRomano I did it a couple times and it's been running perfectly for a month

[@kentmarvin8602]

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU! I was dreading hauling my Dolphin S300 in for service. It was reporting a comm error but that's because a pine needle jammed the impeller and after a time-out period (I assume), it reported a communication error - buts that's because after it dies and becomes not responsive, the control assumes its a comm error. So THANKS AGAIN for posting and solving my problem!!!!

[@shaunhakimi3736]

Thank you very much from Australia. my trusted pool guy charged me $270 for the same job four weeks ago and it happened again with all wifie/s hair tangled around the fan lol

[@AndreasLoffler-ry2uv]

Thank you very much from Austria/Europe as well!!! Saved a lot of Euros and the waiting time for the service-guy! Thank you!!!

[@davesmyth7030]

Brilliant thanks. The pictorial instructions that came with my Dolphin where useless but your video helped me sort out the problem. Many thanks.

[@ahmedvanya8840]

Thanks for this video. Looks like many people are having this problem. This is definitely a DESIGN FLAW! For my 10-year-old Dolphin DX3 I need to unscrew only 2 screws to clean the impeller. Maytronics is in the business for many decades and should fix this PROBLEM instead of keep on confusing the customers with many labels & covers. The customers should NOT have to get into the GUTS of the machine to fix this common issue.

[@jmackinjersey1]

Same here. Mine has not been working for a few months, and unfortunately I can not find the parts.

[@VladimirFilimonov-g9s]

Great video, thank you so much! Well, my problem wasn’t the blocked impeller but the comments gave me an idea. Disassembled the robot almost completely and the problem was my worn brushes inside the impeller’s motor. I adjusted it a little bit for now and it worked! I need to order the new brushes now. Hope this might help someone :)

[@joeldstirling]

How would one adjust the bushes ?

[@VladimirFilimonov-g9s]

@@joeldstirling I did a detailed reply but my comment just disappeared. I’ll try again. The wires from the bushes don’t allow them to be pushed further by the springs. I pushed it deeper into the slot and it was just enough for the motor to start working again.

[@VladimirFilimonov-g9s]

Well, I tried to post a link to a very helpful video but KZbin deletes it. Anyway, I ordered 10 new bushes 14x6x5mm from Amazon for 15 AUD, shortened them to about 10mm length, soldered in and everything is fine now 😊

[@markmolinaro7355]

Mine is doing the exact same thing. Just bought it a couple days ago. Thought I got a bad one and was going to return it. I’m definitely going to try this. Thanks for the video!

[@DangerousDave256]

did it work?

[@ibsn87]

If impeller is clean and spins freely. Try running it upside down on a bench. Then if it continues to run. Put it back in the water. I stripped mine down, cleaned it all out (it was fine). Bearings are fine. It’s a few years old and needs brushes for the main DC pump motor - but you can’t buy them from Maytronics which is a scam. They will only sell you an entire new motor. Brushes are a consumable part. Anywho. Put it all back together and it only ran a few seconds still…. Ran it upside down (perhaps a recovery maneuver?. And it’s run ever since. Still needs brushes soon though (before it destroys the motor from brushes running out).

[@inked87]

Thanks for this video Our robot has been acting up and this was the fix for it. She is moving right along now 👍👍

[@bribribri555]

Brilliant, thanks so much. Robert the robot (ours is a boy) looks like he's got a new lease on life, and I'm feeling pretty pleased with myself that I managed to sort this out with my husband away. :-)

[@bigcheese82]

We call ours Robbie haha

[@seachefX]

ours is totally clean and stops like yours does any more hints .We have replaced the pulleys and belts and power cord,

[@airness007]

Thank you so much! We bought a 2nd robot and can now return it with this fix!

[@edgarmetums9437]

This worked on Dolphin dx3 thanks for the informative and not boring video.

[@jkapur]

Thanks for the instructions. This fixed my Dolphin Triton.

[@KleerOreMob]

What a legend, doing the pool owner community a service!

[@Curiosities-cr9ux]

Thank you, you helped me repair my neighbour's robot. She was going to throw it away and buy a new one.

[@7SlotFever]

Thank you for the video. I had a chickle at your naming yours Rosie. Yes, i too am from that generation. Mine, is named Robbie. 😊

[@manuelrendon1876]

This worked like a charm. Thanks so much for creating this video!!

[@shermantx]

6 month old Quantum… it was doing the same thing, checking showed impeller clean…. I put it back in the water and it’s up and running. Perhaps it reset after being unplugged? Anyway, thanks for the clear and constructive video on Dolphin maintenance… Cheers

[@jonchappell2]

Very clear instructions! Worked like a charm. Thank you!!

[@lucky3217]

THANK YOU SO MUCH!! Saved me a few hundred bucks!!! 🤝

[@andyjamesable]

Brilliant solution .. many thanks for this .. so simple and so effective .. our Robot is called Henri by the way ( we are in France )

[@susanfraysseruss4290]

Fantastic! Worked like a charm. Found an acorn lodged in there. You saved me a lot of time and money - Thank You!

[@sledhead904]

We are surely moving to a disposable electronics era. People don't realize a little bit of maintenance goes a long way! Great video

[@Yabberfrat]

Totally! Saving thousands and thousands of dollars! 💰💸💵🎉

[@mguerramd]

I have a Polaris 280 and a Dolphin on order. My plan is to occasionally use the Polaris with a leaf bag when I have a lot of bigger debris and the Dolphin routinely when it's smaller stuff.

[@packadrum]

That was great and helped a ton. But my belt keeps coming off on one side alot and only one side even with new belts any ideas on why? Thanks Mark

[@BatonRouge225]

Worked! Yeah saved me time and money in just minutes thanks to this video

[@jmackinjersey1]

I just disassembled my DX4, and there was ablut 1/4 cup of water inside the motor/board housing. No wonder it doesn't move, and the blue light is solid. The guy at my local Leslie's is going on vacation, so I'm not sure where to buy the parts. It was purchased 4/19/20, so it's "juuuuusssstttt outside of the 24 month warranty." We had the control/power unit replaced about 6 months after I initially purchased it. I'm not sure it is as robust as our previous Maytronics pool bot. I don't remember the nomenclature, but it had the bag under it, and had 80's esque pastel coloring. Unfortunately the replacement parts on it were hard to find, so after 3-4 years of my second hand use (it came with the house when we bought it.), I broke down and bought this new one. This new one is designed a lot better as the top load basket is easier to clean and the daily timer is better. But to me, the inside/working parts seemed to be better quality.

[@jameshess5538]

Thank you so much you are truly making the world a better place keep doing Gods work

[@atavistica9135]

+1 Thanks so much! Saved me 100 dollars and more than that in pia

[@marinakolkevich1706]

Thank you very much!!! Perfect, detailed presentation!!!

[@julietstone]

This was extremely helpful, thank you!

[@FurtherfasterCoNz1]

Thanks for this saved me a whole load of time and effort

[@lindsaywieand2434]

I was able to fix my vacuum. Thank you!

[@mikesterbrau]

Thank you so much for taking the time to do this video and do it well!

[@craigwooster6646]

Glad it was helpful!

[@bronsenlasconia7368]

I did this cleaner thoroughly and it’s still doing the same thing of stopping after a few minutes? Any other suggestions? Thx

[@jmcmanus1803]

Update/solution!!! I started having this issue non stop. So much debris in the top part and outside of the basket. Turns out my rapid drain flap was missing! (The black flap between the wheels and robot). It prev came off and I thought I reconnected but apparently didn't, found it laying on side of house. To reconnect you have to use pliers to pull knotches through. It's working amazing now!!

[@דבקפלן-ק5כ]

I did as you said a month ago and it worked. However, it stopped working again even after cleaning it out. It goes for around 30 seconds and then turns off. Please- any further suggestions? Greatly appreciate it.

[@delo56]

Excellent video. Just what I needed.

[@5t3f4]

Hello, could you give me some advice to recover the waterproofing of the box, I can no longer get it, it continues to have infiltrations, thanks

[@christineeiswerth1111]

I have this model. Its blowing small debris back into the pool from the top where the holes are. I guess its the water shoot. Can u help?

[@KarlSheppard-t3f]

My Dolphin DX4 moves about 3-4 feet and stops. I checked the impeller and it was clean. I replaced the impeller anyway and it still only moved about 3-4 feet and stops.

[@TC-dp3vv]

Mine is doing the same and impeller is clean; did you solve it?

[@Jamthrutraffic]

woo hoo! just fixed my Active 40 aka "george"! Thank you so much!

[@715chopper]

How do you replace the front and back spinning brushes?

[@nickpaust6636]

Fixed the problem. Thanks for the video

[@spungewurthy]

IF cleaning the impeller doesn't work, here's what I did in addition: The next few power ON cycles, I spun the impeller forward and backward by hand AND moved the square piece that "aims" the water (just above the impeller) side to side gently to make sure it was moving freely. It has run several startups with no problem since :)

[@TestDummy652]

Same issue. Everything clean. Took the main housing apart and there was water inside of it. The control board had mineral build up. Tried to clean it up and no success. At this point I think I need a new board the motors seem to be working fine.

[@OrsiniHome]

Cleaned the impeller, there was hair and pine needles clogging it up. But this did not resolve the issue. It still is only moving forward about a foot then stops. Any other ideas?

[@markstuckey7307]

My impeller was clean also, it runs great actually, and is churning up the water quite well. But the cleaner is still running only a few minutes then stops.

[@PaulBotto]

Craig, great video. Super helpful. I did what you said and it worked for 1 day. Now it is doing the same thing. Pulled it apart again and made sure nothing remained in the impeller area. Impeller will spin by hand as will the final drive unit. Still does the forward and backward dance and then stops when back together. Any followup ideas if that doesn't seem to fix it?

[@bryangoble5530]

I have the same issue right now. I have a service tech supposed to come and check it out now.

[@Davidz-cx6dt]

If anyone knows where to get the 2 drive gears I will replace those also. I can find them for the Dx4

[@gustavogoncalves5062]

Hey Bro, would you be able to help me? The left belt of my robot is not running. only one side goes forward and backwards, the other side stay still, so it wont clean. Do you think its a gear issue?

[@jadapan1]

Thanks Craig, I came very close to throwing mine in the dumpster.

[@debraparenty6558]

Someone gave me their dx4 proteus I put it in the water , it moved around but doesn’t pick up debris. Do you know where I should start to troubleshoot?

[@melvintramble8051]

Very helpful explained everything in detail ready to go and fix my new dolphin pool cleaner most not really new

[@carlbaglio1163]

Did the procedure you recommend and still having the same issue, mine was clean. Any other recommendations/ I see others are having similar expriences here.

[@i3mvp278]

Same issue here

[@tobin669]

Mine was doing the same thing and the impeller was clean. 2 possibility's could be motor brushes or motor bearings. Mine ended up being the motor brushes were worn out. I ended up custom modifying some and it works perfect now. I have more brushes for sale or you could ship me the motor and I'll put them in.

[@williamwilliamsii5290]

My dolphin run through the self test by moving forward, moving back, and running the fan. After that, it will not move. The impeller has been checked and it is clear. The basket has been emptied. Any suggestions?

[@onthespotwelding1]

Love the Rosie name! We named ours Johny 5!😂😊

[@tkkak1932]

My propeller was loose. Working amazing now

[@SLDIKJF]

Thanks! It worked for me on my Dolphin E10!

[@Nuevo80]

I cleaned the impeller and even changed the cable and mine still moves a little and stops and cannot turn it on again. power supply is working. Would it be the motor? thanks

[@artieboy.7943]

I have the same problem. I’m gonna change the robot tracks next. Hopefully that works

[@TheRemyRomano]

I let my neighbor use mine and it’s been doing this since I got it back. I thought I was gonna have to buy a new one, but I will try this tomorrow.

[@charbelmaroun2264]

I have a t55i brand new. I just wanted to make sure that the power supply is working so i did a outside off water test but for some reason my dolphin didn’t stop running it did the cycle and pause then start running again is this normal??

[@stevenhall9802]

Brilliant, thanks for the tip. Was spot on

[@thomasglaser6583]

what if it moves back and forth briefly and stop, but the impeller is running?

[@rform3596]

cheers mate, Mark was exactly the same thank you

[@madjiofcimmeria]

My still doesnt work and i even replaced the cord. Is there a reset button? If so where?

[@mkingan1212]

same issue as mine, going give it a try, ither jammed or bearing is bad

[@alessiomartino220]

Thank you. Fixed my issue.

[@mis100tubos]

I’ve got the same problem (the dolphin do the same), but it’s clean!? The only way it works is leaving without the black piece (I guess it’s a piece that makes the robot rotate)…then, IT WORKS !?!😳 Message: overload propeller/Reset robot Ok … Not always the reset works!?! If I use the robot manually (remote), it’s the only way that it works with all the pieces…!?… I’ve tried everything: do you know any solution? Thanks!

[@kcgustke]

My Dolphin PS Triton does this where it won't pass the self test. The impeller is clean and there is no debris. Sometimes it works after i take it out of the water and put it back in but it's very hit or miss. The gears and track are fine so maybe its a motor issue. It i do the upside down test it works occasionally as well.

[@joeldstirling]

Same here. Upside down works fine. Did you find the answer in the end ?

[@kcgustke]

@joeldstirling no. I am guessing the impeller motor is not operating correctly... I don't think these last very long and are designed to fail

[@beetlerunner]

I did this. Cleaned impeller and it made it work for two minutes instead of three seconds. Any ideas why it would now stop with a clean impeller after two minutes? I will add that the blue cord has a break in it

[@joeldstirling]

Same as me, thought it was fixed and then same again

[@aaronwilliams7220]

I'm problem was water got inside and was halfway up the motherboard and the capacitors and what not. Thank u for vid though very helpful.

[@beckysanmiguel7010]

Where can we purchase a new power cord

[@j9o8e7l]

Brilliant, many thanks ❤

[@MarkSteele-g2g]

Ok so tried this and it is not my problem.. My vacuum completely turns off help

[@ZIGGY-z5n]

Is it OK to leave in water overnight?

[@briancamidge3230]

Okay, I did that but it still comes on and shuts off. I have 2 power supplies and it does that with both, so I don't think it is the PS. I tried to send via website, but not working

[@craigwooster6646]

You will need to replace the whole drive unit. Thanks for letting us know about the website.

[@briancamidge5336]

@@craigwooster6646 OK but I also want to ask you about the cable I have a 3.3 V drop from the power supply to the end of the cable. Could that be the problem? Or are you convinced it’s the drive?

[@craigwooster6646]

@@briancamidge5336 3.3 V drop on that cable is not unusual but if you look at the cost of the motor block its almost cheaper to buy a new unit.

[@pokerface1967]

Thank you my Brother

[@bucksfan8344]

Mine starts, rolls 2 ft and stops, i excitedly ckecked my blades for jamming but clean as a whistle , any other ideas ? Its a Nautilus Dolphin CC (not the plus) 3 yrs old. Ive tried unplugging from power for extended times.

[@tobin669]

Mine was doing the same thing and the impeller was clean. 2 possibility's could be motor brushes or motor bearings. Mine ended up being the motor brushes were worn out. I ended up custom modifying some and it works perfect now. I have more brushes for sale or you could ship me the motor and I'll put them in.

[@mixin36]

@@tobin669 how much for new brushes shipped to MI? Thanks

[@tobin669]

@@mixin36 $25 shipped. For reference the impeller motor # is 52ZY24-50

[@SS-ji8px]

Thanks. I’ve cleaned mine all out to no avail. Thinking the motor brushes are toast. My boy has been running three years.

[@simmonsco]

@@tobin669 Do you still have brushes for the Nautilus Dolphin CC (not the plus)? Is the motor easy to remove so that the brushes can be installed?