How to fix the Pinch Sensor on the Litter Robot 3 w/ the flashing yellow light

[@kaifan209]

it is a shame for litter robot that customers have to come up with all kinds of smart ideas to solve all the issues that should've been avoided by design

[@vincentlu36]

I became the latest victim

[@star75023]

We don't. It's in the manual.

[@kaylacampos9816]

Worst design ever I’ve gone through two of them cuz of this bullshit

[@MrRenyart]

@kaylacampos9816 I'm sorry to hear this. What is exactly wrong with your litter robot? And do you have litter robot 3 or the little robot 4?

[@v1anen]

@@star75023 really?? where?

[@myriamfranco7989]

I had this issue and followed the cleaning from the Robot's website. A lot of work! I noticed there is a small gap between the sensor and that's the way litter gets inside. Why couldn't they fix the issue? Thank you Mr Renyart for this idea, I was thinking of just taping the small crack.

[@MrRenyart]

Yay!! So glad this helped you with your LR!! Just spreading knowledge I've learned from other LR users. Cheers!! 😄

[@jondirive]

HERE'S ANOTHER TIP: I cleaned and bent the bonnet connection tabs but once I cleaned the area surrounding the dump hole, I realized that the two closest holes (side by side) actually have connections inside and there was litter sitting in those holes. If you're facing the front of the unit, both holes are on the left side. Once I vacuumed them clean the Litter Robot started working. Thank you for your video!

[@MrRenyart]

Glad this helped you in some way! Ty for your tip as well.

[@LiquidToast12]

Apparently there are some mysterious holes somewhere on the left side of the unit. Not very helpful. We have no idea what holes you are talking about. Are they big? Are they small? What shape are they?

[@jondirive]

I'm working so I'm not with the unit. When I'm free I'll post a link to better show what I'm talking about. I've had to clean this out a second time but everything works fine when I do.@@LiquidToast12

[@jondirive]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/b2HOiXaqgceNb68. These are the holes I was talking about.@@LiquidToast12

[@rachelkandefer7515]

My hero!!!!! I could not for the life of me figure out what was wrong with mine and this video had it fixed in no time!

[@MrRenyart]

So glad this worked for you. Thanks again.

[@samdouglas7912]

I was so scared I was going to have to get a new robot because nothing was working to fix my issue, but this did the trick!!! Thank you for the help and info!

[@MrRenyart]

Glad this helped fix your issue!

[@richwong5045]

This worked for me also! Thank you!

[@jenniferm5968]

This worked thank you! Last couple days I been getting this error mid cycle so not even possible for cat to enter and go.. I was getting so frustrated as today I was at work and had to drive home to reset to ensure cats had place to go.. so I was very happy to come across your video. Shared with family that has LR3 so they can clean this and prevent from happening. Thank you for making this video!

[@MrRenyart]

Glad it fixed your issue.

[@Andrew-tr5zg]

I had a lot of issues with the drum stopping half way, tried everything, cleaning the contacts, cleaning the whole unit, cleaning out the pinch sensor, this was over a couple of years, but afte a couple of days it would start doing this stop half way thing again. This time I cleaned the contacts with light sandpaper, pushed a little bit of cardboard in behind the contacts to keep them pushed out, i then cleaned out the little sensor on the top of the bonnet as the clear plastic oover for the sensor was full of dust, & it has not stopped once in a long time now and I think this is what made the difference. It would always stop half way leading me to think it wasn't the bonnet contacts but something else like the cat pinch sensor or bonnet contacts, as it should have stopped at random points in the cycle, but worth cleaning out the contacts anyway.

[@MrRenyart]

I don't recommend this unless you feel super comfortable about your cats safety, but I removed the pinch sensors and taped them together(one on top of the other) and placed them back I side so that I would no longer have the pinch sensor issue. It's worked perfectly for me ever since, but I only recommend this if you feel safe that your cats don't mess with the pinch area at all.

[@shandan7090]

THANK YOU!!! This worked 🙌🏼🙌🏼 I was so irritated that this super expensive (but worth it) litter box was stuck with a pinch fault. You saved the day!!

[@tiffanyreynolds4520]

Thank you OMG!!! I was so frustrated the past few hours and found this video. Didn't do the sandwich bag hack but best believe I'm doing it to both of my robots this weekend.

[@MrRenyart]

I'm so happy that my videos helped fix your issue. I'm just sharing what I learned from other Litter Robot users. The LR community is awesome!! 🐱

[@tiffanyreynolds4520]

@@MrRenyart Well thank you again. It sucks I couldn't find this info on the site but is good cause I found your channel and have since subscribed.

[@GeminiRN1976]

I am very late to this video but I was at the end of my rope and about to cry regarding the flashing yellow light and upside down robot. THANK YOU!!!! This has fixed my issue!

[@MrRenyart]

@Pooh4u1976 oh no, I'm so sorry it's caused you so much stress. So happy that this has helped fix your issue. Happy you, happy kitty!!

[@saraly2011]

Thank you!!!! You saved me! After watching your video my L Robot start working again, for days the yellow flashing light was driving me nuts.

[@MrRenyart]

Copper, so glad that my video helped you fix your LR issue. It's a huge community out there and I'm just sharing what I learned so that more can become aware of these issues and how to fix them easily. 😻😻

[@bluizzze1313]

You are amazing. I’ve been sitting here for the last two hours trying to figure this out I’ve watched numerous videos and your video was the most clear I kept trying to figure out. Where are these pictures at or these connectors and watching your video so simple to brush it wipe itclear it out you are my hero. Thank you kindly.

[@MrRenyart]

That's awesome!! I'm so glad that my videos could help you.

[@carlabainter9848]

wow i just wiped it off and it worked! I was soo irritated cause ofcourse it takes forever for support to email u back and it’s the holidays and i have no back up litter box! Thank you

[@MrRenyart]

Carla, so glad this helped you!! Happy New Year!!

[@carlabainter9848]

thank you soo after fixing it, it worked for a couple days then my cat jumped in while mid cycle and it stoped and started flashing yellow light fast again i did clean it again and this time it won’t stop blinking 😢 i didn’t do the plastic cause i figured it must be dirty but now i’m like thinking it’s something else cause it’s not dirty i re cleaned it and it won’t stop

[@MrRenyart]

@Carla Bainter It could be a bad sensor. I had this happen to mine. I had it replaced and then it worked. Hope that helps. There is a second option but it's a last resort thing and it does require a bit of tweeking. If your interested just let me know.

[@agataszczygiel3804]

Thank you a lot!!! I had this problem for about 2 days and started to think that's the end of my robot's life 😅🤣

[@MrRenyart]

Agata, oh goodness. Haha, I'm glad you found my video and it helped fix your issue. We are a strong Litter Robot community!!

[@GlamGypsy]

THANK YOUUUUUU!!!! This has been a such a heachache for me over the past 2 1/2 years!

[@MrRenyart]

Glam, I'm so glad this helped you out. 💖

[@CheeseWithMold]

This is a wonderful solution! Was getting tired of cleaning out that small area every week.

[@MrRenyart]

Thanks, Cheese. I'm glad it helped you out. I am just sharing what I learned for other owners of the LR.

[@jade71301]

Thank you soooooo much for this tutorial. I think you solved my problem finally. My machine would cycle and after it dumped, it would stop 2 seconds and then continue up past the dump instead of going back to starting position. Then stop and not work at all and I got pinch detect error. I had to unplug it for hours and replug before it would work again one cycle then second cycle it would do the same thing. I did not notice the side of the sensor was full of litter dust, I cleaned it out and now it seems to be working. I was ready to buy a new robot thinking it was dead. Just did 5 runs and seems to be working now.

[@MrRenyart]

Jade, so so happy that my video was able to help fix your LR issue. Also happy for your kitties. 🥰🥰

[@liah68]

I also have a problem with my robot. The blue light is flashing and when I push the reset button the yellow light starts blinking rapidly. The robot is not cycling at all. I took it apart and cleaned the litter but it didn't help. Do you have a fix for it ? Thanks

[@misfitrr1]

I have the same problem right now

[@michelleriesmeyer6212]

Same here did you ever find a fix for this?

[@michelleriesmeyer6212]

@@misfitrr1 did you find a fix for this?

[@misfitrr1]

@@michelleriesmeyer6212 No, I tried cleaning everything and tried the pinch sensor bypass and nothing. Mine happened to be under warranty so they sent me a new base.

[@MatthewNabel]

Here for the same problem, anyone figure it out?

[@truthseekerhill4262]

This has become such a pain in my tush. I got this to help me with my cat maintenance. I’m over 70, have a bad back and I’ve wanted to fill it full of explosive and put it in the back yard and watch it blow up. I have another litter robot that works perfectly. My gray one is like a ford, fix, or repair daily. I’m just getting ready to go out on my screen porch and work on it again. Hopping this works. Thanks hope this works.

[@MrRenyart]

Oh I hope it helps you get it working. Feel free to ask any questions. Good luck. 👍

[@jesussanchez5342]

This the only video resolve this issue. Thank you so much

[@MrRenyart]

Glad this helped you out.

[@jesussanchez5342]

@@MrRenyart please keep doing helping videos. 🙂

[@TriciaPooh01]

Thank you so much! I have a LR 3 and have been having these issues where it won't turn sometimes and then sometimes it does turn to dump the litter and will start to rotate back to its regular position but will stop before it gets there. This helped a lot!

[@MrRenyart]

Tricia, horray!! So happy this helped fix your issue. It brings joy to my heart to know these continue to help other LR users. I was in the same position as most of you. I learned from other LR users in the community, and I just wanted to pass on what I learned to others.

[@dshaw8659]

Very useful! thank you

[@MrRenyart]

Glad it helped you out!!

[@ahlamabdelhamid872]

Three months ago I had a problem with the pinch sensor I had mine for 2yrs. They send new ones it worked and now I have a problem with the cat sensor, they are sending new base still waiting for it. Two cats its now easy with a regular cat litter box help me

[@MrRenyart]

I'm sorry to hear your having issues. Glad they are sending you a new base. The sensors due cause a lot of issues. Hopefully you won't have any more. However, I do have a video on how to remove the pinch sensors so this can't happen, but you have to be really careful about doing this. It disables the sensors so if your cats like to play around in the box a lot or during cycles, it could harm your cats. I did this for my first LR3. My cats are good about it so I never had an issue removing the pinch sensors. So do be very very cautious if you decide to do this later down the road. I've also have tips on how to prevent the sensors from getting dirty using a lil trick I learned from another LR user. So check that out first. Hope things work out ok for you. Best of luck.

[@jamieboshears554]

0530 am November 18, 2023. So far, this seems to be working. The hardest part? Finding the starting place on the danged tape. Fingers crossed this holds.

[@alisonpope9642]

My litter robot is stuck in the dumping position and it said the pinch sensor default. I’ve cleaned the robots waste and the buttons won’t respond and I can’t get my box to return to home position or cycle. Any suggestions? It needed to be dumped and I was at work and before I got home the pinch sensor thing went off and it’s stuck in dumping position

[@tiffanyreynolds4520]

Sounds like the cat triggered this. For anyone else having this issue and it is in the upside down position, turn it off then back on then press the reset button. It should cycle. If the LRB is in any other position or wont stop RAPIDLY blinking, follow the video above.

[@israelpantoja2037]

Thank you SO much!!!

[@MrRenyart]

Israel, glad this helped you out. 🤩

[@sang_de_rose5361]

Very helpful. This vid helped me solve my LR problem. A lifesaver! Thank you so much!

[@MrRenyart]

I'm glad it helped out. I'm just sharing what I learned from other Litter Robot users.

[@lolotroll2]

Good stuff but required to watch on 2x speed

[@MrRenyart]

It's a process yes! 🤣 Thanks for the comment.

[@blaxkheart8312]

Thank you so much for this. True life saver

[@MrRenyart]

Sorry for late reply. I'm glad that this help you out.

[@lindatarnawskyj2362]

The flashing yellow light was an issue that has come up often. I will take your advice and put the plastic cover over the sensor. The blue flashing light is my other issue and in reading the replies by others, I may have to get a new base. The unit is not that old but I have more than 4 cats that use it and want to buy another but don't want to deal with two flashing units. I would get a Robot 4.

[@MrRenyart]

Sounds good. Let me know if this fixes the issue for you.

[@michaellybarger8119]

Thanks so much, your fix worked!

[@MrRenyart]

Fantastic!! Glad this helped you out!!

[@Dani4True]

Is this error a superfast yellow blinking?? I’m having that today. I see a slower yellow blinking online but not super fast like mine. I even tried a new base and that wasn’t it so I’m wondering if I should do this, too?

[@MrRenyart]

Make sure nothing is blocking the two sensors on each side of the base. Like a plastic trash bag etc... You can also clean the sensors(qtip) and the plastic covering them. If you have a brand new base, then it's possible that you have faulty sensors. Kind of odd if the base is new. Contact customer service asap. They have always been a super help to me over the years. Also, check to make sure the globe is set properly and the black handle in the back is in the correct position. Some things I know. Hope this helps you.

[@Dani4True]

@@MrRenyart Yes I checked. The only thing I can think is the pinchers??

[@Dani4True]

@@MrRenyart I cleaned the side ones to the bonnet. However I would need to take it apart to clean the pinch ones. I’ve never done that…yet. What do you think?? I’ve seen some hacks to bypass it. Idk. Btw, thank you so much for responding and offering help. 😊

[@MrRenyart]

Yes, you can physically remove the pinch senors(lil metal clips inside). Be very cautious if you do this. That will eliminate the cat safety if they are prone to getting inside while it's moving. It will not stop and can injure your cat. I did this on one of mine because they never messed with it, and they were a bit older.

[@Dani4True]

@@MrRenyart Yes, thank you so much for that and for your responses!! My cats are past doing that thank goodness, so I think it would be fine. I actually have two bases not in use that did the same thing, so I hopefully have them as spares. I wouldn’t dare dispose of them. I want to fix them since my child left me with five cats! 🥹 I know it’s way too many for me, but I love them and this is the only way I can deal with five inside. 🥹😀 Idk why the DFI sensor is also sold with the pinchers but I know I also get the pinchers separately. I may try that instead of bypassing to begin with. I don’t think I need the DFI, do you?? I definitely want to figure this out because these are worth keeping at the price they cost. Plus they have gone up in price since I purchased mine three years ago. Any advice if you know if the DFI usually goes berserk with the pinch detectors let me know. I’ve wondered why they do sell the DFI with pinchers. Still, I’m starting out with pinchers on one base and going from there unless you think the DFI is probably damaged, too?? They don’t seem too complicated to fix and the plastic Skelton of it is what costs the most. It’s ridiculous the price so it’s best to repair them in my case. I appreciate all of your advice. 😊

[@Thrakus]

i found the metal moves and no longer touches, it also rusts gets dirty, and bands, push up so it lines up sandpaper the rust off, then put a piece of the sandpaper in the back of the metal at the touching point to force it to touch. now the Pinch Sensor works but needs to be pushed harder so still stops if a cat it stock.

[@MrRenyart]

Yes this happen over time. It's why I use the plastic to cover the sensor area to keep litter and dust build up from getting down there. There is an alternative method as well but I only recommend it if your cats don't ever poke around in the sensor area. You can remove the two metal prongs and tape them together and this will eliminate this issue. However this also eliminates the sensor if your cats gets their foot down in the hole. So extreme cation is advised. Only do this if you are sure your cats have never messed with or are not curious about that part of the box. Otherwise do not do this.

[@jackpayne4778]

Cut the wires to the sensors and wire nut them together, done, bypassed, throw sensors in the trash.

[@xanbloodwalker]

What? Tell me more!

[@Robin-qx5ct]

My hero understatement ! Thank you!

[@MrRenyart]

Glad this helped!! Just spreading what I learned from other Litter Robot users.

[@Carol-f1m]

Thank you. This was an easy fix. It has worked for several weeks. Now can you help me with the blue light. It never flashes when drawer is full. I do not have it connected to WiFi.

[@MrRenyart]

@Carol-f1m So glad this helped you with your LR. As for the Blue light, it could be a faulty sensor, but if everything else is working, I'm not sure. I empty mine, at least once a week regardless of it being full. Check on their website for more info.

[@Carol-f1m]

@@MrRenyart With 3 cats it takes more than once a week.

[@MrRenyart]

@Carol-f1m 🤣 I know that feeling. We use to have 6, but now down to 3 ourselves.

[@deldeek]

My lr3 cycle light is flashing light rapidly what’s seems to be the issue ?

[@dudemanaric]

Replace the dfi pinch sensor. Free under warranty or 30 bucks. They're shorter and insulated now

[@cathybolton5852]

I tried covering it with ziplock bag but it pushed it up when it cycled and stopped. I had to take it apart and off.

[@donnaford3263]

I have done everything under the sun now fixing to do this. I have never NOT been able to fix this issue but it has now been 7 days...........UGHHHH

[@MrRenyart]

Probably a faulty sensor? Contact Customer service if you haven't already.

[@lexjordan23]

Thank you! This video was a game changer! Helped us so much!!

[@MrRenyart]

Thank you, Lex. I'm happy to hear this fixed your LR.

[@thomasrecher7899]

This worked - Ty !

[@MrRenyart]

Thomas, so happy that this worked for you!! 🤗

[@breerivera8865]

Life saver!

[@MrRenyart]

Yay! I'm glad this helped you!! Another success l!

[@mike1024.]

Have any further designs of litter-robot fixed the problem where you had to add plastic to the pinch sensor? Like another person said, it's ridiculous that you had to do something yourself like that that wasn't included in the design. They've also made it next to impossible to clean because it can't be removed and the underside is inside of the plastic housing. Mine has a lot of gunk that is built up because of other people hitting reset and cycle every time the blue light was flashing (because that solves the problem when it wouldn't cycle!) instead of emptying the tray...

[@MrRenyart]

Not that I'm aware of. I assume the Litter Robot 3 isn't going to change now that the 4 is out.

[@mike1024.]

@@MrRenyart Does the Litter Robot 4 fix this problem, or does it still have it?

[@MrRenyart]

@mike11986 I don't know. I don't have a LR4. Some day, perhaps.

[@mike1024.]

@@MrRenyart Thank you for the information! We have a 1 or 2, not sure how old, but it has this problem quite severe.

[@MissFidget]

That's what I'm going through. My lazy roommate did that for 10 days while I was on vacation. Blue flashing light ever since. Were you able to fix yours?

[@MatthewNabel]

Note to anyone buying one, dont get the extended warranty theyre never available

[@MrRenyart]

Not sure that's accurate. You can just go to the website log into your account and add the warranty. Make sure it's still within your 1yr warranty tho or you won't be able too. Matthew I'm not sure what issues your having, but all customer service. 🙂

[@christyhobgood4917]

Very helpful thanks.

[@ryanasao9566]

It worked... Thank You :)

[@MrRenyart]

Ryan, glad this helped fix your issue!!! 😸😸

[@jackdayhovakimian]

Thanks. Hope it helps!

[@leyanihevia6173]

Thank You!!

[@McFlysGarage]

I have a fast flashing yellow and everything is clean. Pinch sensors have continuity, yet I still get the false drawer full to fast yellow lights.

[@MrRenyart]

Joe I'm sorry to hear your having issues. If none of the videos have helped fix your problem, you could have a faulty sensor board. In this case you should contact customer service and get help. I had this issue with my LR3 connect. If you haven't, I highly recommend the 3yr warranty. Good luck.

[@Artic_47]

Did you end up figuring this out? I have the same issue.

[@melodydekleva1543]

Hoping this helps!!! Will lyk!! Thx!!

[@MrRenyart]

Melody, I hope it does, too. Please let me know. Thanks for watching.

[@imogenemccarty8695]

Why does my yellow light and blue stay on at the same time?

[@MrRenyart]

It could be a faulty sensor or something is blocking the sensors like the trash bag. Happens all the time on mine. Double check that and see if it helps.

[@xanbloodwalker]

Nope, this wasn’t it. I’ve done this before. I’ve done all the videos. Still doesn’t work. Such a pain!

[@MrRenyart]

You might just have a faulty sensor. I had to replace mine. Only other thing I can suggest. Contact customer service. I hope it fixes your issue.

[@TheRook-td4fn]

Same. Wasn't it. 😔

[@ScarletCrazed]

Any ideas for a cat censor fault issue?

[@MrRenyart]

Hey Scarlet, there are a few videos here on my page that may help you with the yellow sensor fault. Please give them a watch and see if any of them help with your issue.

[@camm4000]

Doesn't necessarily fix the blinking light once it's started. This is more of a preventative thing to protect the sensor from getting litter and junk in it. Would have been nice to do this before, but now my sensor is corroded and gross and the blinking light won't go away.

[@MrRenyart]

Yeah, that probably means your gonna have to have it replaced, unfortunately. I'm so sorry. Sorry this didn't help fix your issue. 😔

[@msgfrmdaactionman3000]

Thanks, been using my litter robots over a year and never did this, lol.

[@MrRenyart]

Awesome. Glad this could help further your love for your Litter Robot.

[@arielmartin5047]

I just sent an email to them cause this is fucking ridiculous. Not everyone can buy a new fucking robot every 2 years it's crazy.

[@MrRenyart]

I totally understand. Maybe it's a sensor issue? I had to have mine replaced, and it fixed all my issues. I'm sorry your going through this.

[@arielmartin5047]

@@MrRenyart what kind of sensor? I read that maybe a pinch sensor could be it

[@MrRenyart]

The LR3 has a sensor on each side and the pinch sensor on the left side. One of mine went out, and they sent replacements for both and the pinch sensor(which is just lil metal pieces that touch each other). I disabled the pinch sensor on mine, so this won't happen again, but I recommend this if you are 100% sure your cats never mess with the drop area of the box. Otherwise, I wouldn't disable it.

[@arielmartin5047]

@MrRenyart I'm not entirely sure I just know it blinks the yellow light in cycling and it never does anything. It doesn't even halfway cycle now. Just blinks yellow.

[@MrRenyart]

@arielmartin5047 sounds like it could be a sensor issue to me. I highly recommend getting it replaced. If your LR is still under warranty(or if not) I would get it replaced.

[@jenniferbaebler6946]

I am so Frustrated with mine and beginning to think the $700 I paid for it is not worth it.. I have always got an issue with it and I just got this in January of 2023

[@janai1420]

Same girl!!! i should’ve gotten a looloo

[@jaydeann3561]

I'm having this issue with my leos loo...

[@jenniferbaebler6946]

This is bullshit you have to tape thar giving how much we pay for it..I am so mad..about to send mine back..700 bucks and u have to do all this..what a scam charging that much and u have to do all this..I am not happy at all..

[@smithtyler4557]

Grow up

[@smithtyler4557]

The bag and tape is only needed if you feel like your gonna be lazy with it. Just cleaning it out will fix the issue

[@arrianranger5800]

So very long and boring! Far longer than needed, however information's is good.

[@devine62]

I had to shut this one down and go to another tutorial.

[@mike1024.]

A little editing goes a long way, but still, it wasn't that long and I use skip clicking profusely in videos.

[@benzandpour]

SKIP THE FIRST MINUTE

[@jtsers2]

You didn’t fix the issue with it constantly blinking. What a waste of time watching this nonsense.

[@MrRenyart]

You could have faulty sensors, and they need to be replaced.

[@mcnuggetjones859]

Soooo there is no solution is this video. Thanks

[@MrRenyart]

I'm sorry if this solution didn't fix your LR issue. It could be another issue. It may actually be a senor or the pinch sensor. There are videos on those as well. I've had to have them be replaced because they went out. This video is a preventive solution. I would suggest you contact customer support. Again, sorry it didn't help with your issue.

[@mcnuggetjones859]

@@MrRenyart no I’m wrong for attacking your video because I was upset that my LR broke. I’m sorry for the negative comment on your video and thanks for taking the time to make something to help others.

[@MrRenyart]

@mcnuggetjones859 I totally understand. They are pricey machines. We want them to work. The LR community is huge, and thanks to them, a lot of the frustrating issues I had with mine were mostly fixed. I did have to reach out to customer service and get a replacement part. Overall, tho I'm super happy with both my LR3's. I really recommend reaching out to them. I also bought the extended warranties for both my units( just before the 1yr warranty ended on each 😉). It's totally worth the extra for 3 more years. Now you know why I'm doing these videos. I'm just sharing what knowledge I've learned from other LR users. I do hope you get yours fixed Pronto because these things have been a life saver for both me and my 80yr old mother. It's the reason I bought a LR(for her 6 cats 🐈).

[@AdrenalineCrew]

So annoying why you keep wiping and not going to the next step. No one wants to watch you brush and brush. That’s not helpful

[@MrRenyart]

And not annoying to read replies about annoying posts. It's a video, you can simply advance it..not too hard. Thanks for watching. 🤭

[@jackpayne4778]

Damn hurry up I'm losing interest