Have you ever had computer problems and then you tell your I.T. guy (or smart computer friend) that your computer isn’t working, and he comes over, and the computer is working perfectly? This happens to me more than I’d like to admit. Often the problem is something super embarrassing, like, “Oh, your computer’s not turned on.” Friends, let me tell you—there’s not many things that make you feel as silly as not realizing that your computer wasn’t turned on.
I feel like the same types of things can happen with flashlights. You might be convinced that your LED flashlight is broken beyond repair when it turns out that the problem is you don’t actually know how to turn the flashlight on.
To save your dignity and your time, here are some super easy, basic trouble-shooting tips for your flashlight.
Basics of Flashlight Troubleshooting
1. Check the batteries
One of the first things you should do if you turn on your flashlight and nothing is happening is to check out what’s going on with the batteries. Make sure that the batteries are in the right way. If they’re not, it’s a super easy fix! Turn the positive and negative ends the right way, and your flashlight should work.
2. Make sure the light is assembled properly
Make sure the flashlight head is screwed on properly. Surprisingly , sometimes the head of the flashlight is slightly misaligned, which makes your flashlight appear to be broken. Simply taking off the head and making sure it’s screwed on properly can make all the difference.
3. Try new batteries
If you’ve been using the flashlight for a while or the batteries in it aren’t new, it’s worth trying out a new set of batteries in your flashlight. Get out a new pair, slip them in the light, and if it turns on, you’re set to go! Battery problems are super easy to deal with.
4. Clean the contacts
Use rubbing alcohol and a Q-tip (or something similar) to clean off the contacts inside the flashlight like the springs, tube ends, inside of the head, and threads. I’ve heard that you generally don’t want to clean the O-rings with alcohol because it can cause them to become dry, brittle, and cracked.
5. From a thread I found on Candle Power Forums, I read that it’s also a good idea to short the end of the battery to see if that will work. Here’s what the thread said:
“Remove the tailcap and short the end of the battery with the end of the tube (a paper clip works just fine).
– If this works: tighten the tailcap retainer ring (note that some are reverse threaded).
– If tightening the retainer ring doesn’t work dismantle the switch, clean all contacts inside the switch area
and reassemble.
– If this does not fix the problem, but the light comes on when you short the battery and the tube end, you most likely have a defective switch.”
6. Utilize your warranty
If all else fails, you can always contact the manufacturer to see if your warranty still applies. The manufacturer may be able to fix your flashlight, send you a new light altogether, or have other helpful policies, depending on the company.
Don’t be the equivalent of me on a computer! Learn these basic things that can go wrong with your LED. Knowing basic flashlight troubleshooting can make your life a lot easier, so take my advice to heart!
What other things do you do to find out if your flashlight is really broken?
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