Error eighteen (18) means your s Series Roomba cannot return to the Home Base® or starting position.
Please check the Home Base and charging contacts:
- Ensure the Home Base did not get unplugged, moved, or rotated during the cleaning cycle.
- The charging contacts on both the Home Base and robot should be clear of residue or debris. Use a clean, lightly dampened melamine foam such as a magic eraser to remove any residue or debris that may have built up. The power indicator on the Home Base will illuminate when your s Series is charging.
- Ensure there is no clutter around or near the Home Base.
If there is a Dual Mode Virtual Wall® Barrier, or another Home Base located within 8 ft (2.5 m) of the Home Base while your s Series is attempting to dock, this may cause an infrared beam interference.- The position of the Home Base is on a hard, level surface against a wall. Your s Series should have a clear path to the Home Base and the Home Base should be at least 4 ft (1.2 m) from any stairs.
- Ensure there are no foreign objects (e.g., stickers, tape, or paint) on the Bumper or on the Home Base.
- Please check if your s Series can detect the Home Base. Test the room confinement sensor.
- If your s Series is not starting on a Home Base, ensure there are no obstacles in front of the starting position. This will prevent your s Series from being able to return to the original starting position when the cleaning cycle is complete.
Check the wheels:
- Push the wheels up and down several times and shake out any loose debris that may be trapped in the wheel well.
- Briskly turn both wheels by hand and make sure they turn freely and that each wheel exhibits the same amount of resistance. If a wheel cannot be turned by hand, place Roomba on the floor and manually push Roomba backward and forward.
- If compressed air is available, gently blow air into the wheel well.
If the message persists, try moving your Home Base to a different location and start your s Series from the Home Base. Environmental interference may prevent your s Series from navigating as expected. If navigation does not improve, please contact iRobot Customer Care.
For expedited service, please have the following ready:
- Your robot charged and with you.
- Your robot's Serial number.
- For warranty claims: Proof of purchase (receipt or invoice for purchase from an authorized retailer ).
