Stihl Power Tools

35 fault codes documented

1 glowing red LED

1 glowing red LED - Battery too hot or too cold

The battery is outside its optimal operating temperature range, either too hot or too cold. Continued use in these conditions can damage the battery.

1 glowing red light

1 glowing red light — Battery too hot or too cold

The battery has detected a temperature outside its safe operating range. This can happen if the battery is stored in extreme heat or cold, or if it has just been used heavily or charged in a very cold environment.

3 flashing red LED (AK Series)

3 flashing red LED - Internal electronic issue (AK Series)

This indicates an internal electronic problem within the tool. The unit will need to be opened for inspection and repair.

3 flashing red lights

3 flashing red lights — Problem in power tool

This signal from the battery indicates a problem detected within the power tool itself. It suggests an electronic issue or a fault that is preventing normal operation.

3 glowing red LED

3 glowing red LED - Tool is too warm

The tool itself has become too warm during operation. This is a safety feature to prevent overheating and potential damage.

3 glowing red lights

3 glowing red lights — Power tool too warm

The power tool has overheated due to prolonged or heavy use. The tool's internal system is preventing operation to avoid damage.

3 or 4 flashing red LED or no LED function (AI/AK Series)

3 or 4 flashing red LED or no LED function - Problem in the unit (AI/AK Series)

This indicates a problem within the tool itself, not necessarily the battery or charger. Troubleshooting is required to identify the specific component at fault.

4 flashing red LED (AK Series)

4 flashing red LED - Replace battery (AK Series)

The battery has an internal issue and needs to be replaced. This may be due to age, damage, or a manufacturing defect.

4 flashing red lights

4 flashing red lights — Problem in battery

This indicates a general issue or fault within the battery pack itself. The battery's internal electronics may have detected an error that prevents it from operating.

Audible 'click' not heard (BGA 45)

Audible 'click' not heard - Trigger switch may be damaged

When the trigger is gently squeezed, an audible click should be heard if the switch is working correctly. If no click is heard, the switch might be damaged.

Battery less suitable (F02)

Battery less suitable (F02) - Rated capacity too low

The battery's rated capacity is insufficient for the demands of the cordless machine. This can lead to poor performance or the inability to operate.

Battery not suitable (XXX)

Battery not suitable (XXX) - Rated capacity too low

The battery being used is not suitable for the machine, typically because its rated capacity is too low. This will prevent proper operation.

Electronic module (xxx)

Electronic module (xxx) - Hardware defect or internal fault

This error message indicates a problem with the tool's electronic module. This could be a hardware defect, an internal electronic fault, or an issue with temperature measurement or calibration.

F01

F01 - Required force during operation too high

This error indicates that the tool is encountering too much resistance while in use. This could be due to the material being cut or the tool itself. The electronics are designed to stop the tool to prevent damage.

F02

F02 - Battery less suitable / capacity too low

The battery being used has a rated capacity that is too low for the cordless machine. This can prevent the tool from operating correctly or at full power.

F03

F03 - Direction of rotation incorrect

The machine is attempting to rotate in the wrong direction. This is typically an electrical connection issue.

F04

F04 - Switch not detected / electronics do not function

This error message indicates that a switch within the tool is not being detected by the electronics, or the electronics are not functioning properly. This could be a wiring issue or a faulty switch.

F05

F05 - Control electronics issue / power levels not detected

The control electronics are not correctly detecting the power levels or are otherwise malfunctioning. The display of power levels may also be defective.

F30 - F34

F30 - F34 - Chain brake defective

These damage codes specifically point to a defect within the chain brake system. This could involve the lever, band, spring, or associated mechanisms.

F35

F35 - Chain brake defective

This damage code also indicates a defect in the chain brake system. Similar to F30-F34, it requires inspection and potential repair or replacement of chain brake components.

Four flashing red LEDs (MSE 141 C-Q charger issue)

Four flashing red LEDs - Internal issue with the battery

This indicates an internal problem with the battery itself. The battery may need to be replaced, especially if it is out of warranty.

Mechanical equipment (Fxx)

Mechanical equipment (Fxx) - Issue with chain brake or motor

This code group indicates a problem related to the mechanical operation of the tool, specifically the chain brake or the force required by the motor.

Motor lead / motor (xxx)

Motor lead / motor (xxx) - Disconnection, short circuit, or resistance issue

This error message indicates a problem with the motor's electrical lead or the motor itself. Issues can include disconnection, short circuits, or abnormal resistance.

Motor lead / sensor signal (xxx)

Motor lead / sensor signal (xxx) - Motor speed or position fault

This indicates a problem with the sensor signal from the motor, potentially affecting speed detection or position sensing. This could be due to a faulty sensor or lead.

No LED function (AI/AK Series)

No LED function - Check charger and charge with known good charger

The LED lights on the battery or tool are not functioning. This could be an issue with the battery itself, the charger, or the tool's power system.

No lights (AK Series)

No lights - Open for inspection and motor test (AK Series)

There are no lights indicating battery status or tool function. This suggests a potential issue with the power supply to the tool or the electric motor itself.

No lights on battery

No lights on battery — No power or connection issue

When the trigger is squeezed and there are no lights on the battery, it suggests there is no power being received or a connection problem. The tool will not start.

Sensor signal (xxx)

Sensor signal (xxx) - Fault in motor temperature or position detection

This error indicates a problem with signals from sensors within the tool, specifically related to motor temperature or motor position detection.

Short circuit (xxx)

Short circuit - Defective component or wiring

A short circuit has been detected, likely within the cordless machine's electronics or wiring. This can cause damage if not addressed.

Switch not detected (F10-F15)

Switch not detected (F10-F15) - Trigger or control switch faulty

The tool's electronics cannot detect the status of a specific switch, such as the trigger, potentiometer, chain brake, or main switch. This prevents the tool from operating.

Three flashing red LEDs

Three flashing red LEDs on battery — Internal electronic issue

When the trigger is squeezed, three flashing red LEDs on the battery indicate an internal electronic problem with the tool or the battery system. The unit will not operate.

Three flashing red LEDs (MSA 120 C)

Three flashing red LEDs - Internal electronic issue (MSA 120 C)

This indicates an internal electronic problem with the MSA 120 C tool. The unit should be opened for inspection.

Three flashing red lights (HSA 56)

Three flashing red lights - Internal electronic issue (HSA 56)

This signals an internal electronic problem within the HSA 56 tool. The unit needs to be opened for inspection by a qualified technician.

Wiring harness (xxx)

Wiring harness (xxx) - Faulty connection or high resistance

This error points to a problem with the tool's main wiring harness. This could be a faulty connection or excessively high electrical resistance within the harness.

Wiring harness / switch (F04)

Wiring harness / switch (F04) - Switch not detected or electronics not functioning

This error signifies a problem with the wiring harness connection to a switch or an issue with the switch itself, leading to the electronics not functioning correctly or not detecting the switch.