Cateye AMPP 900 light won't charge

[Dadam]

Hi folks, I got the above light for Christmas last year. Apart from switching it on I hadn't used it until last week. It's certainly bright and feels well made and I like the bar mount. However it will not charge. No light comes on to indicate charging and despite leaving it plugged in for a couple of hours, no charge has gone into the light.

Charging is via a USB-C port on the underside, protected by a rubber cover. I have tried charging the light with six different cables, all of which work with other devices ranging from laptops, games consoles, bluetooth speakers to other bike lights.

It's clearly faulty and the interwebs suggest it's a common fault with the charging connector. It was bought from Halfords and my mother in law has emailed me the receipt. Their website suggests I can take it into any store.

Generally how are Halfords for aftersales for faulty items like this?

 

[si_c]

i'd expect them to be pretty good with aftersales support, especially given it will still be within the warranty period.

Should just replace like for like I would expect.

 

[Dogtrousers]

But do try it with another cable before you complain. Just in case ...

 

[Webbo2]

But do try it with another cable before you complain. Just in case ...

Which bit of trying 6 other cables did you not get.🤣

 

[classic33]

Which bit of trying 6 other cables did you not get.🤣

Don't forget the charging source.

 

[fossyant]

And maybe try switching on with the power connected. Sometimes protection circuits need a kick.

 

[Dogtrousers]

Which bit of trying 6 other cables did you not get.🤣

Still need to try another one. You can never be too careful.

 

[N0bodyOfTheGoat]

Is it charging, but the bulb is broken?

 

[Dadam]

Don't forget the charging source.

Charging sources tried: USB-C port on power socket, USB-A port on power socket (using USB-A to USB-C cable), laptop charger, power delivery port on a monitor, daughter's iPad Pro USB-C plug, Steam Deck charger, generic multi-port wall charger, power delivery port on work laptop....
I've still got a few more I could try though.

Is it charging, but the bulb is broken?

Covered in the OP: "despite leaving it plugged in for a couple of hours, no charge has gone into the light"
And I know the LED works because it comes on when the light is switched on. Green initially, now red as it's running low.

 

[vickster]

Just contact the retailer or Cateye CS team, it's clearly not right and presumably in warranty

 

[classic33]

Charging sources tried: USB-C port on power socket, USB-A port on power socket (using USB-A to USB-C cable), laptop charger, power delivery port on a monitor, daughter's iPad Pro USB-C plug, Steam Deck charger, generic multi-port wall charger, power delivery port on work laptop....
I've still got a few more I could try though.


Covered in the OP: "despite leaving it plugged in for a couple of hours, no charge has gone into the light"
And I know the LED works because it comes on when the light is switched on. Green initially, now red as it's running low.

I mentioned the charging source because a charger I have for a phone, came with it, no longer charges the phone but is still usable.

 

[Dogtrousers]

Make sure you try every possible combination of cable and charging source.

I'm kidding but I used to have an Android tablet that was insanely fussy about how it was charged. If I misplaced its favourite cable, or charger then it would go on strike.

 

[CXRAndy]

If you've had it nearly a year but haven't used it. There is a chance the battery has discharged too low. The built in charging circuit detect this a prevent charging, incase the battery is damaged. Take it back if you dont know how to dismantle and restore lithium cell.

I've just had to do this on one of my milwaukee batteries

Post in thread 'What Have You Fettled Today?' https://www.cyclechat.net/threads/what-have-you-fettled-today.87079/post-7527257

 

[Dadam]

If you've had it nearly a year but haven't used it. There is a chance the battery has discharged too low. The built in charging circuit detect this a prevent charging, incase the battery is damaged. Take it back if you dont know how to dismantle and restore lithium cell.

I've just had to do this on one of my milwaukee batteries

Post in thread 'What Have You Fettled Today?' https://www.cyclechat.net/threads/what-have-you-fettled-today.87079/post-7527257

Cheers. When I used it, in the morning it had enough charge (>50% according to the LED) then when I got home had a red LED so <30%. I tried topping it up while I was at work so I'm assuming what you describe wasn't the issue in this case. I have it in the bag for when I go into work next (there's a Halfords near the office) but I've been WFH a lot.

 

[Dadam]

Halfords exchanged the light today. They don't carry the same model now.

After disappearing in the back for 10 minutes he came back with a AMPP500S and VIZ150 front/rear set saying it's the closest they had. The AMPP900 appears to be replaced in the range with the 1100, and I really wanted a decently bright front light so would probably have preferred the 1100 with paying the difference. I suspect this is just what they had in and while the box is a little shop soiled it appears complete and doesn't look like a return, as the internal packaging is clean and intact. I accepted this as a substitute as I just wanted it all sorted. But I'm going to give it a damn good test. They're both on charge now.