Litter-Robot 4: Troubleshooting Inaccurate Waste Drawer Gauge (2024)

IMPORTANT
  1. Make sure your unit is plugged in.
  2. Make sure your unit is connected and online.
  3. Make sure your firmware is up-to-date. If the app does not give you the option to update, you have the latest version.


Preparation

Litter-Robot 4 is equipped with OmniSense™ detection that utilizes laser and weight sensor technology to provide real-time litter and waste drawer levels.

There are three laser sensors located in the top of the bezel, called curtain sensors, that accurately measure the capacity of the waste drawer. During each Clean cycle, the DFI sensor will measure the level of waste within the waste drawer as the waste port passes over the waste drawer.
Litter-Robot 4: Troubleshooting Inaccurate Waste Drawer Gauge (1)

The waste drawer level will be displayed on the Whisker app.

Litter-Robot 4: Troubleshooting Inaccurate Waste Drawer Gauge (2)

Clear bags work best.

Please note that waste level readings may be inaccurate when using a dark bag, especially when the drawer is empty. As clumps start to collect in the drawer, the readings will become more accurate. For the most precise waste drawer readings and a seamless experience, we highly recommend using Litter-Robot Waste Drawer Liners.

If the waste drawer level on the app is not accurately representing the level in the waste drawer (within 5%), please follow these troubleshooting steps.

Troubleshooting

Emptying the waste drawer when indicated is important to ensure that your Litter-Robot continues to automatically cycle.

You'll want to ensure that the waste drawer is empty and you have a new waste drawer liner.

  1. To install a new waste drawer liner, you’ll need to remove the drawer. Simply grab the step and slide the drawer out until it’s clear of the unit.
    Litter-Robot 4: Troubleshooting Inaccurate Waste Drawer Gauge (3)
  2. Now take your new waste drawer liner and open it all the way. Wrap the edges of the waste drawer liner or bag over the rim of the waste drawer.
  3. Ensure the bag is pushed flat against the side walls and bottom of the drawer.
    Stretched bags or bags not pressed flat will cause the DFI (drawer full indicator) to inaccurately measure the waste drawer level.
  4. Finally, push the drawer back into the unit.
  5. Now, let's run a test cycle. Short press the Resetbutton, then short press theCyclebutton to run a clean cycle.
    Litter-Robot 4: Troubleshooting Inaccurate Waste Drawer Gauge (4)

Successful: After your Litter-Robot cycles, it should return to the Home position, displaying a solid blue light. If your waste drawer gauge is accurate (within 5%), you've been successful.

Unsuccessful: If your waste drawer gauge is still inaccurate (within 5%), we'll need to further inspect your unit for next steps.

Cleaning the sensors

Let’s take a closer look at the sensors located in the bezel.

Litter-Robot 4: Troubleshooting Inaccurate Waste Drawer Gauge (5)

Any debris on the bezel, such as dust or cat fur, can interfere with the DFI sensor. This can cause the unit to inaccurately measure the waste drawer level and litter level, as well as cause false cat detects.

  1. Wipe the bezel area where the sensors are located with a dry clean cloth to remove debris such as hair or dust.
  2. Vacuum the inside perimeter of the bezel with a brush attachment, passing over the holes at the top of the bezel where the curtain sensors are located.
  3. You may need to clean the sensors with a cotton swab. Please refer to our Laser Sensor Cleaning Instructions to learn how.
  4. Now, let's run a test cycle. Short press the Reset button, then short press the Cycle button to run a Clean cycle.Litter-Robot 4: Troubleshooting Inaccurate Waste Drawer Gauge (6)
  5. Check your app to ensure that the waste drawer level displayed is accurate.

    Successful: If your waste drawer gauge is accurate (within 5%), you've been successful.

    Unsuccessful: If your waste drawer gauge is still inaccurate (within 5%), please follow these troubleshooting steps.

Check for obstructions

Let’s check for any additional debris that may interfere with the sensors during the cycle. We will remove the bonnet and globe to look for any issues.

Litter-Robot 4: Troubleshooting Inaccurate Waste Drawer Gauge (7)

  1. Make sure the unit is in the Home position. Press the Powerbutton to turn the unit off, then unplug the unit from the wall.
  2. To open the bonnet, press and hold the latches on both sides of the bonnet, then lift and rotate the bonnet to its open position.
    Litter-Robot 4: Troubleshooting Inaccurate Waste Drawer Gauge (8)
  3. To remove the bonnet completely, unlatch the center tab on the bonnet from the catch clip on the unit frame behind the robot. Set the bonnet aside.
  4. To remove the globe, grab the black handle located on top of the globe and lift the globe off the base.
    Litter-Robot 4: Troubleshooting Inaccurate Waste Drawer Gauge (9)
  5. Lift the globe high enough or place it on the ground and roll it away from you slightly.
  6. Cat fur can get stuck in the seal strip located at the front of the globe. When the globe rotates, fur can interfere with the DFI sensor. Ensure the seal strips on the inside of the globe are not peeling up or have any debris (cat fur, etc..) stuck in them. You may purchase replacement seal strips atLitter-Robot.com.
    Litter-Robot 4: Troubleshooting Inaccurate Waste Drawer Gauge (10)
  7. Check the waste port opening in the globe and base for any clumps or objects stuck around the opening (the sensors need a clear field of view to measure the waste drawer level).

Install the globe and bonnet

Now that we’ve checked for any obstructions, let’s re-install the globe and bonnet and check for proper operation of the unit.

Litter-Robot 4: Troubleshooting Inaccurate Waste Drawer Gauge (11)

  1. To install the globe, hold the globe by the black handle and set it onto the base.
    Litter-Robot 4: Troubleshooting Inaccurate Waste Drawer Gauge (12)
  2. When installing the globe, keep the globe handle and waste port oriented toward the top to ensure the globe is close to the Home position.
  3. The large black gear on the rear of the globe should easily engage with the smaller white drive gear in the base.
    Litter-Robot 4: Troubleshooting Inaccurate Waste Drawer Gauge (13)
  4. To close the bonnet, rotate the bonnet downward over the globe, applying slight inward pressure at the latches to align the bonnet within the base. You should hear the latches snap into place.
    Litter-Robot 4: Troubleshooting Inaccurate Waste Drawer Gauge (14)
  5. Check to make sure the center tab at the top of the bonnet is secured in its pocket by pushing down on the bonnet at the tab location.
    Litter-Robot 4: Troubleshooting Inaccurate Waste Drawer Gauge (15)
  6. If the bonnet was completely removed, rotate the bonnet upward and align the hinge feature of the bonnet at the back of the base.
  7. Plug the unit in and power it on.
  8. Litter-Robot will display a solid blue light indicating it is ready for use.
  9. Press Cycle to allow the unit to complete a full cycle.
    Litter-Robot 4: Troubleshooting Inaccurate Waste Drawer Gauge (16)

Next, you'll need to make sure your firmware is up-to-date.

Firmware update

Whisker will automatically update the firmware in your Litter-Robot 4 to ensure the best possible operation.

Visit our Firmware update instructions to learn how to update your Litter-Robot's firmware.

Once the update is complete, your Litter-Robot should be ready for use.

Before you check the waste drawer level on the app to ensure it's accurately representing the level in the waste drawer, press the Reset button, then press theCycle button to start a Clean cycle.
Litter-Robot 4: Troubleshooting Inaccurate Waste Drawer Gauge (17)

Check your app to ensure that the waste drawer level displayed is accurate.

Successful: If your waste drawer gauge is accurate (within 5%), you've been successful.

Unsuccessful: If the waste drawer gauge is still inaccurate (within 5%), we'll need to further inspect your unit for next steps.

Calibrating the DFI

Occasionally, the DFI sensor will require a calibration to ensure proper measurement accuracy. First, confirm that your firmware is up to date. Then visit our Calibrating the drawer full indicator guide to learn how to calibrate your Litter-Robot's DFI sensor.

Successful:If the calibration is successful, check the Whisker app to ensure that the waste drawer level displayed is accurate.

Unsuccessful: If the calibration fails, the LED display will illuminate a yellow light bar with a red flashing light for five seconds. Then the unit will cycle Home. If this happens there's likely an issue with your Litter-Robot.

Issue not resolved?

To repair your Litter-Robot, you will need a laser board or a base.

What do I do?

My unit is covered by WhiskerCare™
If your Litter-Robot is covered by WhiskerCare™ warranty, you have access to replacement parts, at no cost, to get your Litter-Robot up-and-running quickly. Please contact our Customer Experience Team for further assistance.

The warranty on my unit has expired
If your unit is no longer under warranty, we can help you with the necessary parts and instructions to properly fix your unit at home.

Parts Needed (choose one):

  • Litter-Robot 4 Laser Board (Contact Customer Experience) | Installation Instructions
  • Litter-Robot 4 Base | Installation Instructions
Need technical support?

Our Troubleshooting Wizard will solve most issues and is the fastest way to get help.

Troubleshooting Wizard

Litter-Robot 4: Troubleshooting Inaccurate Waste Drawer Gauge (2024)

FAQs

Litter-Robot 4: Troubleshooting Inaccurate Waste Drawer Gauge? ›

Check for obstructions blocking the drawer full indicator (DFI) sensors. There are two sensors inside the base, above where the waste drawer would sit. Debris, such as dust or cat fur, can interfere with the DFI sensor. This can cause the unit to inaccurately trigger a drawer-full indication.

Why does my Litter-Robot say drawer full but it's not? ›

Check for obstructions blocking the drawer full indicator (DFI) sensors. There are two sensors inside the base, above where the waste drawer would sit. Debris, such as dust or cat fur, can interfere with the DFI sensor. This can cause the unit to inaccurately trigger a drawer-full indication.

What does waste bin calibration mean? ›

Waste Bin Calibration

This means that there is still some space left in the garbage bag. 15 means that the bag is completely full and there is no space left. This option is intended to make use of the entire contents of the waste bag. NB! This is an indication and the bag can therefore become too full or too heavy.

Where is the DFI sensor on a Litter-Robot? ›

Litter-Robot 3 is equipped with infrared emitters and sensors, called the Drawer Full Indicator (or DFI), located above the waste drawer. The DFI checks if the drawer is full each time the globe returns to the home position. Litter-Robot is also equipped with an anti-pinch safety feature.

How to reset waste gauge on Litter-Robot 4? ›

Before you check the waste drawer level on the app to ensure it's accurately representing the level in the waste drawer, press the Reset button, then press the Cycle button to start a Clean cycle. Check your app to ensure that the waste drawer level displayed is accurate.

How does the Litter-Robot know when the drawer is full? ›

There are sensors located in the top of the bezel, called curtain sensors, that accurately measure the capacity of the waste drawer. During each Clean cycle, the DFI sensor will measure the level of waste within the waste drawer as the waste port passes over the waste drawer.

How do you reset the litter robot 4 after emptying the app? ›

How to reset the Litter Robot 4. Every time you add litter or empty its waste bin, you should press the bold “RESET” button on top of the Litter Robot 4.

What causes calibration error? ›

Environmental changes, such as in temperature or humidity. Exposure to harsh conditions, such as corrosive substances or extreme temperatures. Sudden mechanical or electrical shock or vibration. Frequent use and natural calibration degradation over time.

How do you reduce calibration error? ›

Linearity Calibration Error

If an instrument does not provide a linearity adjustment, the best you can do for this type of problem is “split the error” between high and low extremes, so the maximum absolute error at any point in the range is minimized.

Why is my litter robot 4 blinking blue? ›

Litter-Robot 4 control panel features 5 buttons and an LED display for easy operation. If your unit's light bar is flashing blue, this indicates that the waste drawer is full. Empty the waste drawer, press the Reset button, then press the Cycle button.

How do you fix a Litter-Robot cat sensor fault? ›

Check for obstructions that might prevent the cat sensor from functioning.
  1. Make sure Litter-Robot is on a firm, level surface.
  2. The cat sensor function can be affected if the unit is on carpeting or a litter mat.
  3. Check that there are no power cords running underneath the base of the robot that might obstruct movement.

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