How to Fix Ryobi 40V Battery Not Charging

A Ryobi 40V battery that will not charge can be caused by extreme temperatures, a faulty charger, or a battery that has entered sleep mode. Here are all the methods to fix charging issues with your Ryobi 40V battery.

Method 1: Check the Battery Temperature

Ryobi batteries will not charge if they are too hot or too cold. The charger’s LED will blink red or show an error.

1. Remove the battery from the charger.
2. If the battery is hot from recent use, let it cool at room temperature for 30 to 60 minutes.
3. If the battery is cold from being stored in a garage or shed during winter, bring it indoors and let it warm up for at least an hour.
4. Place the battery back on the charger once it reaches room temperature (between 50 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit).

Method 2: Clean the Battery Terminals

Dirty or corroded terminals can prevent a proper electrical connection between the battery and charger.

1. Remove the battery from the charger.
2. Use a dry cloth or cotton swab to clean the metal contacts on the battery.
3. Also clean the contacts inside the charger.
4. If there is corrosion, gently scrub with a pencil eraser or fine sandpaper.
5. Place the battery back on the charger.

Method 3: Try a Different Charger

The charger itself may be faulty rather than the battery.

1. If you have another Ryobi 40V charger, try charging the battery on it.
2. If the battery charges on a different charger, your original charger needs to be replaced.
3. Check the charger’s LED lights. A solid green light means charging is complete. A solid red light means charging. No lights or blinking patterns indicate a problem.

Method 4: Wake a Sleeping Battery

If a Ryobi battery has been left discharged for a long time, it can enter a deep sleep mode where the charger does not recognize it.

1. Place the battery on the charger for a few seconds, then remove it. Repeat this 5 to 10 times.
2. This can sometimes give the battery enough charge to wake up and be recognized by the charger.
3. If this works, leave the battery on the charger until it is fully charged.

Method 5: Check the Charger Outlet

1. Make sure the wall outlet is working by plugging in another device.
2. Try a different outlet.
3. Avoid using extension cords or power strips, as they can reduce power delivery.
4. Make sure the charger is plugged in firmly.

Method 6: Reset the Battery

Some Ryobi 40V batteries can be reset by performing a specific sequence.

1. Remove the battery from the charger.
2. Press and hold the battery’s fuel gauge button (if it has one) for 10 seconds.
3. Release the button.
4. Place the battery back on the charger.

Method 7: Replace the Battery

If none of the above methods work, the battery may have reached the end of its lifespan. Lithium-ion batteries degrade over time and after many charge cycles.

1. Check if the battery is still under Ryobi’s warranty (typically 3 years for 40V batteries).
2. Contact Ryobi customer support at 1-800-525-2579 for a warranty claim.
3. If out of warranty, purchase a replacement 40V battery from a home improvement store or ryobitools.com.