E3
DeWalt Battery Pack Communication / Identification Fault

Vacuum will not start; E3 indicator pattern when trigger is pulled with battery installed

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Safety Warning

This repair may involve working with high voltage components or water connections. Always unplug the appliance before removing any panels.

If you are not confident in your ability to perform this repair safely, we strongly recommend contacting a professional technician.

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Possible Causes

Non-DeWalt or incompatible battery pack, Dirty or bent battery contacts, Faulty battery BMS (Battery Management System), Damaged control PCB in vacuum

How to Fix / Troubleshooting

Safety: Remove the battery before inspecting contacts. Do not short battery terminals.

  • Verify battery type: Ensure you are using a compatible DeWalt 20V MAX or 18V XR Li-Ion battery (depending on model). Avoid third-party packs that may not communicate correctly.
  • Clean contacts: Use a dry cloth or pencil eraser to gently clean the metal contacts on both the battery and the vacuum's battery shoe. Do not use solvents or water.
  • Check for bent or recessed pins: Inspect the vacuum's battery terminals for damage. If a pin is pushed in or bent, the housing or contact block may need replacement.
  • Test with another known-good battery: If a second DeWalt battery works normally, the original battery's BMS is likely faulty and the pack should be replaced.
  • If multiple batteries fail: The vacuum's control PCB may be defective and should be replaced or serviced by an authorized technician.
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Repair Difficulty

Medium 3/5

Required Part

Battery Contact Block
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