Robot vacuum announces “Error 3: Move Roomba to a new location then press CLEAN to restart” and stops, often near obstacles.

Safety first: Turn the robot off and remove it from the charging base. Work on a clean, flat surface.

Steps to resolve:

• Check for external obstructions: Inspect both side wheels for trapped cords, rug tassels, or large debris. Remove anything wrapped around the wheels.
• Clean wheel wells: Turn the robot over and use tweezers or a small brush to remove hair and dust from around each wheel and inside the wheel wells.
• Test wheel movement: Manually push each wheel up into the body and spin it. It should move smoothly and spring back. Any grinding or stiffness suggests internal debris.
• Use compressed air: Blow compressed air into the wheel wells to clear fine dust from the gearbox area (avoid spinning the wheel excessively with air).
• Test on open floor: Place the robot on a flat, open area and press CLEAN. Observe which side hesitates or drags.

When to replace parts: If one wheel still stalls or the robot consistently reports Error 3, the affected wheel module (left or right) may need replacement. This requires removing the bottom cover and a few screws to swap the module.