Makita Battery Problem

[RJH]

I've a fairly new (6 months old, maybe 3 charge cycles) Makita 5Ah LXT battery that seems to have failed. I put it away fully charged about a month ago and on trying to use it the drill doesn't respond at all. The battery test flashes alternating 2 solid adjacent lights several times. The charger indicates a fully charged green light.

Anyone any experience of this? Or is it back to the shop for an exchange?

(as an aside, i've just notice Makita offer a 3 year warranty - but only if you regsiter with a month of purchase. Which of course I haven't done . . . )

[chop]

Unlikely that restriction is legally enforceable given its only 6 months old.

[RJH]

Went to Screwfix and they just swapped it. Bloke didn't know what the code sequence meant beyond 'broken' - google search suggests it might be a pcb failure.

Maybe; I'd rather do without the hassle if and when. I've emailed Makita to see if there's any wiggle room.

[Brian Gaff]

I'd have thought that at the sort of short life you mention the shop should swap it and get onto the makers for a replacement for themselves Failures must occur sometimes due to internal joint issues or faulty parts. If it worked to start with and has not been abused, I'd have thought your rights are pretty obvious. If it was several years old or has been bashed around a lot then I could understand them quibbling but they should have some arrangement with their suppliers so they are not out of pocket due to faulty manufacture, and send you away happy with a straight swap. Brian

[chop]

Makes more sense to tell them that under UK law, that line can't fly.

Bet they know that already and its just bluff.