Litter-Robot 4: Inaccurate waste drawer gauge

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.
 

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

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.
   
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 Reset button, then short press the Cycle button to run a clean cycle.
   

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.

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.

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.

1. Make sure the unit is in the Home position. Press the Power button 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.
    
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.
    
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 at Litter-Robot.com.
   
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.

1. To install the globe, hold the globe by the black handle and set it onto the base.
    
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.
   
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.
   
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.
    
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 then perform a Clean cycle and return to the Home position with a blue light bar.
9. After it completes the first cycle, press Cycle again to allow the unit to complete a full cycle.
    

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

Firmware update

Whisker can provide updated firmware to your robot with fixes to correct known issues with the unit. We recommend that you always keep your Litter-Robot’s firmware updated to ensure the best possible operation.

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

This may take up to 30 minutes to complete. You will see a single white light blinking on your unit’s control panel while your robot’s firmware is updating

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 the Cycle button to start a Clean cycle.

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.

Recalibrating the DFI

Occasionally, the DFI sensors will require a recalibration to ensure proper measurement accuracy. First, confirm that your firmware is up to date. Then visit our Calibrating OmniSense Laser Sensors guide to learn how to recalibrate your Litter-Robot's DFI sensors.

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