Clean Base "False Clog" – Red Blinking LED – S9 Hardware Help Needed (Already verified air path)
I’m hitting a wall with my Roomba s9+ Clean Base and could use some technical insight. My base is acting like there is a clog, but I have ruled out every physical obstruction.
The Symptom: When I press "Empty Bin" in the app, the Clean Base motor kicks on and sucks air from the Roomba normally. However, after around 10 seconds, the suction stops and the Clean Base LED starts blinking red.
What I’ve already done/verified:
- The "Air Path" Test: I unscrewed the pipe at the bottom of the base and it’s completely clear. I also ran a long, flexible tube through the entire internal path of the Clean Base to ensure there are no hidden blockages. It passed through easily.
- Hardware Isolation: I tested my Roomba on a different s9 Clean Base, and it emptied perfectly. This confirms the issue is definitely inside my specific Clean Base, not the robot or the robot’s bin flap.
- Basic Maintenance: Replaced the bag with a brand new one, cleaned the charging contacts, and wiped down the RCON sensor window.
The Video: As you can see in the video, the suction sounds strong for a few seconds before it gives up and triggers the red error light.
The Question: Since the path is physically clear and the motor clearly runs, I suspect a failing pressure sensor or a leak in the internal silicone tubing that tells the motherboard the bin is "clear."
Has anyone successfully repaired a pressure sensor issue on the s9 base, or is there another hidden sensor I should check before I consider this a total board failure?
Clean Base blinks red after a few seconds of emptying the bin
