11 Common ELS PET Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box Problems Troubleshooting

A traditional cat litter box can be challenging to clean and handle, which is why self-cleaning litter box by ELS has gained immense popularity.

It promises automated cleanup, which transfers the litter into a trash bag and uses UV technology to keep the box as clean as possible.

The litter box can be controlled with the help of the ELS smartphone app – you can use the self-cleaning feature instantly or schedule the cleaning.

The litter box has a high-precision gravity detect feature that helps protect the cat from pinching, while the UV clean feature helps reduce odors. In addition, it’s fully enclosed, which prevents the spread of smells.

Common ELS PET Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box Problems Troubleshooting

Also, the litter box has a 60-liter capacity, which is perfect for different types of litter, such as mixed litters, plant litters, bentonite litters, and mixed litters.

However, before purchasing this unit, you must read about common ELS pet self-cleaning cat litter box problems troubleshooting, as it can help with minor performance errors on your own!

1. Digital Display Is Not Responding

The cat litter box has been designed with a digital display screen, which can be used to configure the settings, such as cleaning time.

However, if the display doesn’t respond to your touch commands, it’s likely that you aren’t pressing the buttons for long enough because it’s recommended that you press the buttons for a few seconds.

The litter box is integrated with a capacitive sensor, which needs a firm and long press to interact with the panel.

However, if the screen doesn’t respond to a firm and long press either, it indicates that something is stuck under the digital panel.

To make sure that the panel starts working, you should remove the dirt or litter that’s wedged under it. For this purpose, you should have a toothpick, needle, and hard plastic sheet. Then, follow these steps;

• The first step is to press the disassembling tool under the panel, move it around, and repeat the same process on other sides of the panel
• Once the screen is loose, the dirt or litter granules will be removed. Then, you have to press on all sides of the screen
• Now, try using the screen, and it will work fine

In case you still have the protective cover of the digital display, it’s recommended that you keep it on to make sure debris doesn’t get beneath the display.

2. Unable To Differentiate Between Auto & Manual Modes

The cat litter box is set to automatic mode as the default settings because the majority of people like the self-cleaning mode, which is why they don’t configure other settings.

However, many people just press the rake button on the display panel to configure the manual mode, but it doesn’t work because it won’t initiate the cleaning cycle unless you set it properly.

For this reason, if you have set the manual mode and the litter box is not cleaning, it means that you have to reboot the litter box.

To reboot the litter box, you should unplug it from the power source for ten seconds. After ten seconds, reconnect the litter box to the power source.

When the litter box turns on, it must be completely reset, and you will be able to use the automatic cleaning mode. In addition, you will be able to see the cleaning mode on the display panel.

In case you want to check if the litter box is working properly after the reboot or not, you can follow the below-mentioned instructions;

• Disconnect the litter box and turn it on after ten seconds
• Put something heavy (around 2kg) on the cat litter box to stimulate the machine
• Now, wait for thirty seconds, and the display panel will show the log
• Then, just wait for five to six minutes, and the self-cleaning cycle will be initiated

In addition, if you want to reset your box’s weight sensors, it’s recommended that you hit the sensor button on the settings.

3. The Lid Won’t Attach

If you deep clean the litter box or top up the box with litter, you will have to remove the lid to make sure you can access the litter bed. As a result, many people have issues installing the lid.

That’s because it can be challenging to align the lid properly into the panel’s grooves. So, to attach the lid, you can try the following steps;

• Align the top cover of your litter box with the base’s back. It’s recommended that you attach the lid’s butt to make sure the sides sit well
• Then, slowly guide the back to the front side to make sure the lid falls into place (it might fumble a bit in the start, but you’ve to keep trying)
• When the top is aligned, check along the sides to make sure the lid fits into the litter box smoothly
• Now, just apply some pressure on the top of the lid to ensure it remains firmly in place

4. The Cleaning Rake Doesn’t Stay On

The cleaning rake is connected to the cat litter box to make sure it doesn’t get lost. However, if the rake keeps falling, it indicates that it hasn’t been attached properly.

In most cases, it happens when there is a gap between the housing unit and the rake’s side. That’s because a gap occurs when there is an attachment issue.

So, if there is a gap between the rake and housing unit, it’s recommended that you check under the motor’s back and pull it up – it will help access the rake’s teeth, and pulling it up will realign the cleaning rake.

5. Blue Light Is Blinking

When the litter box is fully operational, the LED indicators on the display panel will be solid green. However, if the blue light is blinking, it means that the waste trap isn’t installed properly.

The waste trap is responsible for locking away the solid waste to make sure it’s cleared out and the bad odor doesn’t linger. However, when it’s not aligned properly, the litter box won’t work.

For this purpose, we recommend that you align the waste trap into the base with the help of a plastic bag.

In addition, we recommend adding baking soda and a thin layer of litter to minimize the odor.

Once the waste trap is installed into the base, the green light will turn on, which means the litter box is fully operational.

6. The Light Is Solid Red

When the light on the display panel becomes solid red, it means that something is wrong with the conveyor motor.

The conveyor motor can be fixed by rebooting the unit – you can turn off the litter box for ten minutes and turn it back on.

However, if rebooting doesn’t work, it’s recommended that you get the conveyor motor replaced by a professional. If there is a warranty available, you can call customer support.

7. Blinking Red

In case the LED indicator is blinking red, it indicates an error with the bowl motor. You can try fixing the blinking red light by rebooting the unit.

For this purpose, you will have to switch off your litter box for ten minutes. When you turn on the litter box, it should start working normally.

8. Cat’s Waste Is Falling Through The Conveyor

If the solid waste is coming out of the conveyor’s space, it means that you are using the incorrect litter. That’s because the experts recommend using scoopable, clumping, and clay litter.

On the other hand, if you are already using the correct litter, check the bowl because it shouldn’t be excessively filled with litter – the litter must be at or below the maximum level.

9. Litter Keeps Collecting On The Base

If the litter is constantly collecting behind your conveyor or on the base of the conveyor, it’s recommended that you check the bowl because it shouldn’t have too much litter.

Keep in mind that the bowl shouldn’t be filled above the maximum fill line. For this reason, you should use the scoop or distribute the litter.

In addition to this, you should ensure that the waste guide is put in a lower position to make sure waste is properly moved to the conveyor.

10. Grinding Noise

In most cases, the cat litter box makes grinding noises when the bowl has issues rotating. It happens when there is too much waste in the bowl.

For this reason, we recommend that you clean the unit, including the bowl. In addition, ensure that there is no litter between the litter box’s base and the bowl.

11. Conveyor Is Unable To Move The Waste

The conveyor is designed to move the waste that’s in the bowl. However, if it’s not moving the waste, it means that the bowl isn’t rotating.

To resolve this issue, you should disconnect the power adapter for twenty seconds and reconnect it to the wall outlet. If it doesn’t work, you should call customer support.

The Bottom Line

An automated and self-cleaning cat litter box is a great convenience for pet lovers. We have mentioned a few problems associated with the litter box as well as its solutions.

So, if you want to fix any issue, this troubleshooting guide should be helpful. However, if the litter box is under warranty, you can claim free repair or part replacement to save money!