You grab your Makita drill or impact driver, plug in the battery, but... nothing. Or worse: the charging station blinks nervously, while you wonder if the workday is over yet. A Makita battery that stops working, blinks, or behaves erratically is frustrating – especially when you're in the middle of a project.
In this article, we explain what you can do yourself in case of malfunctions, which warning signs to take seriously, and how to prevent permanent battery damage. We'll also explain when it's time for a replacement and what to look for when purchasing a new Makita-compatible battery.
Causes and symptoms of malfunction
1. Flashing LED on the charger
- One flashing light: Battery not recognized or too hot/cold.
- Two quick flashes: Communication error between battery and charger.
- Constant flashing: safety blockage (e.g. deep discharge).
2. No charging response
- Charger stays off or does not recognize battery.
- Tool does not work even though battery appears full.
3. Battery gets hot
- Battery feels unusually warm after use or charging.
- Possible cause: overload or defective cells.
Check your Makita battery yourself
- Check the contacts: are they dirty, oxidized, or bent? Clean them gently with a dry cloth or contact cleaner.
- Test with a different charger or device: if the battery works elsewhere, then the problem isn't the battery.
- Let the battery acclimatize: is it too hot or too cold? Let it warm up to room temperature for half an hour.
- Measure the voltage: voltage below 10V (for 18V batteries) indicates deep discharge.
Common error codes and LED signals
| LED status | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Green flashing | Charger in standby |
| Red lights continuously | Battery is charging |
| Green lights continuously | Battery is full |
| Red and green flash alternately | Battery problem or malfunction |
| Only flashing red | Overheating or defect |
How to prevent future malfunctions
- Always charge your battery before it is completely empty, deep discharge is disastrous.
- Do not use tools with a stalling motor as this will increase the load.
- Avoid moisture and extreme temperatures, Makita batteries work best between 10 and 30 degrees Celsius.
- Store your batteries separately from tools to prevent standby power consumption and damage.
When does your battery really need replacing?
- Constantly flashing error message, even after reset attempts.
- Deep discharge (voltage below 10V, no longer chargeable).
- Physical damage to the housing or contacts.
- Noticeable loss of performance – the battery drains quickly or does not deliver enough power.
Choosing a replacement battery: what should you pay attention to?
- Voltage: Choose 18V for BL18 series devices.
- Capacity: The higher (e.g. 5.0Ah), the longer you can work.
- Cell type: preferably modern Li-ion cells with protection against overcharging and overheating.
- Compatibility: Look for model numbers such as BL1830B, BL1840B, and BL1850B.
Tip: On our website, you'll find reliable, compatible Makita batteries with the same performance as the original – often at a better price-performance ratio.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What does it mean when my Makita battery no longer charges but still flashes?
The battery may be overheated, deeply discharged, or defective. Try a different charger or wait until the battery cools down.
Is a flashing Makita BL1830 always broken?
Not necessarily. It could be a temporary blockage. Check the temperature and charge status, and use a different charger for the test.
Can I use a cheap replacement Makita battery?
Yes, provided it has adequate protection against overcharging and short-circuiting. Look for CE marking and positive user experiences.
Why does my Makita battery suddenly stop during use?
This could indicate an overload, defective cells, or a safety feature that has been activated. Let the battery rest and retest.
View replacement Makita batteries from Accu-Machine.nl
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