Ryobi 40v string trimmer troubleshooting guide [Easy fixes]

I want to help you resolve various Ryobi 40v trimmer problems in this Ryobi 40v string trimmer troubleshooting guide.

Read it to the end if your tool has malfunctioned:

Ryobi 40v string trimmer troubleshooting guide [How to fix Ryobi 40v trimmer problems]

Ryobi 40v trimmer won’t start at all

If your Ryobi 40v trimmer won’t start try these repairs:

Is the battery fully charged?

You need to start by double-checking the battery charge (you can check via the battery level indicator) because this is the most obvious cause.

You, of course, want to charge the battery back up then try to start it again.

And if you had removed the battery – for example, during a maintenance procedure like changing the string- but it won’t work once you return it, get the battery out one more time.

You then click the battery into the charger. Do not let it stay there for long…you should just take it right off (after a few seconds)!

See if it works after that (this Ryobi 40v battery reset could jump-start the battery to life).

Don’t forget that the battery holder contacts could have problems(if there’s rust there, there could be poor sensing of the battery).

So try to clean them…

Oh, and be sure to secure the battery – To secure battery pack, ensure the latch (on the base of your battery pack) has snapped into place.

Lastly, try to see if buying another battery could solve your problem.

 

Ryobi 40v battery won’t hold charge

If the battery won’t hold charge and you have tried in your other tools and it appears to work perfectly fine there, you could need to check the shaft connection and tighten it.

Bear in mind that usually, it can behave this way if the connection has loosened.

This clearest sign that this is the case is this:

The trimmer will get going without an issue when you’re not trimming anything but it shuts off (signaling overload cutoff) immediately after you start trimming.

 

Ryobi 40v string trimmer stopped working

If your Ryobi 40v trimmer keeps stopping- and the battery is fully charged and you have checked basics like remaining charge- you could check to see if you have any of these problems:

• There might be a loose wire in the control lever(inside) or trigger handle.
• The switch(in the power head) could be defective too.

Recommended fixes

Take apart the handle and check for a loose/disconnected wire then tighten it-check the instructions in your owner’s manual.

Replace the switch- you’ll probably have to swap out the switch though you can see if it’s possible to replace the string. Here’s a compatible Switch Trigger and Spring assembly.

 

Ryobi 40v trimmer keeps shutting off

If it keeps shutting off, it could be because you are pushing it too hard when edging/trimming leading to excessive load (on the battery).

Likewise, going into lots of dirt/grass very fast is likely to overwhelm it- The internal battery overload cuts off.

Now, when the battery is overdrawn, the voltage usually drops and the low -voltage protection will kick in and, as a result, the battery will shut off.

So you want to make sure you take smaller, less-aggressive cuts when it begins to bog down for future use.

Another thing you may need to do is to clean it up (the spindle area should be cleaned -and the shroud- off any debris).

Also, see if the following solutions will solve the problem-I’m

Your final option if your Ryobi 40v trimmer keeps stopping is to replace the battery.

Watch how to remove Ryobi 40v battery from trimmer

 

Ryobi 40v trimmer line speed problems and solutions …..

Ryobi 40v trimmer string stuck

Just double-check that the string isn’t twisted-and stuck under string feeder- making the agitation stop (there can be no proper string release if there’s no agitation).

So re-string it and make sure the battery has a full charge before you retry.

 

Changing string on Ryobi 40v trimmer (how to add line to Ryobi 40v trimmer)

I really do not have space to write about how to restring a Ryobi 40v cordless trimmer (the complete  instructions) so just watch this wonderful YouTube tutorial to see how you should re-string.

 

How to replace Ryobi 40v trimmer head

It’s an open secret that the head of Ryobi’s 40v string trimmer tends to be insanely difficult to remove.

If the head of your trimmer is playing games on you and won’t come out, try the Ryobi 40v trimmer head removal tips below:

First lock the shaft.

You can use a 13/64 drill to lock the shaft

You also need a large screwdriver to go the head- one with a heavy shaft.

These two tools will help you lock it firmly.

It’s typically a left-hand thread so all that remains now is turning the head clockwise (to get it off). You turn it counter-clockwise (to put it on).

Useful tips

Keep working the head on and off (use the tools you have available) until the lock nubs wears down enough(not the alignment tabs).

And please do not grip the head top -where you see the nubs- as it may prevent the numbs from bypassing their detents.

Also, if you’re noticing a lot of friction, you may want to apply some WD-40 mostly around the nubs- it could help reduce friction.

Keep in mind that we recommend the Homelite Ryobi 40v trimmer head replacement part if you want to swap out the head- perhaps you have discovered it is defective.

Here is a good YouTube video showing how to disassemble the head.

 

Ryobi 40v string trimmer troubleshooting – Frequently asked questions [FAQs]

What size trimmer line for Ryobi 40v?

According to official Ryobi communication, you can use .080 or .095 for your Ryobi 40v trimmer.

That said, I have to mention that .095 /2.7mm thickness works best if you own a 40V Brushless unit (We recommend the .0950 Echo black diamond line for you).

 

Ryobi 40v string trimmer troubleshooting – Final thoughts

If nothing works, you can contact Ryobi and ask for an approved repairman(if your tool is still under warranty).

Otherwise(if you’re out of warranty), do your maths and see if getting a replacement is the more economical option instead of hassling with the suggested repairs.

ALSO READ:

Ryobi 18v string trimmer troubleshooting Tips [Fix your trimmer now!]