4 Flashing lights on M12 tool

[FMC1959]

M12 Rotary Tool

M12TM Cordless Lithium-Ion Rotary Tool Kit

The M12TM Cordless Lithium-Ion Rotary Tool Kit from Milwaukee Tool is a compact, portable and powerful cutoff solution for the professional that offers up to 10X longer life and 10% more speed, plus thousands of cutting, grinding, sanding and polishing solutions.

www.milwaukeetool.com

I have had this tool for a good 8-10 years, so warranty is out of the question. Never happened before, and I was using it about a week ago, no issue. 2 days ago I wanted to use it, turned it on and nothing, except for the 4 flashing lights. Tried several batteries, fully charged, same thing. I tried blowing air though it, tapping it...hasn't worked since.

Saw this thread, user had same issue, except his was covered under warranty.

Milwaukee M12 Rotary Tool Questions

Overall I've been very happy with my Milwaukee M12 and M18 tools. The one tool that I continue to struggle with, however, is the M12 rotary tool. Right after I first purchased this tool it would randomly not turn on. When the switch was flipped all four lights would flash. This wasn't a...

www.garagejournal.com

The above thread didn't have any solutions as Milwaukee took care of it and no else experienced this issue. I was hoping someone new if the 4 flashing lights was like a code/error, or if anyone having any M12 tool had this happen...and find some kind of solution?

 

[FMC1959]

So no one has experienced this with an M12 rotary tool or other M12 tools?

 

[Dalez]

My M12 angle die grinder shuts down and flashes when I work it too hard but will start right back up.

 

[KnurledNut]

The flashing lights could mean several things, its sensing an over-torque condition, battery is drained, switch is on and wont start until cycled off first.
If none of those cases exist, then most likely one of systems could be malfuntioning. I would throw a few meter tests at it and see what its doing. But keep in mind repair parts are not available.

 

[Mister Max]

There are several videos on Youtube about it. Good luck.

 

[dnschmidt]

Bad battery connection. That's what the YouTube videos are about. Simple bend the metal tab in the tool as shown in the videos.

 

[FMC1959]

I checked the YT videos; the first 2 I viewed were what dnschmidt referred to about bending the metal tab. That fix is on Fuel tools and the 4 lights kind of dance or light in sequence...not the problem I have. My tool is not a Fuel but regular brushed motor and the 4 lights blink together, 3 times, then nothing.

This video looks like exactly my issue

I watched it and from the comments below the video, I am lucky to have gotten close to 10 years from the tool. The guy that made the video and others commenting all felt this tool was not well made. If you are in the market for a cordless rotary tool, looks like the Dremel cordless is much better.

I don't have the time to open it and see if it can be repaired, but like the guy on the video expressed; many of these tools nowadays are considered disposable. parts are either hard to find or between time and parts...cheaper to by a new one. Anyway I have a couple of corded version + got this a year ago, so should be fine.

M12 FUEL™ 1/4" Right Angle Die Grinder | Milwaukee Tool

MILWAUKEE® M12 FUEL™ 1/4" Right Angle Die Grinder s the first cordless right angle die grinder that delivers the performance and size professional service mechanics demand

www.milwaukeetool.com

Thanks to the responses here that helped with finding my problem.

 

[dnschmidt]

I believe this comes with Milwaukee's five year warrantee. If I get five years out of a tool I consider that a win. I've got two of these M12's and consider them to be light duty tools. For anything more serious I break out my M18 die grinders.