If you own a Goal Zero Yeti 400 portable power station, you know how useful it is for camping, RVing, or emergency backup. But what if your Yeti 400 is not charging properly? How can you fix it and get back to enjoying your portable power?
In this post, we’ll show you some possible causes and solutions for your Goal Zero Yeti 400 not charging issue. We’ll also give you some tips on how to extend the battery life and performance of your Yeti 400.
The most common reasons why your Goal Zero Yeti 400 is not charging are insufficient charge, faulty inverter, capacitor wear, or over and under-voltage. You can try unplugging and plugging the power cord, doing a battery disconnect, resetting the unit, or replacing the battery to fix the problem.
How to Charge Your Goal Zero Yeti 400
Before we get into the troubleshooting steps, let’s review how to charge your Goal Zero Yeti 400 properly. There are three ways to charge your Yeti 400: from a wall outlet, from a car port, or from a solar panel.
- To charge from a wall outlet, use the included AC wall charger and plug it into any standard 110V outlet. The charging time is about 5 hours.
- To charge from a car port, use the included 12V adapter and plug it into your car’s cigarette lighter socket. The charging time is about 13 hours.
- To charge from a solar panel, use a compatible Goal Zero solar panel (such as the Nomad 50) and connect it to the input port on the back of the Yeti 400. The charging time depends on the solar panel size and the sunlight conditions.
You can check the charging status of your Yeti 400 by looking at the LCD display on the front panel. It will show you the battery level, input power, output power, and run time.
How to Fix Your Goal Zero Yeti 400 Not Charging Issue
If your Goal Zero Yeti 400 is not charging as expected, here are some things you can try to fix it:
Unplug and Plug the Power Cord
Sometimes, the simplest solution is the best one. If your Yeti 400 is not charging from a wall outlet or a car port, try unplugging and plugging the power cord again. Make sure the connections are secure and there are no loose wires or damaged plugs.
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15V 60W Replacement for Goal Zero Yeti Charger AC Adapter for Goal Zero Yeti 150 400 200X 500X... | $23.99 | Buy on Amazon |
Do a Battery Disconnect
If unplugging and plugging the power cord doesn’t work, you can try doing a battery disconnect. This will reset the battery management system (BMS) and clear any errors or glitches.
To do a battery disconnect, follow these steps:
- Turn off your Yeti 400 and unplug it from any power source.
- Unscrew the top lid of the unit and remove it carefully.
- Locate the negative and positive cables that connect to the battery terminals.
- Disconnect both cables from the battery terminals using a wrench or pliers.
- Let the unit sit for about 10 minutes without any power connection.
- Reconnect both cables to the battery terminals securely.
- Replace the top lid and screw it back on.
- Plug your Yeti 400 into a power source and turn it on.
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Goal Zero Regulated Lithium Yeti Car Charger Used to Safely and Efficiently Charge A Goal Zero Yeti... | $39.95 | Buy on Amazon |
Reset Your Goal Zero Yeti 400
Another way to fix your Yeti 400 not charging issue is to reset the unit. This will reboot the system and restore the factory settings.
To reset your Yeti 400, follow these steps:
- Turn off your Yeti 400 and unplug it from any power source.
- Press and hold the power button on the unit for at least 8 seconds until the status lights start flashing.
- Release the power button and wait for a few seconds until the unit restarts.
- Plug your Yeti 400 into a power source and turn it on.
Replace Your Goal Zero Yeti 400 Battery
If none of the above methods work, then you may have a faulty or dead battery that needs to be replaced. The battery life of your Yeti 400 depends on how often you use it, how you charge it, and how you store it.
The average lifespan of a Goal Zero Yeti 400 battery is about 500 cycles or 3 years. A cycle is defined as one full discharge and recharge of the battery. If you use your Yeti 400 frequently or discharge it below 20% often, then you may need to replace your battery sooner.
To replace your Goal Zero Yeti 400 battery, follow these steps:
- Turn off your Yeti 400 and unplug it from any power source.
- Unscrew the top lid of the unit and remove it carefully.
- Locate the battery inside the unit and disconnect the negative and positive cables from the battery terminals.
- Remove the old battery from the unit and dispose of it properly.
- Insert a new compatible battery into the unit and connect the negative and positive cables to the battery terminals securely.
- Replace the top lid and screw it back on.
- Plug your Yeti 400 into a power source and turn it on.
You can buy a new Goal Zero Yeti 400 battery from the official website or from authorized dealers. Make sure you choose the right model for your unit (either lead-acid or lithium).
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Goal Zero Yeti X 600W Power Supply | $199.95 | Buy on Amazon |
How to Extend Your Goal Zero Yeti 400 Battery Life and Performance
To get the most out of your Goal Zero Yeti 400 battery, you should follow some best practices for charging, using, and storing your unit. Here are some tips to extend your Yeti 400 battery life and performance:
- Charge your Yeti 400 regularly and avoid letting it sit for long periods without any charge. Ideally, you should charge your Yeti 400 at least once every 3 months to keep the battery healthy.
- Avoid overcharging or undercharging your Yeti 400. Overcharging can damage the battery cells and reduce their capacity. Undercharging can cause the BMS to shut down the battery and prevent it from charging again. Try to keep your Yeti 400 between 20% and 80% charge for optimal performance.
- Use a compatible power source for charging your Yeti 400. Don’t use any power source that is not approved by Goal Zero or that has a different voltage or current rating than your Yeti 400. This can cause overheating, short-circuiting, or fire hazards.
- Store your Yeti 400 in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated place. Avoid exposing your Yeti 400 to extreme temperatures, humidity, or direct sunlight. These can degrade the battery quality and shorten its lifespan.
- Clean your Yeti 400 regularly and check for any signs of damage or corrosion. Use a soft cloth or a brush to wipe off any dust or dirt from the unit. Check the cables, plugs, ports, and terminals for any cracks, rust, or loose connections. If you find any damage or corrosion, contact Goal Zero customer service for assistance.
FAQs
Q: How do I know if my Goal Zero Yeti 400 is charging?
A: You can check the LCD display on the front panel of your Yeti 400 to see if it is charging. It will show you the input power in watts and the battery level in percentage. If there is no input power or battery level displayed, then your Yeti 400 is not charging.
Q: How long does it take to charge my Goal Zero Yeti 400?
A: The charging time of your Goal Zero Yeti 400 depends on the power source you use and the state of charge of your unit. On average, it takes about 5 hours to charge your Yeti 400 from a wall outlet, about 13 hours to charge it from a car port, and variable time to charge it from a solar panel.
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Goal Zero Yeti X 600W Power Supply | $199.95 | Buy on Amazon |
Q: How do I know if my Goal Zero Yeti 400 battery is bad?
A: Some signs that your Goal Zero Yeti 400 battery is bad are:
- Your Yeti 400 does not hold a charge or loses charge quickly
- Your Yeti 400 does not power on or shuts off unexpectedly
- Your Yeti 400 does not charge at all or charges very slowly
- Your Yeti 400 shows error codes or flashing lights on the display
- Your Yeti 400 makes unusual noises or smells
If you notice any of these signs, you may need to replace your Yeti 400 battery.
Conclusion
Your Goal Zero Yeti 400 is a great portable power station that can keep your devices and appliances running when you need them most. However, if your Yeti 400 is not charging properly, you may face some frustration and inconvenience.
Fortunately, there are some simple ways to fix your Goal Zero Yeti 400 not charging issue. You can try unplugging and plugging the power cord, doing a battery disconnect, resetting the unit, or replacing the battery.
You can also extend your Goal Zero Yeti 400 battery life and performance by following some best practices for charging, using, and storing your unit.
We hope this post has helped you solve your Goal Zero Yeti 400 not charging problem and enjoy your portable power station again. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them below.
Happy camping! 🏕️
