Goal Zero YETI500X Troubleshooting Guide (With Error Codes)

If you are looking for a portable power station that can power a wide range of devices, from phones to fridges, the Goal Zero YETI500X might be the perfect choice for you. This power station has a 505 watt-hour lithium-ion battery that can be recharged from the sun, the wall, or your car. It also has four different port options, including AC, 12V, and 60W USB-C PD, to meet your various charging needs.

However, like any other device, the Goal Zero YETI500X may encounter some issues or problems that need troubleshooting. In this guide, we will help you solve some of the most common problems that you may face with your Goal Zero YETI500X. We will also provide you with a comprehensive guide to error codes that may appear on your power station’s display.

The power station is not charging from the solar panel

One of the main features of the Goal Zero YETI500X is that it can be recharged from the sun using compatible solar panels, such as the Nomad or Boulder series. However, sometimes you may find that your power station is not charging from the solar panel, even when there is enough sunlight.

Solution: There are several possible reasons why your power station is not charging from the solar panel. Here are some steps you can take to troubleshoot this problem:

• Check the connection between the solar panel and the power station. Make sure that the cable is plugged in securely and that there is no damage or dirt on the connectors.
• Check the input voltage and current on the power station’s display. The input voltage should be between 13V to 22V, and the input current should be positive. If the input voltage is too low or too high, or if the input current is negative, there may be a problem with the solar panel or the cable.
• Check the solar panel’s angle and orientation. The solar panel should be facing the sun directly and tilted at an optimal angle for your location and season. You can use a solar angle calculator to find the best angle for your solar panel.
• Check the solar panel’s condition and cleanliness. The solar panel should be free of dust, dirt, snow, or any other obstruction that may reduce its efficiency. You can use a soft cloth and water to gently clean the solar panel if needed.
• Check the weather and time of day. The solar panel’s output will vary depending on the weather conditions and the time of day. Cloudy, rainy, or snowy days will reduce the solar panel’s output significantly. The solar panel will also produce less power in the morning and evening than at noon.

If none of these steps solve your problem, you may need to contact Goal Zero customer support for further assistance.

 The power station is not charging from the wall outlet

Another way to recharge your Goal Zero YETI500X is by plugging it into a wall outlet using the included 60W power supply or an optional 120W power supply. However, sometimes you may find that your power station is not charging from the wall outlet, even when it is plugged in correctly.

Solution: There are several possible reasons why your power station is not charging from the wall outlet. Here are some steps you can take to troubleshoot this problem:

• Check the connection between the power supply and the power station. Make sure that the cable is plugged in securely and that there is no damage or dirt on the connectors.
• Check the connection between the power supply and the wall outlet. Make sure that the plug is inserted firmly and that there is no damage or dirt on the plug or the outlet.
• Check the input voltage and current on the power station’s display. The input voltage should be between 13V to 22V, and the input current should be positive. If the input voltage is too low or too high, or if the input current is negative, there may be a problem with the power supply or the cable.
• Check if there is a power outage or a tripped circuit breaker in your area. If there is no electricity in your wall outlet, your power station will not charge from it.
• Check if there is an overload or a short circuit in your power station or your devices. If your power station or your devices draw more power than what your power supply can provide, your power station will not charge from it.

If none of these steps solve your problem, you may need to contact Goal Zero customer support for further assistance.

The power station is not powering my devices

The main purpose of having a portable power station like the Goal Zero YETI500X is to power your devices when you are away from the grid or in case of an emergency. However, sometimes you may find that your power station is not powering your devices, even when it has enough battery capacity and the ports are turned on.

Solution: There are several possible reasons why your power station is not powering your devices. Here are some steps you can take to troubleshoot this problem:

• Check the connection between your devices and the power station. Make sure that the cables are plugged in securely and that there is no damage or dirt on the connectors.
• Check the output voltage and current on the power station’s display. The output voltage should match the input voltage of your devices, and the output current should not exceed the maximum current of your devices. If the output voltage is too low or too high, or if the output current is too high, your devices may not work properly or may get damaged.
• Check the compatibility of your devices and the power station. Some devices may not be compatible with the power station’s ports or may require a special adapter or converter to work. For example, some laptops may not charge from the USB-C PD port, and some appliances may not run from the AC port. You can check the compatibility of your devices and the power station on Goal Zero’s website or contact Goal Zero customer support for more information.
• Check if there is an overload or a short circuit in your power station or your devices. If your power station or your devices draw more power than what your power station can provide, your power station will shut off automatically to protect itself and your devices.

If none of these steps solve your problem, you may need to contact Goal Zero customer support for further assistance.

The power station is making a loud noise

The Goal Zero YETI500X has a built-in cooling fan that turns on automatically when the power station is running hot or when it is charging or discharging at a high rate. The fan helps to prevent overheating and extend the lifespan of the power station. However, sometimes you may find that the fan is making a loud noise that is annoying or disturbing.

Solution: There are several possible reasons why the fan is making a loud noise. Here are some steps you can take to troubleshoot this problem:

• Check if there is enough ventilation around the power station. The fan needs to have enough space and airflow to cool down the power station effectively. You should avoid placing the power station in direct sunlight, near heat sources, or in enclosed spaces.
• Check if there is any dust, dirt, or debris on the fan or inside the power station. The fan may make a loud noise if it is clogged or obstructed by something. You can use a soft brush or a compressed air can to gently clean the fan and remove any dust, dirt, or debris.
• Check if there is any damage or wear on the fan or inside the power station. The fan may make a loud noise if it is broken or worn out. You should avoid dropping, hitting, or shaking the power station as this may damage the fan or other components inside.

If none of these steps solve your problem, you may need to contact Goal Zero customer support for further assistance.

The power station is not turning on

The Goal Zero YETI500X has a simple and intuitive interface that allows you to turn on and off each port individually by pressing the corresponding button. However, sometimes you may find that the power station is not turning on at all, even when it has enough battery capacity and it is not damaged.

Solution: There are several possible reasons why the power station is not turning on. Here are some steps you can take to troubleshoot this problem:

• Check if there is any physical damage on the power station. The power station may not turn on if it has been dropped, hit, submerged in water, exposed to extreme temperatures, or otherwise damaged.
• Check if there is any electrical damage on the power station. The power station may not turn on if it has been overloaded, short-circuited, overcharged, undercharged, or otherwise damaged by improper use.
• Check if there is any software glitch on the power station. The power station may not turn on if it has been frozen, corrupted, or otherwise affected by a software error.
• Try to reset the power station by pressing and holding all four port buttons for 10 seconds. This may clear any software glitch and restore normal operation.

If none of these steps solve your problem, you may need to contact Goal Zero customer support for further assistance.

Error Codes Guide

The Goal Zero YETI500X has a LCD display that shows various information about the status and performance of the power station. Sometimes, you may see an error code on the display that indicates a problem with the power station. Here are some of the most common error codes and what they mean: