Brinkman MaxFire LX

[Phaetos]

I bought a couple of these awhile back from Wal-Mart and actually like them, except for one little problem. They EAT those CR123's like candy, especially when not on. Yes, I said not on. I have gone to turn them one several times and the batteries are dead and haven't been used in a week or more. Has anyone else had this problem with these lights? I hate to keep buying $10 in batteries only to have them totally dead without even using them. Got any suggestions to check for shorts or some wiring fault that may be causing it?

Thanks, this place looks like a good place to spend more money :huh:

 

[Flash_Gordon]

First, welcome to CPF.

Second, buy good 123 cells online for about $1. Do not buy in a retail store for $10 a pair.

I have 2 LX's in cars and neither has had this problem. I have not read about this type of problem here. Either you have 2 defective lights, they are somehow getting turned on or you have hit a supply of bad batteries.

Mark

 

[besafe2]

I have an LX & love it. As of now I have never had a problem with the batteries. I buy the Cr123's from Surefire so I scecond what some one else said about buying good quality batteries on line.

 

[NA8]

+1 no problems with battery life when off.

Sounds like a bad switch maybe. You could hook up a meter and see if there's any current flow with the switch off.

 

[Phaetos]

Yeh, I found it extrememly wierd that two of them bought seperately would exhibit the exact same problem. I also was purchasing different brands, apparently not the issue. If it's a bad switch, on both would be my luck, if the bulb is off, then how is the switch still siphoning off juice?

 

[jml90]

I have the same problem!

 

[Phaetos]

YAY! I'm not the only one! What have you tried?

 

[legtu]

perhaps a bad clicky. if you have a multimeter you can try this. remove the switch and place one of the probes on the battery spring and tube contacts. try checking for continuity or resistance with the switch on 'off' position.

nothing should come up on those checks. if there is, its a bad clicky.

 

[willrx]

No problems here. Target now has them for $12.99 in my area. Good luck.

 

[jml90]

+1 no problems with battery life when off.

Sounds like a bad switch maybe. You could hook up a meter and see if there's any current flow with the switch off.

How do I do that?

 

[Monocrom]

No problems with mine. I've owned it for over 6 months now.
Yeah, if you buy Surefire brand batteries you can get a case for about $2 a battery. Other places have them for $1 each. Always buy 123A cells on-line. Living in NYC, I get mine from Brick & Mortar stores.

 

[NA8]

How do I do that?

Edit: if we're finished, I'm going to erase this test method because if you're not careful and have the switch in the wrong position, bad things could happen.

 

[jml90]

I get nothing when it's off

 

[NA8]

I get nothing when it's off

I'd talk to Brinkmann about a RMA and see if they'll look at it. They'll probably just send you another.