Fenix L2D Q5 only works on low but strobe/SOS works?

[BentHeadTX]

My Fenix L2D Q5 has developed a problem that has me stumped

It will only come on in low mode, you can have it in "turbo" at it operates in the much dimmer low mode. Toggle the tail switch and it will strobe but only at low output. Loosen the head and it runs low, tap the switch and medium, high and SOS modes work but again only with a dim output.

I changed my Eneloops with my Turbo AA2 which runs very brightly and it stays low. Shorted the body with some wire and it still runs low. The tail switch is good as I swapped parts from my L1D RB100, tried the shorting wire trick and I still get low output.

Tried putting it in turbo mode and let it run for around 4 hours and it regulates only in that low mode. It acts like it is stuck in that mode but the "disco modes" work at the low output.

I have tried everything but it seems the head has a malfunction and stays a regulated low output. Figures, the light made it a year and now it becomes a long running emergency light?

Any ideas?

 

[hotlight]

Im talking out of my a$$ here:

from what I understand/think(answers given to me by "timberwolf" in another thread) your "boost circuit regulator" is toast...... if your light has one of those.

I think I had the same problem with my LF3XT:
my LF3XT would shuffle thru modes(it would get brighter, strobe, etc.), but the output was 1/10th? what it should've been.


if you've done all the "basics"(clean/lube, batteries, etc.) and even swapped parts with different lights and its still not working correctly-it has to be something in the head/circuitry.(i'm sure you already knew this tho).

EDIT: sorry, no ideas-besides sending it in under back to fenix.

 

[BentHeadTX]

Thanks hotlight,

It sounds like it is pretty toasted, I was thinking of putting some fresh alkalines in there to see if the higher voltage will make it brighter. (Figures I'd be out of lithiums) The light is a year old, wonder if Fenix would fix it?

 

[hotlight]

Thanks hotlight,

It sounds like it is pretty toasted, I was thinking of putting some fresh alkalines in there to see if the higher voltage will make it brighter. (Figures I'd be out of lithiums) The light is a year old, wonder if Fenix would fix it?

again talking outta my ___.
I believe a higher voltage will let it run brighter, but still won't be where it should.... which you've probably already tried and confirmed.

I thought Fenix warranty was 2 years. My LOD had a stamp on the warranty "pamphlet" stating "2 Years Warranty".......

I would think they would fix it even if out of warranty, unless the light looks abused..... but I've never dealt with Fenix for warranty issues.

my issue was solved thru warranty but the issue happened the day I got the light(and I contacted them immediately).... not sure if in fact the "boost ciruit regulator" was the problem, I just recieved a fixed/replaced light 5 days later and everything is working good so far.

I would at least contact fenix or dealer you got it from and go from there.... or keep it as a moonlight mode only light.

good luck

 

[Az_Tibor]

I had the same thing happen to my L2D head - the output appeared to be direct drive, but the modes (constant, strobe, sos) still worked. As mentioned above, I believe the boost circuitry failed. 4sevens warranties Fenix lights for two years, and mine was within that period, so I sent it in. They were unable to fix it, and instead returned a L1D head very promptly.

I'd give 4sevens a call and see what they can do.

 

[BentHeadTX]

Thanks Az,

Mine is a year old so I'll give David and company a call. I think I bought it from 4sevens...I think? (I hope!)

 

[Nake]

Just log on to your account at 4sevens and view the order history.

 

[jc179]

Hi All

I realize this is an old thread, however I have an L2D with a failed head too. I can confirm that the failure is within the boost circuity its self. On 2 AA batterys the led dimly shines, and its pretty much useless (read less light than a candle emits).

My flashlight is about 5 years old, and I've tried contacting Fenix Canada numerous times about even purchasing a new head and never even got a response...boo... I am a disappointed on that front, but onto the point.

I've dismantled the head and can confirm that the boost side seems to have shorted, so the voltage read at the LED is directly related to the input voltage applied to the small boost circuit in the head. As I manually up the voltage on a bench power supply I can see the LED intensity picks up confirming the LED is OK.

I have not been successful in figuring out what the transistor is there; does anyone have any recommendations for small boost circuits I could fit in there and get my L2D *somewhat* up and going again?

thanks,
Jonathan