Surefire U2 Malfunctioning ?

[maxspeeds]

I just received a used Surefire U2 today. First thing I did was drop in 2 cr123 batteries to fire it up. Only problem is that it seems to be stuck on level 1. When rotating the selector ring from lock to lock (approximately 100 degrees) the light does not change levels. I've tried different batteries (new) and even a 18650 AW cell. Nothing seems to work.

Am I missing something here? I've never handled a U2 before, so I may just be doing something wrong. It seems like a straight forward light where you rotate the ring from left to right to increase brightness. However, mines does not change at all when the collar is moved.:thinking:

Anyone else experience this?:candle:

 

[Flashlight Aficionado]

my first thought was not enough juice in your battery, because as you lose juice, you lose levels. But you used other batteries too. Is there plenty of spring tension against the batteries? If that isn't it and it hasn't been modded, call Surefire.

 

[jimmy1970]

Definately something amiss here. Even with low batteries, you still should have some control over the lower levels at least.

Contact Surefire for warranty work.

James...

 

[maxspeeds]

my first thought was not enough juice in your battery, because as you lose juice, you lose levels. But you used other batteries too. Is there plenty of spring tension against the batteries? If that isn't it and it hasn't been modded, call Surefire.

That's what I first thought, as well. It hasn't been modded, or opened, but I just received it and looked for this old flat body Lux V for a while. I was hoping this is a problem that someone else has experienced and was able to remedy it. I really don't want to RMA it with surefire and possibly get the new P4 version.

 

[maxspeeds]

Definately something amiss here. Even with low batteries, you still should have some control over the lower levels at least.

Contact Surefire for warranty work.

James...

Does the selector ring only move approximately 100 degrees from lock to lock? I'm hoping that I'm not moving it enough to access the other levels. I've never used a U2 before :shrug:

 

[Bullzeyebill]

I owned one and sold one. The one I sold ended up having problems with the tailswitch, a new one from SF that I had sent with the light. I made it right with the buyer,and sent him the original older model switch. Talk to the seller, and he should make it right unless he sold it as is. If that does not work then yes, call, don't email, call SF and tell them your problem and follow their advise.

Bill

 

[maxspeeds]

I owned one and sold one. The one I sold ended up having problems with the tailswitch, a new one from SF that I had sent with the light. I made it right with the buyer,and sent him the original older model switch. Talk to the seller, and he should make it right unless he sold it as is. If that does not work then yes, call, don't email, call SF and tell them your problem and follow their advise.

Bill

Hi Bill,

Thanks for the advice. I read about the tailcap problems, so I tried another SF clicky I had, and the symptoms were the same. I really hope I can get it to work as I fell in love with it when I opened the box. I'm hoping to hear back from the seller soon.

 

[Bullzeyebill]

Good luck. My U2 is the most versatile light I have, and used the most around the house and yard. I have the Lux V version and it does just great with an 18650. I have considered having it modded to a Cree MCE, but I don't think it will happen, and really doesn't need the extra lumens. Maybe switch out Lux V for a nice low vf XxxS Lux V, but don't see them hanging around out there. I probably have a WxxS.

Bill

 

[Flashlight Aficionado]

Does the selector ring only move approximately 100 degrees from lock to lock? I'm hoping that I'm not moving it enough to access the other levels. I've never used a U2 before :shrug:

Yes. That is not the problem.

P.S. Add two colored stickers to the ring. One for high and one for low. This will give you a visual of what setting you are on.

 

[65535]

Sounds like they forgot to but a magnet in the selector ring. If you happen to have a high powered magnet, try moving it in a circle around the dial. If it changes levels then there is no magnet.

Either way call Surfire setup an RMA.

 

[Sgt. LED]

I would send in just the head. Why risk that awesome old body!

 

[maxspeeds]

Sounds like they forgot to but a magnet in the selector ring. If you happen to have a high powered magnet, try moving it in a circle around the dial. If it changes levels then there is no magnet.

Either way call Surfire setup an RMA.

I thought about that as well. But, I found that there is a magnet in the selector ring. I used another magnet to find it.

I'm really bummed here, as this light seems so great. But, I can't figure out how to switch the levels

 

[maxspeeds]

I would send in just the head. Why risk that awesome old body!

Only problem is that I heard Surefire wants a complete light when sent back. Also, I don't want to wait the 40 plus day turn around it takes surefire to fix or send a replacement. :mecry:

 

[maxspeeds]

After searching, I found this post: http://candlepowerforums.com/vb/showpost.php?p=1740575&postcount=6

I'm wondering if the magnet inside the selector ring is too weak for the hall effect sensors to pick up the magnetic field.

 

[digitaleos]

Only problem is that I heard Surefire wants a complete light when sent back. Also, I don't want to wait the 40 plus day turn around it takes surefire to fix or send a replacement. :mecry:

The last time I sent a U2 in for warranty work I had it back in just under two weeks.:shrug: This was this past April. But of course, YMMV.

Chris

 

[Sgt. LED]

Only problem is that I heard Surefire wants a complete light when sent back. Also, I don't want to wait the 40 plus day turn around it takes surefire to fix or send a replacement. :mecry:

They do usually but if they say anything you just say oops, sorry about that.

 

[Henk_Lu]

You can't do anything wrong with a U2, except trying to fix it yourself!

It was my first light, I unpacked it, tightened the tailcap, lit it up and changed modes. As you tried it with different cells, there is something wrong with the light and you unfortunatelyx have to send it in...

Toughluck, I got a Nitecore Extreme that flickered or blackened on high, I returned it immediately after testing it with another cell and cleaning all the contacts 3 times. :mecry:

 

[maxspeeds]

The last time I sent a U2 in for warranty work I had it back in just under two weeks.:shrug: This was this past April. But of course, YMMV.

Chris

2 weeks! That's not bad too bad. I guess it looks like I'll have to give Surefire a call for a RMA number

 

[maxspeeds]

They do usually but if they say anything you just say oops, sorry about that.

:twothumbs Good idea. I don't see why it would matter if it came with a body or not. I definitely want the same head back and not the new Seoul P4 version

 

[maxspeeds]

You can't do anything wrong with a U2, except trying to fix it yourself!

Yup good point! I almost came down to doing that if it wasn't for Surefire's superior customer service. Thanks for reaffirming not to try and fix it myself