Troubleshooting Streamlight Litebox Power Failure Light

wbowman · Apr 16, 2012

I am considering upgrading my Streamlight Litebox Power Failure light with the E-Flood LED kit to increase its output and run-time. Unfortunately, I think there is an issue with either the battery or the charger because now the existing lamp barely works for a few minutes and is very dim when it does. The charge light remains red all the time - never turning green like it used to. The wall-wart power supply has started to make noise and tends to get very hot (so now I leave it unplugged - which renders the whole system largely useless).

My question is this: what steps do I need to take to figure out which component is faulty? The E-Flood kit is about $60 and a battery is about $40 and a new charger is about $15 - so I don't want to buy all three if I can help it.

I bought this flashlight two years ago after a couple of close run-ins with power outages just before and during near-miss tornadoes. I had not yet discovered this site and I really didn't do much research. I've corrected my ways now and I have some other flashlights that I like more than the big, heavy Litebox, but that beast can still be of great value.

I'd very much like to install this upgraded beast in my windowless garage through which we access the storm shelter.

Thank you so much!

SilverFox · Apr 17, 2012

Hello Wbowman,

Welcome to CPF.

Troubleshooting is done by separation. You should remove the battery and charge it using a different charger. Then you put the battery back in and see if the light performs as it is supposed to. If it does, the problem is with your charger. If it doesn't, the battery is bad, but that doesn't totally eliminate the charger so you have to do a little more testing. With a new battery you can test your charger.

Many people with the Litebox have two. This allows them to switch parts back and forth for troubleshooting. :devil: You may consider picking up another one... :devil:

You may find some assistance by visiting your local fire department. A lot of them use these lights and someone there may be able to help you troubleshoot the problem.

Tom

wbowman · Apr 17, 2012

Thanks for the guidance, Tom. I just placed an order for another battery. Since I'm not aware of any similar lights out there (activation on power failure plus ability to take it with you) I'll try to get this one fixed. I'm reluctant to spend another $150+ on another complete unit given my experience with this one.

wbowman · Jul 31, 2012

Just following up on this thread - it turned out that the battery was shot. I replaced the battery and it has been working perfectly. I have a bit more confidence in it now so I'm going to buy the E-Flood upgrade before winter's ice-storm induced power failures.

HotWire · Jul 31, 2012

I have 2 LiteBoxes. Both have had the batteries go bad. In my experience cheaper replacement batteries last just as long in these lights. They are great for working under the sink, on the car, or navigating through a power failure. There is a large auction site that often has used Liteboxes that can be used for parts. The battery is the weak link.

Vinniec5 · Jul 31, 2012

I love my liteboxes too and have both the e-flood(bought this one new) and spot(bought the kit). and have replaced batteries in my other liteboxes i've had yes the battery is the weak link and should be exercised every 5-6 months. these lights are ready for a serious nimh or li-ion pack but the led light kit was a great upgrade first step and is night and day different from the incan.

wbowman if i had to have only one litebox i would definitely get the e-spot especially for power outage use. It's great for spotting downed wire/trees/ SAR from a good distance. if you want to light an area use the low power mode not to blind everyone but i would seriously consider the e-spot first

wbowman · Aug 1, 2012

Vinniec5 - I think you've convinced me to buy an orange E-Spot AND an E-Flood upgrade! My credit card curses you! Thanks.

Vinniec5 · Aug 1, 2012

just for the runtime alone, hard to beat the led litebox. check out brightguy.com great prices on both. I'll tell you I would't give either up now that i have both. the e-spot has some serious range, streamlight focused it correctly. you won't be sorry at all, money well spent for good equipment