August Lock: Beeping Twice Then Dying Troubleshooting -... | digitalhomefaults.org

Technical Background:

The August lock relies on a Zigbee or Z-Wave mesh network for communication with the Connect bridge or hub. Power is supplied by CR123A batteries in series, providing a nominal 6V DC. A low voltage detection circuit triggers the beeping sequence to warn of imminent shutdown. Cold weather drastically increases battery internal impedance, reducing available current for the motor drive circuit. High RF interference can increase power consumption during communication attempts. Lock motor drive system could be failing due to increased friction.

Symptoms:

The August lock emits two short beeps followed by complete power failure. LED indicator flashes red before shutdown. App reports “Lock Disconnected” or “Low Battery” even after recent battery replacement. Log shows inconsistent Zigbee/Z-Wave heartbeats before failure.

Possible Causes:

**Low Battery Voltage**: CR123A battery voltage drops below operational threshold (typically 5.4V) due to discharge or cold temperatures (-20°C to -40°C).
**Battery Impedance**: Increased internal resistance of batteries due to cold weather limits current delivery to the motor and communication circuits.
**RF Interference**: 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi congestion or interference from other Zigbee/Z-Wave devices degrades signal strength (RSSI), increasing power consumption for retransmissions.
**Mechanical Binding**: Door frame warping due to seasonal temperature changes causes increased friction on the bolt, requiring more current from the motor.
**Motor Drive Failure**: Partial failure of the motor drive circuit (H-bridge) draws excessive current, quickly depleting batteries. Internal failure can trigger the dual-beep alert.
**Firmware Bug**: A software glitch may cause incorrect low battery warnings or inefficient power management.

Solution:

1

*Battery Voltage Test**: Use a multimeter to measure the voltage of each CR123A battery under load (while the lock is attempting to operate). Replace batteries if voltage drops below 2.7V per battery.
2

*Battery Impedance Test**: If the voltage is initially good but drops rapidly under load, suspect high internal impedance. Use a battery tester with impedance measurement capability to confirm.
3

*RF Environment Scan**: Use a Wi-Fi analyzer app on your smartphone or laptop to check for 2.4 GHz congestion. If interference is high, try changing the Wi-Fi channel on your Bell Giga Hub or Rogers Ignite modem or relocate the August Connect bridge.
4

*Mechanical Inspection**: Manually test the deadbolt operation. If the bolt feels stiff or binds, lubricate the strike plate and bolt mechanism with graphite lubricant. Ensure the door frame and strike plate are properly aligned.
5

*Firmware Update**: Check for firmware updates in the August app. Install any available updates to address potential software bugs or power management issues. Factory reset and re-pair the lock if issues persist.
6

*Motor Drive Check**: If the problem persists after replacing batteries and addressing RF interference and mechanical binding, the motor drive circuit may be faulty. Consider replacing the lock.
7

*C-Wire Adapter**: Check if the lock is connected to a C-wire. If not, consider installing one for more reliable power.

Safety Warning:

Ensure proper handling and disposal of lithium batteries. Do not puncture or incinerate batteries. Data privacy is critical: use strong passwords for your August account and enable two-factor authentication. Protect your smart lock from physical tampering to prevent unauthorized access. Regular security audits of your connected home ecosystem are essential.

Prevention:

- **Annual Battery Replacement**: Replace CR123A batteries annually, ideally before the start of winter. - **Battery Health Monitoring**: Periodically check the battery level in the August app and replace batteries proactively before they are fully depleted. - **Firmware Updates**: Enable automatic firmware updates in the August app to ensure the lock has the latest bug fixes and power management improvements. - **Environmental Considerations**: Inspect the door frame and strike plate annually for signs of warping or misalignment and address any issues promptly. - **Network Optimization**: Optimize your home Wi-Fi network by minimizing interference and ensuring adequate coverage for the August Connect bridge.

Expert Tip:

Perform a three-tap reset on the August lock by quickly pressing and releasing the August button three times. This can sometimes clear temporary errors and restore proper operation. Factory reset should be a last resort, as it will require re-pairing the lock with your account and hub.

Frequently Asked Questions

•What type of batteries are recommended for August smart locks in cold Canadian winters?

Lithium CR123A batteries are highly recommended due to their superior performance at low temperatures compared to alkaline batteries.

•How can I improve the Zigbee/Z-Wave signal strength of my August lock?

Ensure the August Connect bridge is located within close proximity to the lock and away from sources of interference such as microwave ovens or cordless phones. Consider adding a Zigbee/Z-Wave repeater device to extend the network range.

•What are the signs of a failing August lock motor?

Signs of a failing motor include unusual grinding noises, slow or erratic bolt movement, and excessive battery drain.

Technical Background:

Symptoms:

Possible Causes:

Solution:

Safety Warning:

Prevention:

Expert Tip:

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

•What type of batteries are recommended for August smart locks in cold Canadian winters?

•How can I improve the Zigbee/Z-Wave signal strength of my August lock?

•What are the signs of a failing August lock motor?

Related Questions

Technical Background:

Symptoms:

Possible Causes:

Solution:

Safety Warning:

Prevention:

Expert Tip: