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August•August Lock

Analysis by Lukas & Team

August Lock Door Shaking Fix: Troubleshooting Guide

Troubleshoot August Smart Lock door shaking issues. Diagnostic steps for mechanical binding, wireless interference, and motor calibration. Canadian winter ready.

Frequently Asked Questions

•What type of lubricant is recommended for the deadbolt?

A graphite-based lubricant is recommended for lubricating the deadbolt. Avoid using oil-based lubricants, as they can attract dust and debris.

•How do I determine the optimal location for my Wi-Fi router to improve signal strength to the August Lock?

Use a Wi-Fi analyzer app on your smartphone to measure the signal strength at various locations near the August Lock. Place the router where the signal strength is strongest.

•What are the symptoms of a failing motor in the August Lock?

Symptoms of a failing motor include grinding noises, slow or inconsistent locking/unlocking, and frequent motor stall errors in the August app.

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About Lukas & Team

Lukas leads the technical research department at Digital Home Faults. Together with a team of systems analysts, he specializes in translating complex manufacturer error codes into actionable diagnostic steps for the Canadian market.

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Technical Recommendation:

If the August Lock is repeatedly exhibiting motor stall errors, temporarily disable the "DoorSense" feature within the August app. This disables the automatic door closure detection, potentially reducing strain on the motor. If this resolves the issue, recalibrate DoorSense after addressing the underlying mechanical binding.

Possible Causes:

Mechanical binding of the deadbolt due to door frame warping from seasonal temperature fluctuations (-20°C to +30°C).
Insufficient battery voltage to overcome deadbolt resistance, particularly with older batteries experiencing increased internal resistance in cold weather.
Misalignment between the August Lock motor drive and the deadbolt mechanism, leading to increased torque requirements.
RF interference (2.4GHz) from other wireless devices (Wi-Fi routers, cordless phones) impacting Bluetooth communication and calibration routines.
Partially obstructed deadbolt strike plate, preventing smooth bolt extension.
Firmware glitches preventing proper motor calibration.

What to Look For:

Excessive vibration or shaking of the door during the August Lock's locking/unlocking cycle. Audible grinding noises emanating from the lock mechanism. Error logs in the August app may indicate a "Motor Stall" or "Calibration Failure". Observe the LED indicator for rapid blinking sequences outside of normal operation, potentially indicating a mechanical fault.

Safety Warning:

Ensure the door frame is structurally sound before making any adjustments to the strike plate. Improper adjustment can compromise security. Do not attempt to disassemble the August Lock motor assembly. Lithium batteries can pose a fire hazard if mishandled. Dispose of used batteries properly at designated recycling facilities. Protect your August account with a strong, unique password and enable two-factor authentication.

How It Works:

The August Lock communicates wirelessly (Bluetooth/Wi-Fi) to a smartphone or hub. It utilizes a motor to physically actuate the deadbolt. Positional feedback is determined by internal Hall-effect sensors within the motor drive circuit. Door shaking points to excessive force or resistance during actuation. The lock's firmware is designed to detect and halt the motor if resistance exceeds a threshold, preventing damage. Impedance from a partially discharged battery, especially in cold Canadian winters, or a misaligned deadbolt, can trigger the protective shutdown.

Recommended Action:

1

Manually test the deadbolt's operation with the August Lock detached. Verify smooth and easy extension/retraction without binding. Lubricate the deadbolt with graphite-based lubricant if needed.
2

Replace the August Lock batteries with fresh, high-quality lithium batteries. Ensure correct polarity. Monitor battery voltage under load using a multimeter. A voltage drop below 5.5V indicates insufficient capacity.
3

Check for physical obstructions in the strike plate. Clean any debris or ice buildup that might impede the deadbolt.
4

Recalibrate the August Lock via the August app. Ensure the app is updated to the latest version. Force close and reopen the app to refresh the connection.
5

Verify Wi-Fi signal strength (RSSI) near the August Lock using a Wi-Fi analyzer app on a smartphone. Signal strength below -70 dBm can cause communication issues. Consider relocating the Wi-Fi router or adding a Wi-Fi extender.
6

If using a Zigbee hub, check for channel interference. Change the Zigbee channel on the hub to minimize overlap with Wi-Fi channels. (Bell Giga Hub settings may require advanced technician access.)
7

As a last resort, perform a factory reset of the August Lock, following the manufacturer's instructions. Re-pair the device with the August app.

Preventative Care:

Replace batteries annually before the onset of winter to ensure optimal performance in cold temperatures. Monitor battery health via the August app.
Regularly lubricate the deadbolt mechanism (every 6 months) to prevent binding.
Periodically recalibrate the August Lock via the app to maintain accurate motor positioning.
Update the August Lock firmware regularly via the app to benefit from bug fixes and performance improvements (OTA updates).
Inspect the door frame and strike plate annually for signs of warping or misalignment. Adjust as needed.