August Lock: LED Flashing Red Twice Error - Smart Home | digitalhomefaults.org

Technical Background:

The August Lock relies on a motor drive circuit powered by batteries (primary or rechargeable). A red LED flash typically indicates a mechanical obstruction preventing full bolt extension/retraction, or insufficient power to drive the motor. Z-Wave or Wi-Fi connectivity issues preventing successful command transmission may also manifest similarly. Diagnostic data (battery voltage, motor current draw, lock/unlock attempt timestamps) are logged locally and potentially to the cloud.

Symptoms:

The August Lock LED is flashing red twice after a lock/unlock attempt. Observed consistently across multiple attempts. App may display an error message such as 'Lock Jammed' or 'Low Battery'. User reports operation failure in temperatures below -10°C.

Possible Causes:

Low battery voltage, exacerbated by cold temperatures (-20°C to -40°C common in Canadian winters) increasing internal battery impedance.
Mechanical binding of the bolt due to door frame warping from seasonal temperature fluctuations. Weiser or Schlage strike plates may show wear patterns.
RF interference on the 2.4GHz band (Wi-Fi) or 900MHz band (Z-Wave) preventing successful command execution.
Motor drive circuit failure within the August Lock.
Incorrect door handing configuration, causing the lock to attempt to lock/unlock in the wrong direction.
Z-Wave or Wi-Fi network connectivity issues.

Solution:

1

Replace batteries with fresh, high-quality lithium batteries. Ensure correct polarity. Avoid alkaline batteries in cold climates.
2

Inspect the door frame and strike plate for obstructions or binding. Adjust strike plate position as necessary. Lubricate the bolt mechanism with silicone-based lubricant.
3

Use a Wi-Fi analyzer app on a smartphone or laptop to measure the RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator) at the lock location. Ideally, RSSI should be above -70dBm. Relocate the Wi-Fi router or add a Wi-Fi extender if signal strength is weak. Check for 2.4 GHz interference from other devices.
4

Verify proper door handing configuration within the August app. Recalibrate if necessary.
5

Perform a factory reset of the August Lock and re-pair it with the August app.
6

If using Z-Wave, ensure the Z-Wave network is healthy and the lock is within range of the Z-Wave hub. Optimize Z-Wave mesh network topology.
7

If the problem persists, contact August customer support for warranty service. Provide detailed information on environmental conditions and troubleshooting steps taken.

Safety Warning:

Tampering with the lock mechanism can compromise security. Do not attempt to bypass the lock. Ensure data privacy by enabling two-factor authentication on your August account. Be aware of physical tampering attempts. Dispose of used lithium batteries properly according to local regulations. Do NOT puncture or incinerate.

Prevention:

- Replace batteries annually, ideally before the onset of winter. Track battery voltage using the August app. - Regularly inspect and lubricate the bolt mechanism. - Monitor Wi-Fi signal strength at the lock location. - Keep August Lock firmware up-to-date via the August app. - Consider using a C-wire adapter for constant power if available to reduce battery drain.

Expert Tip:

If experiencing intermittent connectivity issues with a Bell Giga Hub, try disabling the 'Whole Home Wi-Fi' feature and creating a separate 2.4GHz network SSID specifically for IoT devices. This can improve stability for Z-Wave and Wi-Fi locks.

Frequently Asked Questions

•What type of batteries are recommended for cold Canadian winters?

Lithium batteries are highly recommended due to their superior performance in cold temperatures compared to alkaline batteries. Choose a reputable brand.

•How can I improve the Wi-Fi signal strength to my August Lock?

Try relocating your Wi-Fi router, adding a Wi-Fi extender, or ensuring there are no obstructions (e.g., thick walls, metal objects) between the router and the lock. Use a Wi-Fi analyzer app to optimize channel selection.

•What are the risks of using a non-OEM power adapter for the August Lock?

Using a non-OEM power adapter could damage the lock's internal circuitry, void the warranty, and potentially create a fire hazard. Always use the power adapter specifically designed for your August Lock model.

Technical Background:

Symptoms:

Possible Causes:

Solution:

Safety Warning:

Prevention:

Expert Tip:

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

•What type of batteries are recommended for cold Canadian winters?

•How can I improve the Wi-Fi signal strength to my August Lock?

•What are the risks of using a non-OEM power adapter for the August Lock?

Related Questions

Technical Background:

Symptoms:

Possible Causes:

Solution:

Safety Warning:

Prevention:

Expert Tip: