August Lock Solid Red Light: Troubleshooting Guide -... | digitalhomefaults.org

Technical Background:

The August Lock relies on Zigbee/Z-Wave for communication with the Connect bridge or built-in Wi-Fi for direct cloud connectivity. The lock's motor drive circuit engages a mechanical bolt. Power is supplied by CR123A batteries. Low temperatures significantly increase battery impedance, reducing voltage. Fingerprint sensor calibration drifts in extreme cold, leading to unlock failures.

Symptoms:

The August Lock displays a solid red light for 5 seconds. This is often accompanied by an inability to lock or unlock the door via the app (iOS/Android). Review the activity log within the August app for error codes (e.g., 'Motor Jammed', 'Low Battery').

Possible Causes:

Low Battery: Insufficient voltage to power the motor, especially in cold Canadian winters (-20°C to -40°C).
Mechanical Binding: Door frame warping due to temperature fluctuations causing the bolt to bind. Examine strike plate alignment (Weiser/Schlage).
Wi-Fi/Zigbee Interference: 2.4 GHz interference from other devices (microwave ovens, cordless phones) impacting connectivity to the August Connect.
Motor Failure: The motor drive circuit or the motor itself has failed. Listen for unusual grinding noises during operation.
Firmware Issue: Corrupted firmware can cause erratic behaviour. Check for pending firmware updates via the August app.
Incorrect Door Handing: The lock may not have been properly calibrated for the door's swing direction.

Solution:

1

Replace Batteries: Install a fresh set of CR123A lithium batteries. Ensure batteries are rated for low-temperature operation. Check voltage with a multimeter (should be above 3.0V per battery).
2

Check Door Alignment: Manually test the deadbolt. If it binds, adjust the strike plate. Consider lubricating the bolt mechanism with silicone-based lubricant.
3

Test Wi-Fi Signal Strength: Use a Wi-Fi analyzer app (e.g., NetSpot) to measure RSSI near the August Connect or the lock itself (if Wi-Fi enabled). Aim for RSSI > -70 dBm. Relocate the August Connect closer to the router.
4

Force Firmware Update: Even if no update is indicated, attempt to force a firmware update through the August app. Restart the lock after the update.
5

Recalibrate Door Handing: Within the August app settings, recalibrate the lock for the correct door swing. Follow the in-app instructions carefully.
6

Power Cycle: Remove the batteries for 60 seconds, then reinsert them. This can reset the lock's internal state.
7

Factory Reset: If all else fails, perform a factory reset (refer to August's documentation). This will require re-pairing the lock with the app.

Safety Warning:

Data privacy is paramount. Ensure two-factor authentication is enabled on your August account. Regularly review access logs for unauthorized entries. Never share your August account credentials. Be cautious of physical tampering. Inspect the lock for signs of damage or forced entry.

Prevention:

- Battery Health: Replace batteries annually, ideally before the onset of winter. Use high-quality lithium batteries. - Firmware Updates: Enable automatic firmware updates in the August app. - Door Maintenance: Regularly check door and frame alignment, especially after extreme weather. Lubricate the bolt mechanism. - Wi-Fi Monitoring: Periodically check Wi-Fi signal strength and resolve any interference issues. - Static IP: Assign a static IP address to the August Connect on your router (Bell Giga Hub/Rogers Ignite) for more stable network connectivity.

Expert Tip:

To quickly check battery health, trigger the lock manually (using the thumb turn). A weak motor response often indicates low battery even if the app shows a higher percentage. If using the August Connect, try moving it to a different outlet on a different circuit to rule out localized electrical interference.

Frequently Asked Questions

•How do I reset my August Lock?

Press and hold the August button for 5 seconds. Release and wait for the light to turn solid amber. Then press and release the button one more time.

•What type of batteries does the August Lock use?

The August Lock uses CR123A lithium batteries. Always use high-quality batteries for optimal performance.

•Is the August Lock compatible with my existing deadbolt?

The August Lock is designed to work with most standard deadbolts. Check August's compatibility checker on their website for specific models.

Technical Background:

Symptoms:

Possible Causes:

Solution:

Safety Warning:

Prevention:

Expert Tip:

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

•How do I reset my August Lock?

•What type of batteries does the August Lock use?

•Is the August Lock compatible with my existing deadbolt?

Related Questions

Technical Background:

Symptoms:

Possible Causes:

Solution:

Safety Warning:

Prevention:

Expert Tip: