Why Your Hoverboard won't Turn Off (Step by Step Guide)

Hoverboards have become a popular mode of transportation for people of all ages. They’re fun, fast, and make getting around a breeze. However, just like any other electronic device, hoverboards can experience technical glitches. One common issue that hoverboard owners face is the inability to turn off their devices. This can be frustrating and even dangerous, especially if the hoverboard is left unattended.

If you’re experiencing this problem, don’t worry – you’re not alone. In this article, we’ll explore the possible reasons why your hoverboard won’t turn off and provide you with some practical solutions to get it back to its normal functioning state. So, let’s dive in!

Common Problems That Cause Hoverboard Not To Turn Off

To understand how to fix a hoverboard that refuses to power down, it helps to first know the root causes of the problem. There are three main reasons a hoverboard will stay on even after you attempt to turn it off:

1. Stuck Power Button

The power button is one of the most used parts on a hoverboard, controlling the on/off function as well as speed and mode settings. Like with any gadget that has physical buttons, hoverboards can suffer from a stuck or damaged power switch.

Dirt, dust, moisture, or debris around the button can obstruct normal functioning, essentially jamming the signal in the “on” position. Damage to the power switch itself can also lead to it getting stuck and not properly responding when pressed to power off the device.

2. Faulty Main Control Board

Hoverboards are complex tech devices that contain a variety of sensors, circuitry, and controllers. The main “brain” of the hoverboard is the main logic or control board. This board controls all of the hoverboard’s functions, including turning on and off.

If the main control board malfunctions or fails entirely, this can manifest in unusual behavior like the hoverboard refusing to power down when turned off. Erratic responses with other functions like balancing, charging, changing modes, etc. are also signs of a faulty main board.

3. Battery Issues

Hoverboards run on powerful lithium-ion battery packs. If these rechargeable batteries malfunction and keep supplying power to the hoverboard against your will, the device will remain running indefinitely.

Faulty, damaged, or worn-out batteries may have trouble fully powering down when the hoverboard is shut off. This continual power feed forces the hoverboard to stay on well after you’ve hit the off button.

How To Resolve Issue – Hoverboard Is Not Turning Off

Now that you know the most common culprits behind a hoverboard that won’t shut down, let’s explore solutions to address each of these root causes.

1. Fixing a Stuck Power Button

If you press the power button on your hoverboard but it refuses to respond, the switch itself is likely stuck or broken in some way. Here are the steps to troubleshoot a faulty power button that won’t turn off the hoverboard:

Thoroughly Inspect the Button

Examine the power button very closely for any signs of dirt, dust, moisture, or debris around the edges. Use a flashlight if needed. Even a very small bit of obstruction around the button can hinder its functioning.

Use short blasts of compressed air to thoroughly clean around the button and dislodge any particles. Make sure the surface of the button itself is free of grime.

Check for Physical Damage

Inspect the button for any visible damage like cracks, dents, or scratches. See if the button seems misaligned, loose, or depressed into the footpad surface more on one side.

Press down on the button and release it a few times to check that there are no sticking, grinding, or unusual sensations. Faulty buttons may make crackling sounds when pressed due to internal component damage.

Open Up the Footpad

Gain access to the interior of the hoverboard footpad housing which contains the power switch. Usually, 4-6 screws secure the plastic housing closed. Carefully detach the housing and inspect the power button contacts, mechanisms, and wiring for anything obstructing normal operation.

Look for any signs of moisture or corrosion on the button contacts and circuit board. Ensure no wires are crimped or improperly connected to the switch. The button may be physically jammed internally and need cleaning and realignment.

Reset and Re-Pair Remote

Some hoverboard models have a handheld remote in addition to the power button on the unit itself. Make sure your remote is properly synced and able to turn off the hoverboard. The remote pairing may need to be reset if it fails to power down the device.

Replace the Button

If the button is damaged beyond repair or cleaning and realigning the internal switch components doesn’t restore functionality, you will need to replace the faulty power switch entirely.

Replacement buttons can be sourced from the hoverboard manufacturer or third-party electronics suppliers. Soldering skills are required to detach the original button and connect a new one. This repair should only be attempted by those experienced with electronics projects.

2. Repairing a Faulty Main Control Board

Since all of the hoverboard’s functions are routed through the main logic or control board, a problem with this crucial component can cause widespread issues – including failure to power down properly. Here are tips for fixing main control board problems:

Check for Signs of Failure

In addition to the hoverboard refusing to turn off, main control board failures usually cause multiple erratic symptoms. Does your hoverboard struggle to turn on, hold a charge, or balance properly during rides? Do the lights flash irregularly or does it make unusual sounds? These are clues pointing to a glitchy main board.

Reset the Hoverboard

Before replacing the main board, try resetting your hoverboard to factory default settings. This clears any software bugs that could be causing glitches.

To reset, power off the device, place it on a level surface and locate the small pinhole (usually on the bottom). Insert a paperclip into the hole and hold down the internal button for 10-15 seconds until lights flash, signaling a successful reset.

Test if the power-down issue is resolved after resetting to rule out a software problem before examining the hardware.

Inspect the Main Board

Open up your hoverboard to access the main logic board. Check for any burnt, damaged, or missing components on the board. Probe the connections to make sure the cables are fully secured. Look for moisture, liquid spills, or corrosion that may have compromised the electronics.

If the board looks pristine, the issue may lie in faulty sensors or internal shorts you can’t see. But any visible damage indicates a bad main control board.

Replace the Main Board

If you have confirmed the main logic board is defective through testing and inspection, replacement is necessary. Soldering expertise is required to properly remove the old board and install a new one. Only attempt this repair if you have electronics repair experience.

For those less tech-savvy, seek professional hoverboard repair to have the main control board swapped out. Hoverboard maintenance services can diagnose issues and source a replacement board matched for your model.

3. Troubleshooting Hoverboard Battery Problems

If your hoverboard’s batteries are providing continual power after shut down, preventing the device from turning off, here is how to troubleshoot:

Check Battery Levels

Seemingly dead or drained batteries could be the issue if your hoverboard won’t turn off. Fully recharge the batteries per manufacturer guidelines. Check if this resolves the shutting down issue. Batteries may fail to stop power delivery if they are not charged properly.

Inspect the Batteries

Open up your hoverboard and examine the battery pack. Look for any swollen, cracked, or leaking batteries which indicate damage and need replacement. In addition, you need to check battery connectors for corrosion or loose connections which could cause power supply problems.

Test Voltages

Use a voltmeter to check the battery output voltages under load. If voltages are abnormal or fluctuating, this signifies a bad battery back unable to maintain steady power delivery for proper hoverboard functioning and shut down.

Replace Batteries

If batteries are misbehaving, won’t hold a charge, or show faulty voltages, replacement is required. Swapping in new lithium-ion batteries of the same specifications as your originals should stop abnormal power flow causing shutdown failure. Always dispose of bad batteries properly.

Proper Hoverboard Maintenance Prevents Problems

Along with troubleshooting issues, as they arise, some basic maintenance and care can prevent many hoverboard problems in the first place:

Always shut down using the power button after riding, don’t just unmount abruptly.
Store your hoverboard in a clean, dry area away from heat, moisture, and dust.
Avoid overcharging batteries as this degrades them over time.
Periodically clean the power button and inspect batteries and connections for damage.
Keep your hoverboard firmware updated for best performance.
Register your hoverboard warranty for easy repair support.

When to Seek Repair Support

While many hoverboard issues can be addressed with DIY troubleshooting, more serious electrical problems require professional service to properly diagnose and fix. Seek help from a repair shop for:

Complex wiring faults you can’t trace.
Major component replacements like the mainboard or batteries.
Software glitches that persist after resets.
Any attempted fixes that exceed your technical skill level.

Repair costs range widely depending on the parts and labor needed. Expect to spend $100-$300+ to address common failures like control boards or battery replacement in more serious cases. Thankfully, many problems can be resolved affordably with basic troubleshooting.