Bosch is a reputable brand known for producing durable and dependable routers. However, like any electronic tool, issues can still arise and your Bosch router can start and then stop abruptly. This can be very frustrating, especially if your project has time constraints.
Our expert technicians prepared this guide to help you determine what causes the problem and find the solution.
Why Does My Bosch Router Stop Working Right After It Starts?
While Bosch routers are generally recognized for their high-quality construction, precision, and user-friendliness, they can still malfunction for various reasons. Minor issues may be resolved using DIY methods without requiring expert repair skills.
However, for more severe damage, it’s best to seek professional assistance by bringing the tool to the nearest repair center to prevent further damage. Here are some possible reasons for a router to stop working after it has been started:
On/Off Switch problem
This is the most common issue that can cause your Bosch router to stop working. In the past, Bosch routers have been known to have faulty switches, making this issue particularly prevalent among Bosch router users.
This issue may occur for various reasons, including wear and tear, dirt and debris accumulation, electrical issues, and improper use. Using excessive force can cause damage to the switch and other components, leading to a malfunction.
Variable speed control malfunction
This refers to a problem where the tool’s motor fails to adjust the speed correctly or erratically during use. If the variable speed control malfunctions, the router may not perform optimally and stop working fully.
This problem may occur for many reasons, including faulty components, loose connections, overheating, or improper use.
Wire connection issue
Your Bosch router may stop working due to a poor wire connection for various reasons, including loose or disconnected wires, damaged wires, and corrosion on the wires inside.
If you suspect improper wire connections are causing your Bosch router to stop working, it’s necessary to seek professional assistance from a Bosch service center.
A qualified technician can diagnose the issue, repair or replace damaged wires, and ensure the wiring is properly connected for optimal tool performance.
Why Your Bosch Router Won’t Power On?
Like any other electronic tool, your Bosch router can have issues, including failing to turn on. There could be several reasons why your Bosch router fails to power on. Here are the most popular reasons:
- Faulty or damaged wires
- Worn off brushes
- Speed controller problem
- Corroded brushes
- ON/OFF switch problem
- Overheating
- Faulty bearings
Meanwhile, below are the possible reasons that affect or cause the Bosch router issues:
Reason for Bosch Router Malfunction | Possible Cause |
ON/OFF switch problem | Worn out ON/OFF switch due to regular use Dirty or damaged contacts inside the switch Loose wires connecting the switch to the motor or power supply |
Faulty or damaged wires | Exposure to high temperatures or heat sources |
Speed controller problem | Dust, debris, or moisture buildup inside the router |
Worn off brushes | Poor maintenance Exposure to too much moisture |
Corroded brushes | Poor storage with high humidity or other environmental factors |
Overheating | The air vents are blocked |
Faulty bearings | Using for heavy-duty tasks or exceeding its capacity |
You must check all the components of your Bosch router listed above to determine the main cause of the malfunction. Additionally, you may examine the following components as they can also be possible causes of your Bosch router failing to turn on:
- Thermal failure
- Broken potentiometer
- Cold solder inside the speed board
If you have conducted thorough checks but cannot determine the possible cause of the issue with your Bosch router, it is advisable to contact the Bosch repair center.
Also, it’s important to check if your Bosch router is still covered by the warranty period and prevent voiding it by taking it to an authorized repair center only.
Typically, the professional technicians at the repair center are well-equipped to identify and resolve any problems with your router.
Fixing Your Bosch Router That Starts Then Stops: 6 Ways
Your Bosch router starts and then stops due to various issues that can be resolved by repairing or replacing faulty parts or taking the router to a service center.
However, checking if the issue is minor and can be easily repaired without requiring advanced skills is also useful. Below are the steps you can follow to check the issue of your Bosch router.
1. Cleaning the Power ON & OFF Switch
Bosch routers have been known to have switch issues in the past. This is due to the wear and tear of the internal components over time, including the contacts and springs that make up the switch mechanism.
These parts can deteriorate due to constant use, exposure to dust and debris, and other environmental factors. Typically, your woodworking area accumulates sawdust, which can lead to dust and debris entering the router switch.
Generally, the accumulation of wood debris and dust in the inner components of the router switch can obstruct the contacts, leading to a potential failure of your Bosch router.
To fix this issue, you should gently tap the switch module of the Bosch router. If that doesn’t solve the problem, use compressed air to blow away any debris trapped inside the router switch.
To avoid causing further issues with your Bosch router, keeping your workspace free of wood debris and dust is essential. It is also necessary to clean and maintain your Bosch router properly.
However, if cleaning the router switch does not resolve the issue, it is necessary to investigate other components causing your Bosch router to malfunction.
2. Replacing the Power ON & OFF Switch
If too much dust and wood debris causing damage to the router switch, cleaning it may not be enough to fix the issue.
A faulty switch mechanism in your Bosch router can lead to more serious problems. Therefore, replacing the router switch promptly is crucial if the damage is irreparable.
Take your Bosch router to the nearest service center to replace the faulty switch component and resolve the issue.
It is not advisable to change the switch of your Bosch router on your own because it involves opening the tool, working with electrical components, and reassembling the router. This process requires proper knowledge and advanced skill.
Additionally, attempting to replace the switch on your own could potentially damage other parts of the router and result in further issues or safety hazards.
Therefore, it is wiser to take your Bosch router to a professional repair center where trained technicians can safely change the damaged switch.
However, if the problem persists after the switch replacement, other components may have been affected and require immediate attention. So, it is necessary to thoroughly inspect the entire router to determine the root cause of the malfunctioning.
3. Repairing the Variable Speed Controller
To ensure that your Bosch router is functioning properly, it is important to check the speed controller, as it is a common component that can become damaged.
This is because dust and debris can accumulate inside the speed controller, which can lead to the malfunctioning of the router.
If not cleaned regularly, the dirt buildup inside the speed controller can cause corrosion and affect the smaller components, leading to more serious issues.
First, clean the speed controller using compressed air to remove any dust or wood debris trapped inside and ensure the contacts are not obstructed.
Next, test if the speed control functions properly by changing the setting from the highest to the middle point and observe if it operates without interruption.
If the router works well, turn off the switch. Reset the speed controller back to its highest point. Typically, the process has proven to be most effective in fixing the speed controller.
However, if your Bosch router’s malfunction persists, the speed controller may need replacement. So, contact the service center immediately for professional support.
4. Checking the Power Continuity
It is essential to have a consistent and uninterrupted power source to enable the Bosch router to operate continuously throughout your project without any abrupt disruptions.
Although the switch signal may light up when the power is on, it may not provide sufficient power to operate the motor. Also, it is important to note that the motor may not run properly even if the LED remains brightly lit.
Sometimes, your Bosch router’s 2-pin plug is incompatible with the power outlet, causing the malfunction. This may cause serious damage to your machine, so it’s necessary to contact expert support to repair the outlet.
Observe the LED light indicator, which should remain steady without blinking, to ensure the power supply is stable and the motor is running smoothly.
You can also test the power supply by placing the active side of the ohm meter on the power outlet while the other side is connected to the speed controller. Monitor any fluctuations on the meter during the test.
To confirm, conduct the same method using the neutral cable and listen for any indication from the ohm meter, such as a buzzer sound. This procedure is the most effective way to determine if your Bosch router has stable power.
Additionally, you can check the connection of the other cables inside your Bosch router. It may start and stop abruptly if the power supply is intermittently interrupted due to a poor cable connection.
5. Connecting Wires to the Switch Properly
When the interior wires of the router are not properly connected to the switch module, it can cause your Bosch router to start and then stop.
It’s important to determine if loose connections between the module and wires exist. To do this, turn off the power supply to the router and unplug it from the outlet. Remove the cover of the router to access the internal wiring and switch.
You should interchange the brown wires inside the router. This will connect the speed controller to the power switch. Ensure that no loose or exposed wires could cause a short circuit.
Reassemble the cover and plug it back into the power outlet. Turn on the power supply and test the router to confirm the switch works properly.
6. Replacing the Brushes
If the brushes on your Bosch router are worn out, it can cause various issues, such as decreased power, intermittent operation, or complete motor failure [1].
To prevent these issues and maintain the performance and reliability of your Bosch router, it’s essential to replace worn brushes.
To check if the brushes are worn off, turn off the power supply and remove the router cover to access the motor and brushes. Check the length of the brushes, which should be at least 5mm. If they’re shorter, they need replacement.
To replace the worn brushes, ensure that you have compatible replacement brushes for your specific model of Bosch router.
Gently remove the old brushes from their holders, note their orientation and position, and insert the new brushes, ensuring proper alignment and seating. Reassemble the router cover, plug it back in, and turn on the power supply to test its functionality.
It’s highly recommended to seek assistance from the Bosch service center, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the procedure.
Tips for Troubleshooting Your Bosch Router
Generally, troubleshooting your Bosch router can be straightforward, especially if you have some experience with power tools and electrical systems.
However, even if you’re not experienced, you can still follow some basic troubleshooting tips to help you diagnose and resolve common issues with your router, such as below.
Bosch Router Symptoms | Reasons | Solutions |
Poor performance | Corroded brushes; | Replace damaged power cable; |
Emits unusual noises | Dirt buildup in the commutator and armature; | Clean the commutator and armature; |
Decreased Speed | Overheating of commutator | Minimize the pushing forces applied; |
Electrical sparking inside the motor | Short-circuited armature; | Clean and fix the damaged commutator and armature; |
Excessive vibration | Bent cutter shank; | Tighten the collet; |
The plunge fails to lock | Broken plunge lever; | Replace the lever; |
Faulty ON/OFF switch | Dirt buildup inside the switch | Clean using compressed air; |
What to Do with Your Bosch Router Switch Problem?
If your router switch is not working, check if wood debris and dust are trapped inside. First, unplug the router from its power source to ensure your safety.
Then, use a soft, dry cloth or a brush to remove dust, dirt, or debris accumulated around the switch. If there is any stubborn dirt or grime, use a mild cleaning solution, such as water and dish soap, to gently wipe the switch.
It’s also important to inspect it for any damage or frayed wiring. If you notice any signs of damage, such as cracks or breaks, a professional should replace the switch or repair it. This will ensure the safety and proper functioning of your Bosch router.
What to Do When Your Bosch Router Loses Power?
If your Bosch router has lost power, this can be due to overheating of the motor. The wires inside the router may expand due to heat, leading to a loss of connection and a sudden power outage.
To address the issue of losing the power of your Bosch router due to overheating, you must turn off the machine and allow the motor to cool down for several minutes. This will help prevent further overheating problems that cause power loss.
Additionally, it is important to avoid overloading the Bosch router to prevent overheating issues. You can also try plugging the router into a different outlet to determine if poor electrical connections are causing the power loss.
How You Can Fix Your Bosch Router That’s Stuck in a Fixed Base?
Bosch routers can become stuck in their fixed base when dust particles accumulate in spiral grooves.
To fix your Bosch router stuck in its fixed base, you must remove dust from the spiral grooves utilizing compressed air. If that doesn’t work, apply WD-40 to the jammed area to release it. This should help the router move smoothly in the fixed base again.
Remove any lubricants applied when releasing the jam, as they can attract more dust and residue over time.
Conclusion
There are many possible reasons why your Bosch router starts and then stops. But, it’s important to troubleshoot and identify the specific cause of the issue to address and fix it properly.
Some of the common issues are straightforward and can be resolved easily. But if you are not confident in your ability to fix the issue and do not have the necessary skills or tools, it is better to take your Bosch router to a repair center to avoid causing more serious damage.
- Husqvarna 562 XP Review (2023) — Weight, Specs, and More - June 6, 2023
- Echo CS-490 Review (2023) — Horsepower, Chain, and Specs - June 4, 2023
- Eggshell vs Satin Paint — What are the Differences? - June 3, 2023
