Normal Contacts Corroded Contacts Bent Contacts
:
;
Sometimes when an AeroGarden Pump stops cycling water it is because high humidity has created corrosion on the metal contacts where the back of the Bowl meets the Lamp Arm. This humidity can come from water spilled in the Base when illing the AeroGarden, or from consistently high atmospheric humidity. To check whether or not corrosion has occurred, and to clean the contacts if it has, follow this procedure:
- Unplug the AeroGarden.
-
Remove the Bowl from the Base (being careful to lift the Bowl up before lifting it out, so as not to bend the contact tabs at the back).
-
Inspect the two brass contacts on the front of the Lamp Arm for corrosion.
-
If corrosion is present, use a cotton swab or an old tooth brush with a little vinegar to gently scrub it off.
Also, clean the water pump contacts, two little vertical metal strips on the back of the bowl where it curves to fit the lamp post. Polish all four the contacts with a clean cotton swab to remove any cleanser residue.
Next, check to be sure the contacts are properly postitioned (see the photo on the left at the top of the page). Sometimes one or both will have become recessed into the lamp post (this can happen if you raise or lower the lamp post without first removing the bowl) so that they are not touching the pump leads. Gently pull them out with your fingertip or a little screwdriver. When you view them from the side, you should see the top of each contact just barely peeking out from the post.
When the contacts are clean and properly positioned, replace the Water Bowl back onto the Base, and plug in the AeroGarden. If the pump still doesn't fire up, it may just be in an "off" cycle. Run the AeroGarden self-diagnostic test by pushing and holding the "Select" button for ten-twelve seconds; all of the AeroGarden systems should briefly go on and off: the grow lights, the plant selection lights on the Base, the "Add nutrient" light, the 'Water Level Low" light, and the pump - you should hear a brief humming sound and water should gurgle for a second or two.
If the pump still doesn't start, then it might merely need to be taken apart and cleaned. If it still doesn't work after cleaning, then very likely it needs to be replaced.
