Why Is My Self-Cleaning Litter Box Not Working?

Self-cleaning litter boxes are popular because they offer convenience, especially to people with busy schedules. However, that is only the case if your self-cleaning litter box works correctly. So, why is my self-cleaning litter box not working?

Check to see if litter, debris, or a garbage bag is blocking the sensors if your self-cleaning litter box isn’t working. Self-cleaning litter boxes can also malfunction if you overfill them or fail to empty them weekly. Otherwise, you must check the rake to see if it’s full of debris and use compressed air to dislodge it as needed.

Read the instructions that came with your unit to make sure you program it properly. For example, accidentally overriding automatic processes can damage a self-cleaning litter box. Follow along as we explore why your self-cleaning litter box isn’t working and highlight ways to fix it. 

Why Won’t My Self-Cleaning Litter Box Work?

1. Slipping Rake Screw

Self-cleaning litter boxes feature rakes that sweep dirty litter into a compartment. Many of these self-cleaning litter box rakes are held in place by at least one screw. They are typically reliable and work well if the screw is tight enough. 

However, the screw can come loose and stop the rake from working properly. Check the screw on the rake. There is a good chance you'll have to tighten the screw, so the rake arm will move correctly. 

This should fix the problem, allowing the rake to move properly and discard the soiled litter as needed. Keep in mind that over-tightening the screw is just as bad as one that is too loose. Avoid tightening to a point where it’s hard to loosen. 

2. Blocked Sensors

Self-cleaning litter boxes have sensors that detect the presence of soiled litter in the box. They trigger the rake to sweep the litter and separate it into another compartment. However, the sensors will not work properly if they are blocked.  

Debris, cat waste, and plastic bags can block the sensors. Many people, for example, put garbage bags in their automatic litter boxes to keep them clean. The bag can easily bunch up or unfurl, blocking the sensor and stopping the rake from working. 

Check inside the litter box to see if anything is blocking the sensors. Sometimes, sensors get caked with soiled litter and stop working. Regularly clean your self-cleaning litter box to prevent the sensors from getting too dirty. 

3. The Entry Light Stays On

Many self-cleaning litter boxes won’t work properly if the entry light stays on. The automatic cleaning cycle won’t begin if the entry light stays on. This often happens when you press the button too hard or too long.

You typically only need to tap the button lightly for it to work. If the light stays on, tap the button again and the cycle should work. The entry light can sometimes malfunction if the litter bin is full.

In that case, you must empty the litter bin to get the box to work again. You must empty the bin at least weekly, if not sooner. This also depends on how much litter you put in your self-cleaning litter box.  

4. Constant Humming

Self-cleaning litter boxes are known for being noisy, but constant humming sounds are abnormal. For example, constant humming can indicate a problem with the motor. This often happens when the motor gets strained because of excessive litter clumping.

For example, overfilling your self-cleaning litter box can lead to large amounts of clumped litter. It’s hard for an automatic litter box to do its job if there is too much litter. In that case, you must empty the litter, fill it with less, and see if the humming stops. 

Depending on how long you’ve had the unit, the motor may be worn out. Many self-cleaning litter boxes last 3,000 to 4,000 cycles, but they can wear out sooner. It’s more cost-effective to buy a new unit than to replace the motor in most cases. 

5. Delayed Cleaning

Many people can become confused when their self-cleaning litter box doesn't start cleaning right away. Delayed cleaning typically has to do with how you programmed the unit. Today, many self-cleaning litter boxes are programmable, and you can even control them with a phone. 

Check the settings on your unit and see when the cleaning cycle is programmed to begin. Some units have a standard cleaning cycle that starts 10 minutes after the last use. 

You can adjust the cleaning time on the unit itself or from your phone if that’s an option. Keep in mind that you cannot program a self-cleaning litter box to start cleaning immediately. However, you can set the cycle to start within a few minutes of your cat leaves the box. 

6. Constant Cleaning

If your automatic litter box won’t stop cleaning, it’s likely because the waste compartment is full or stuck. To fix the problem, open the waste bin and empty it if it’s full. If that doesn’t work, you must check to see if anything is blocking the sensors. 

Otherwise, the problem may have something to do with the type of litter you’re using. For example, some self-cleaning litter boxes specify that you cannot use clumping litter. Using clumping litter in a box that isn’t compatible with it can lead to problems, like constant cleaning. 

That’s because clumping litter expands as it comes into contact with liquid and solid cat waste. Empty the litter and replace it with the type of litter that your unit is compatible with. 

7. The Door Won’t Close

A self-cleaning litter box’s door is supposed to close automatically before the cleaning cycle starts. If this doesn't happen it could be because the door sensor is faulty or dirty. First, you must clean the door sensor and see if that fixes the problem.

If that doesn’t work, you may need to manually override the door. Many self-cleaning litter boxes include a button to initiate the cleaning cycle. Press the button to close the door and initiate the cleaning cycle. 

The door should automatically open when the unit enters standby mode. If not, then the door sensor may be broken and must be replaced. 

8. Poor Rake Performance

A self-cleaning litter box rake is essential to the unit’s performance. The rake can perform poorly for several reasons, such as an improper litter level. Adding too much or too little litter to the box can make the rake malfunction.

Read the instructions and only add as much litter as the manual recommends. Litter can get stuck inside the rake and affect its performance. For example, the rake may move slowly or unevenly because of the litter’s weight. 

You can use a can of compressed air to dislodge litter and debris within the rake. It’s worth lightly shaking the rake to see if litter rattles within it each time you empty the litter box. This is a great way to avoid performance issues later. 

Summing It Up

Check to see if the bin is full of too much litter if your self-cleaning litter box won’t work. A blocked sensor can also explain why your self-cleaning litter box isn’t working. Make sure you only use compatible litter, or else the rake and sensors may not accurately detect and clean the box. 

Related Guides:

• Tips To Stop Cats From Spreading Litter Throughout The House
• How To Litter Train A Kitten