Troubleshooting Discontinued Fenix HeadlampsUpdated 31 minutes ago
This guide covers troubleshooting for older and discontinued Fenix headlamps from the HL, HM and HP series. Start with the checks below, then look up your model. If you have a current model, see its Manual & Specs article or product page instead.
Start with these checks
- Remove the plastic insulation disc. Many rechargeable headlamps ship with a disc inside that blocks the battery. Take it out before first use.
- Test the battery in another compatible device, or charge it fully or replace it.
- Insert the batteries in the direction marked inside the battery compartment.
- Use only one O-ring. The extra O-ring in the box is a spare, and installing it keeps the headlamp from making full contact with the battery.
- Lubricate the O-ring with a small amount of silicone grease on a cotton swab.
- Screw the battery cap (and battery adapter, if you use one) on completely.
- Press and hold the power button for about half a second. A quick press won't turn it on.
- On rechargeable headlamps: if it only works while plugged in, or the charging indicator stays solid green while plugged in but it won't run unplugged, the battery likely needs to be replaced.
Model-specific notes
HL series
- HL18R, HL26R and HL32R: Press and hold the power button for half a second until the light comes on. A quick press won't turn it on.
- HL40R: Hold the power button for half a second to turn it on. If it flashes several times and turns off, it's in lockout mode; press and hold both switches together for 3 seconds to unlock it. If it shuts off after a short time, you may be triggering burst mode (holding the General switch for 1.2 seconds); burst mode ends on its own and returns to the previous setting, or off if it was off. Its 2000mAh Li-polymer battery is built in and can't be removed or upgraded. You can use it while it charges, but only in the 4-lumen reading mode.
- HL50: Make sure the battery cap and battery adapter, if you use one, are screwed on completely.
- HL55: If it only stays on for about 30 seconds, you're holding the button too long. Hold it for half a second and release as soon as the light comes on.
- HL15, HL30 (2018 and earlier) and HL60R: No model-specific steps; the checks above apply.
HM series
- HM23 (original): Make sure the battery cap and battery adapter, if you use one, are screwed on completely. For the HM23 V2.0, see its Manual & Specs article.
- HM50R (original): If it only works while plugged in, or the indicator stays solid green while plugged in but it won't run unplugged, the battery may need replacing. For the HM50R V2.0, see its Manual & Specs article.
- HM65R and HM65R-T (originals): If the light flashes several times when you press either button, it's in lockout mode. Press and hold both switches for 3 seconds to lock or unlock it. For the V2 versions, see their Manual & Specs articles.
HP series
- HP30R (original): Make sure the battery cap is screwed down completely. For the HP30R V2.0, see its Manual & Specs article.
- HP15UE: No model-specific steps; the checks above apply.
Still not working?
Keep your proof of purchase and contact Fenix Store support through live chat (the chat button on any page of fenix-store.com) or at [email protected] for warranty service. See our Warranty and Repair page for details.