Fenix PD26R ACE: How to Use, Charge & TroubleshootUpdated a day ago

How to operate, charge, and troubleshoot the Fenix PD26R ACE. Key specs: 1,300 lumens max, 354 m beam, USB-C rechargeable 18350, IP68. For the full mode-by-mode output and runtime table, the downloadable reference manual, and current price, see the Fenix PD26R ACE product page.

Operating Instructions

The round tail switch is the tactical switch for instant activation. The neck-mounted switch is for output selection. The SET switch is for option selection.

On/Off: Tap the tactical tail switch to turn on the light silently; release it and the light will go out. Fully press the tactical tail switch to turn the light on constantly; fully press it again to turn it off.

Output Selection: With the light turned on, single click the neck-mounted switch to cycle through Eco → Low → Med → High → Turbo (5 outputs by default).

SET Mode Adjustment

The SET mode features three preset lighting options. Unscrew the light neck to reveal the hidden SET switch. With the light turned on, single click the SET switch to cycle through Option 1 (1 output) → Option 2 (3 outputs) → Option 3 (5 outputs). Option 3 is selected by default the first time the flashlight is turned on. The selected option's indicator displays green for 3 seconds to confirm. Then single click the neck-mounted switch to select the output you need.

Option 1: Turbo only, plus Strobe (on/off)
Option 2: Low, High, and Turbo
Option 3 (default): Eco, Low, Med, High, Turbo, and SOS

Note: Strobe can be turned on or off separately and is on in all options by default. The output counts for each option do not include Strobe and SOS.

Enter/Exit SOS and Strobe Modes

With the light on and Option 1 or 2 selected, press and hold the neck-mounted switch for over 0.5 seconds to enter Strobe; press and hold again for over 0.5 seconds to exit and recall the previous option and brightness level. With Option 3 selected, press and hold the neck-mounted switch for over 0.5 seconds to enter Strobe, then single click to switch to SOS; press and hold again for 0.5 seconds to recall the previous option and brightness level.

Strobe Mode Customization: With the light on, press and hold the SET switch for 1.2 seconds to turn Strobe on or off in all options. The flashlight blinks twice to confirm.

Note: only Option 3 has SOS. With Strobe turned off, press and hold the neck-mounted switch for over 0.5 seconds to enter SOS directly.

Intelligent Memory Circuit

The flashlight memorizes the last selected lighting option and output, excluding Strobe and SOS.

Battery Specifications

Fenix ARB-L18 Series (18350, 3.6V): Recommended
Rechargeable Battery, Li-ion (18350, 3.6V): Caution
Rechargeable Battery, Li-ion (16340, 3.6V): Banned
Rechargeable Battery, LiFePO4 (18350, 3.2V): Banned

18350 Li-ion batteries are powerful cells designed for commercial applications and must be treated with caution and handled with care. Using low-quality batteries or mishandling batteries (such as short-circuiting or overheating) could lead to combustion and jeopardize the safety of users and property. Any adverse effects resulting from the use of low-quality batteries are not covered by any Fenix warranty or liability. Using quality batteries with circuit protection will reduce the potential for combustion or explosion.

Battery Replacement: Unscrew the light tail and insert the battery with the anode side (+) towards the light head, then screw the light tail back on.

Charging

Unscrew the light neck to reveal the USB Type-C charging port, then connect the USB Type-C end of the charging cable.
The battery level indicator displays red while charging and turns green when fully charged.
When charging is complete, unplug the cable and screw the light neck back on to ensure normal use.
Normal charging time for the included ARB-L18-1600 is about 2 hours from depleted to full. Recharge a stored flashlight every four months.
The light can be used while charging: press and hold the neck-mounted switch for 0.5 seconds to turn it on or off. The tail switch does not respond during charging.
If the tail switch is fully pressed when you unplug the cable after switching off with the neck-mounted switch, the light will turn on and recall the previous brightness level.

Battery Level Indication

Each time the flashlight is turned on, the indicator in the neck-mounted switch shows the battery level for 3 seconds.

Green light on: saturated, 100%–85%
Green light flashes: sufficient, 85%–50%
Red light on: poor, 50%–25%
Red light flashes: critical, 25%–1%

Intelligent Overheat Protection

The flashlight will accumulate a lot of heat when used at high output levels for extended periods. When it reaches a relatively high temperature, it automatically steps down a few lumens to reduce the temperature. When the temperature drops to a safe level, it gradually recalls the preset output level.

Low-Voltage Warning

When the voltage drops below 3.0V, the flashlight downshifts to lower brightness levels until Eco is reached. In Eco, the battery level indicator blinks red to remind you to recharge or replace the battery. The light will not turn off automatically and will keep working until the battery runs out or its protection circuit stops discharging. This only works with a Fenix ARB-L18 Series 18350 rechargeable battery.

Troubleshooting

Light won't turn on: Recharge the battery and check it is inserted with the positive (+) end toward the light head. Make sure the light tail is screwed fully back on; it may have been loosened to prevent accidental activation.
Flickers, shines intermittently, or fails to illuminate: Recharge or replace the battery, then clean the battery and flashlight contacts with a cotton swab soaked in rubbing alcohol.
Only Turbo (or only three levels) is available: The light is set to Option 1 or Option 2. Unscrew the light neck and single click the SET switch with the light on until Option 3 (5 outputs) is selected.
No SOS mode: SOS is only available in Option 3. Switch to Option 3 with the SET switch.
Strobe doesn't come on when holding the neck switch: Strobe may have been turned off. With the light on, press and hold the SET switch for 1.2 seconds to turn it back on.
Tail switch does nothing while charging: This is normal. Use the neck-mounted switch (press and hold for 0.5 seconds) while the light is plugged in.
Brightness drops on its own during use: This is normal. The light steps down when it gets hot and recovers as it cools. It also downshifts toward Eco when the battery voltage drops below 3.0V; recharge it.
Battery indicator or low-voltage warning doesn't work: These features only work with a Fenix ARB-L18 Series 18350 battery.

If the above methods don't work, please contact Fenix Store support through live chat (the chat button on any page of fenix-store.com) or at [email protected].

Usage and Maintenance

Disassembling the sealed head can cause damage to the flashlight and will void the warranty.
Fenix recommends using an excellent quality battery.
If the flashlight will not be used for an extended period, remove the battery, or the flashlight could be damaged by electrolyte leakage.
Unscrew the light tail a few turns or take out the battery to prevent accidental activation during storage or transportation.
Long-term use can result in O-ring wear. To maintain a proper water seal, replace the O-ring with an approved spare.
Periodically clean the battery contacts with a cotton swab soaked in rubbing alcohol.

Warning

Do not place this flashlight within the reach of children.
Do not shine this flashlight directly into the eyes of anyone.
Do not place the light head near flammable objects; high temperatures can cause objects to overheat and ignite.
Do not use this flashlight in inappropriate ways such as holding it in your mouth; doing so could cause serious injury or death if the flashlight or internal battery fails.
This flashlight will accumulate a significant amount of heat while operating, making the shell hot. Pay close attention to avoid burns.
Unscrew the light tail a few turns or remove the battery to prevent accidental activation in pockets, backpacks, or other closed and flammable environments.
The LED is not replaceable; the whole flashlight must be replaced when the LED reaches the end of its lifespan.

What's Included

Fenix PD26R ACE flashlight, ARB-L18-1600 battery, USB Type-C charging cable, holster, lanyard, 2x spare O-rings, user manual, and warranty card.

Was this article helpful?

Yes