Dewalt DW987 burns up batteries

[ziamerc]

I have a Dewalt DW987 18v drill that will burn up the battery after a couple seconds of bing used. The battery smokes gets hot and cant use it again. I dont know what the problem is. I do know it is not the battery because I tryed a new one. Any ideas

Thanks

[Dongle]

My first guess would be that it's shorting out the battery, or making it draw excessive current.

Does this happen as just as soon as you plug the battery in, or does it only when you pull the trigger? Does the motor even turn?

[ziamerc]

It happens when I pull the trigger and the chuck will turn like normal.

[Dongle]

Take it apart and disconnect the leads from the motor. In the DC987 they should be crimped connectors that just slide off the motor terminals. Pull the trigger and see if it still causes the problem. If it still does, replace the switch, if it's not then it's probably the motor. It could be both too. It's possible that high short circuit currents could have damaged the switch by now too. Inspect all connections and make sure the connectors are touching anything metal that they could be shorting against.

On the other hand, try taking it to a DeWalt service center. Chances are it's damaged your battery pack if it smoked and if warranties are still applicable they should fix your drill and replace the pack.

Hope this helps.

[tripletdaduk]

It happens when I pull the trigger and the chuck will turn like normal.

hi,this has been a common problem in the uk,there has been faulty switches,youll need to replace the switch,but unfortunatlley a lot of the time it kills the battery as well !!