DC988 triger or motor?

[Alberto]

My drill isn't working right. I push the trigger and works intermittently and I have to push it several times before it starts working. The motor makes some noise like it wants to start so I am not sure if the problem is the trigger or the motor. Hope someone could give me some advice. Thanks.

[Mark]

Hi Alberto, Intermittent electrical problems with a tool can be very difficult to diagnose. The first thing I would do is remove the motor brushes and inspect them. Sometimes dirt or other debris will get into the brush holder causing the brush to jamb and loose contact with the armature. Make sure that the brush can move freely inside of the brush holder. If all looks good with the brushes then it is most likely the switch that has gone bad and will need replacing. The switch is part #152274-22 and is available from http://www.ereplacementparts.com Hope this helps you to repair your cordless drill! -Mark

[Handy Dan]

Alberto, Be sure to remove the battery first. You should start by checking the brushes and commutator. To do this, you must use a Torx driver bit to remove the 4 screws at the back end of the drill motor cover and take off the cover. This will expose the brush assembly. Locate the wires that go to each brush assembly,attached by a spade connector. Carefully pull out the connector from each brush holder. Next, you must gently, but firmly pry straight out on the brush holder assembly ( 90 degrees to the motor shaft!) to slide it out. Not just the brush, but the assembly holding the brush. If the brush will extend at least 1/4 of an inch out of the holder, it will last a pretty long time. If not, you need to purchase new brush assemblies. Next step, and probably the most important, is to clean the commutator. (The part of the motor that the brush slides on.) Some VERY FINE sand paper or nail emory board will work. You will need to cut a strip only about as wide as the brush and try to gently buff the commutator until it is a nice bright brass color all the way around. Really, this is the most important step. Probably the main cause of your problem.
Put it all back together and try it out. I just did this on mine and completely solved the exact same symptoms you described.
Good luck. You should have no problems!
Handy Dan