Litter-Robot 3 DFI Kit Installation (2024)

The Litter-Robot 3 is equipped with infrared emitters and sensors, called DFI sensors, located above the Waste Drawer that check if the drawer is full each time the Globe returns to the Home position.

In the event you need to replace your DFI sensors, please follow these instructions.

Kit includes:

• Drawer Full Indicator board assembly plus one pair of Pinch Detectors
• (2) retainers
• (4) screws

Tools Needed:

• 6-inch #2 Phillips screwdriver
• Needle-nose pliers

Preparation

1. Press the Power button to turn the unit off and unplug it from the wall. Remove the bonnet, globe, and waste drawer.
2. The plastic component that covers the control panel on the base is called the bezel. Unscrew the 5 screws to remove the bezel.
3. Use needle-nose pliers to lift the bezel out of place.
4. Separate the bezel from the control panel by pushing the buttons through and lifting up. Set the bezel and screws aside.
5. Turn the keypad/circuit board over and unplug the 4-pin connector (that holds the red, yellow, black, and blue DFI wires). The circuit board and keypad may be held in place by a piece of tape (assembly aid). If present, simply remove it; it is not required for reassembly.
   
6. Free the DFI wires by peeling back the piece of tape that holds the wires in the channel and out of the way of the motor. Reuse or replace this tape as needed.
7. Lift the motor to free the DFI wires from underneath it.
8. Use needle-nose pliers to pull the black wire stopper out of the base and feed the DFI wires down the hole.
9. To keep the motor, wires, and circuit board in place during the next steps, replace the bezel. To do this, hold the circuit board upright and fit the bezel over it, so the buttons come through the control panel. Lower it into place on the base, then tighten any of the screws.

Remove old DFI Board Assembly and Pinch Detectors

1. Gently turn the base over and unscrew the 9 screws that attach the two halves of the base.
2. Lift the top half of the base away from the bottom and set it to the right (remember: there are still connected wires).
3. Locate the DFI boards on either side of the opening. On the right, pull the DFI wires through the hole if they are not already through.
4. On each side, remove the 2 screws that attach the DFI boards to the base.
5. On the front edge of the opening, free the gray ribbon cable from under the hook.
6. Lift the DFI board retainers off the base and using needlenose pliers, gently remove each of the silver pinch contacts. note the pinch detectors on the left hand side.
   
   

Install new DFI Board Assembly and Pinch Detectors

1. Using needlenose pliers, position the new pinch contacts. A flathead screwdriver can help to gently push them into place. Make sure the contacts are fully seated in the slot. Both metal pinch contacts should be touching each other.

2. Take the new DFI board assembly and orient it so the black wires are on the top left and the DFI wires are on the top right. Make sure the gray ribbon cable is not twisted and is out of the way of the screw bosses as you push the retainers onto the base.

3. Replace the 4 screws to secure the two retainers onto the base.

4. Tuck the gray ribbon cable under the retainer clip (and over the wires that are already there).

5. Push the spade connectors on the black wires onto the metal terminals (in any order and orientation) of the Pinch Detectors. To reduce stress on the component, it is best to place a finger opposite the connector as you apply pressure. Make sure the metal terminal is inserted into the metal connector and not accidentally pushed into its red case.

6. On the right, feed the DFI wires through the hole, so you can access them later.

7. Replace the other half of the base, making sure the top and bottom halves of the screw bosses align.

BEFORE tightening any screws, carefully rotate the base and look through the front where the waste drawer would be. Make sure the wires on the left are to the left of the screw boss, so they do not get in the way of the waste drawer. You may have to lift the base apart to reposition the wires.

8. Once everything is seated correctly, tighten the 9 screws. Be careful not to overtighten.9. Turn the base right side up and unscrew the bezel. Lift it up, press the buttons to free it, and set it aside.

10. Locate the DFI wires that you pushed through the hole.

11. Reconnect the 4-pin connector to the circuit board in the bottom left corner. The connector is keyed (there is a top and bottom), so it will only fit on one way; if you feel resistance, turn it over and try again.

12. Secure the tape over the wires to keep them in the channel and out of the way of the motor and gear.

13. Replace the wire retainer plug by pushing it until it snaps in securely.

14. Gently lift the motor to seat the DFI wires in the channel below it, and continue placing the wires in the channel in front of the motor.

Reassemble

Make sure the wires attached to the circuit board are tucked behind it in the wire channel.

1. Reassemble the bezel onto the circuit board and keypad. Hold the circuit board upright and fit the bezel over it, so the buttons come through the control panel. Make sure to keep the keypad wrapped around the edges of the circuit board. Make sure the edges of the bezel rest flush with the base. Once in place, look through the opening where the black gear protrudes and make sure no wires are visible. If wires are visible, remove the bezel, tuck them into the wire channel, and secure them with the piece of tape.
2. Attach the bezel by tightening the 5 screws. Do not overtighten.
3. Reassemble the globe, bonnet, and waste drawer. Plug the unit in, turn it on, and let the initial clean cycle finish. The globe should return to the Home position with the blue ready light on. If your unit does not cycle or does not cycle properly, review your installation.

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