Troubleshooting (2X)

This page contains common troubleshooting methods for the ERS-210.

Bootup Errors

Bootup errors are when Aibo boots, then shuts off due to a number of reasons. 1: If he is in the middle of booting, and then suddenly shuts off, it is due to a barely charged or a bad/worn out battery. 2: If he is in the middle of booting, then plays a sad trombone sequence of notes from the core and then shuts off, the software is corrupted. 3: If he goes through the boot sequence, but fails to stretch and then plays a descending MIDI sequence from the speaker, an important flexi he needs connected to complete the circuit is torn, or fell out of the plug.

Volume Settings

If you don't have the station, or have a station with a bad display, you're able to change the volume directly on the core. The AiboClinic made a how-to video that you can watch here.

Japanese/English Language Settings

See Language Patching

Common Repairs

Head Syndromes

The three head axes are prone to malfunctions due to a design flaw of the clutches, known as Droopy Head Syndrome (DHS), the up and down movement of the head, Tilt Axis Syndrome (TAS), the funny doglike tilting movement of the head, and Pan Axis Syndrome (PAS), the left and right (turning) movement of the head. If an ERS-210 head does not make the usual quiet mechanical whirring sounds while being manually turned in a certain direction, the head likely has the syndrome relating to that axis. When the AIBO is powered on, the head may become stuck in a certain position and make a very loud whirring noise. AIBO will not be able to get itself out of this position without human interference- the head must be nudged towards the position it is trying to carry out. Failure to nudge may result in the AIBO going into Jam Mode, but affected AIBOs are known to go into Jam Mode by themselves relatively quickly after booting up. Once repaired, the AIBO will not whir anymore and will move better/faster and not enter Jam Mode as often.
There is a way to glue the clutch back together, but it is rarely used now as the glue can separate or weaken over time. The best way to repair the clutch is to have a hole drilled and a pin placed through to keep the pieces stable. This method is known as pinning. You can also get the clutches repaired by the new unibody clutch method that the Aibo clinic does. The original clutches are replaced with an entirely new clutch that is fixed to where the pieces won't move.

Stuck Head

If your 210 or 220 series AIBO has a stuck head due to a failed/broken release mechanism in the core, here’s an easy way to get it off without causing any damage! Watch the video from the AiboClinic here.

Leg/Hip Jitters

Please refer to the Aibo Repair page for more information.