Troubleshooting

Light will not turn on

Run through these in order before assuming the light has failed:

1. Tail-cap lock-out. Most Fenix lights can be electrically locked by loosening the tail-cap a quarter turn, preventing accidental activation in a bag. Tighten the tail-cap fully and try again.
2. Battery direction. Lithium-ion cells go in positive-end first (toward the head of the light). The wrong orientation is the most common cause of a dead light.
3. Battery charge. If the cell is rechargeable, charge it for at least an hour and try again. If it is a primary cell (CR123A, AA), swap in a fresh one.
4. Battery health. Lithium-ion cells over five years old, or any cell that shows swelling, dents, or torn wrap, should be replaced and recycled.
5. Contact cleanliness. The negative spring at the tail-cap and the positive contact under the head can corrode. Wipe each with a cotton swab and isopropyl alcohol; let dry; reassemble.
6. Threads. If the threads on the body, head, or tail-cap feel gritty, wipe them with a dry cloth and apply a thin film of silicone grease before reassembling.

If none of these brings the light back, contact us through the warranty page.

Light turns on but is dim

• Check that the light is not stuck in a low or eco mode. Cycle through the modes from off to confirm.
• Check the cell’s open-circuit voltage if you have a multimeter — below 3.7 V it has lost most of its capacity.
• If the dim output started after a drop, the LED module may be damaged; this is a warranty issue.
• Cold weather lowers output. A light dimmer at −20 °C than at room temperature is behaving normally.

Light flickers

• Loose tail-cap or head — tighten until snug.
• Dirty threads or contacts — clean as above.
• Damaged tail-cap spring — press lightly with a small tool; if it has lost tension, the tail-cap needs replacing.
• Faulty battery — swap in a known-good cell to test.

Will not charge by USB

• Try a different USB cable. The cable that shipped with the light is the most reliable starting point; cheap aftermarket cables are a common culprit.
• Try a different power source — a wall adapter rather than a computer USB port. Some computer ports do not deliver enough current to charge larger cells.
• Inspect the USB-C port on the light for lint or debris. Clear it gently with a wooden toothpick.
• If the light has been very cold, warm it to room temperature before charging. Lithium-ion cells will not accept charge below freezing.

Switch problems

• Sticky tail switch. Disassemble the tail-cap, clean the rubber boot and contacts with isopropyl alcohol, allow to dry, and reassemble.
• Side switch unresponsive. Wipe around the switch with a damp cloth to clear any salt or grime that may be holding it down or shorting it.
• Mode-cycling on its own. Often caused by water intrusion or a damaged seal. Dry the light fully, leave it open overnight, and try again. If the behaviour persists, it is a warranty issue.

Water exposure

Fenix lights are sealed to their stated IP rating. After heavy use in rain, paddling, or surf:

1. Rinse the exterior with fresh water to remove salt or sediment.
2. Dry with a soft cloth and leave the head and tail-cap loose overnight to allow any moisture to evaporate.
3. Inspect the O-rings; clean and re-grease with a thin film of silicone grease before reassembling.

A light that was submerged beyond its rated depth or for longer than its rated time may have taken on water. Open it, remove the cell, dry the interior with a soft cloth, and let it air dry for at least 24 hours before charging or using.

Nothing helped?

If none of the steps above bring the light back — or something has clearly failed mechanically, like a broken switch, cracked lens, or stripped threads — and the light is still within its warranty period, you can start a claim below. The quickest route is for a light bought from Canada Flashlights; the serial check sorts out the right path either way.

How to make a warranty claim

A warranty claim starts with your serial number. Checking it confirms the light is a genuine Fenix and shows you the right way to claim. Coverage applies to manufacturing defects under normal use (see what’s covered) — not wear or accidental damage. Work through the troubleshooting guide first; about half of the lights sent for service turn out to be a battery or contact issue fixed at home in minutes.

The check below tells you which path applies:

• Bought from Canada Flashlights — you get a link to start the repair with your return authorization (RMA) ready, and service is handled here in Canada.
• Genuine, bought from another Canadian dealer — we point you to that dealer’s warranty process.
• Bought outside Canada — claim through Fenix at service@fenixlight.com with your serial number and proof of purchase.

Can’t find the serial number, or the check doesn’t recognize it? It is engraved on the body or head of the light, usually 10–12 characters. For a light not purchased from us, contact Fenix directly at service@fenixlight.com with when and where it was bought and a photo of the serial number.