Makita Battery Chainsaw Won’t Start: 5 Common Causes and Solutions

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Updated in April 2025 | By John

Your Makita battery chainsaw is a powerful tool that can make quick work of cutting through branches and logs. But what happens when it won’t start There are a few common reasons why this might happen, and in this blog post, we’ll walk you through how to troubleshoot the problem and get your chainsaw up and running again.

We’ll start by discussing the most common causes of a Makita battery chainsaw not starting, and then we’ll provide step-by-step instructions on how to fix each problem. By the end of this post, you’ll be able to diagnose and repair your chainsaw like a pro.

So Makita Battery Chainsaw Won’T Start

Makita Battery Chainsaw Won’t Start: 5 Common Causes and Solutions

1. The battery is not charged:
Make sure the battery is fully charged before using the chainsaw.

2. The battery terminals are dirty or corroded:
Clean the battery terminals with a wire brush and apply a thin coat of petroleum jelly to prevent corrosion.3. The battery is not inserted correctly:
Make sure the battery is inserted all the way into the chainsaw.

4. The chainsaw is in low-oil mode:
The chainsaw will not start if the oil level is low. Check the oil level and add oil if necessary.

5. The chainsaw is defective:
If the chainsaw still does not start after trying the above solutions, it may be defective. Contact Makita customer service for assistance.

Makita Battery Chainsaw Won’t Start

Causes

There are a few possible reasons why your Makita battery chainsaw won’t start.

The battery is dead:
This is the most common cause of a chainsaw not starting. Make sure that the battery is fully charged before trying to start the chainsaw.

The battery is not making a good connection:
Check the battery terminals to make sure that they are clean and free of corrosion. If the terminals are corroded, clean them with a wire brush and apply a thin coat of dielectric grease.

The chainsaw is not getting spark:
Check the spark plug to make sure that it is properly installed and that the gap is set correctly. If the spark plug is damaged, replace it.

The chainsaw is flooded:
If the chainsaw has been sitting for a long time without being used, it may be flooded. To clear the flood, turn the chainsaw off and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, try starting it again.

Solutions

Once you have identified the cause of the problem, you can take the following steps to fix it.

If the battery is dead, charge it for at least 8 hours:

If the battery is not making a good connection, clean the battery terminals and apply a thin coat of dielectric grease:

If the chainsaw is not getting spark, check the spark plug to make sure that it is properly installed and that the gap is set correctly. If the spark plug is damaged, replace it:

If the chainsaw is flooded, turn the chainsaw off and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, try starting it again:

If you are unable to fix the problem yourself, you can take your chainsaw to a qualified repair shop.

Prevention

To prevent your Makita battery chainsaw from not starting, you can take the following steps:

Keep the battery charged:
A fully charged battery will start your chainsaw more easily.

Inspect the battery terminals regularly:
Make sure that the terminals are clean and free of corrosion.

Replace the spark plug regularly:
A worn spark plug can cause your chainsaw to not start.

Don’t let the chainsaw sit for long periods of time:
If you are not going to use your chainsaw for a long time, store it with the battery disconnected.

By following these tips, you can help to keep your Makita battery chainsaw running smoothly and prevent it from not starting.

Also Read: Milwaukee Chainsaw Work With 9 Mah Battery

FAQs: Makita Battery Chainsaw Won’t Start

Why won’t my Makita battery chainsaw start?

There are a few possible reasons why your Makita battery chainsaw won’t start. Here are the most common:

The battery is not charged: Make sure that the battery is fully charged before trying to start the chainsaw.

The battery is not properly connected to the chainsaw: Check the connection between the battery and the chainsaw to make sure that it is secure.

The chainsaw is not in the correct starting position: Make sure that the chainsaw is in the correct starting position before trying to start it.

The chainsaw is flooded: If the chainsaw is flooded, you will need to clear the carburetor before trying to start it again.

The chainsaw is damaged: If the chainsaw is damaged, it may not be able to start. You will need to take the chainsaw to a qualified service center for repairs.

How do I charge my Makita battery chainsaw battery?

To charge your Makita battery chainsaw battery, follow these steps:

1. Connect the charger to the battery.
2. Plug the charger into an outlet.
3. The charger will light up to indicate that it is charging the battery.
4. The battery will be fully charged when the charger light turns off.

How do I connect my Makita battery chainsaw battery to the chainsaw?

To connect your Makita battery chainsaw battery to the chainsaw, follow these steps:

1. Remove the battery cover from the chainsaw.
2. Align the battery terminals with the terminals on the chainsaw.
3. Press down on the battery until it clicks into place.
4. Replace the battery cover.

How do I start my Makita battery chainsaw?

To start your Makita battery chainsaw, follow these steps:

1. Make sure that the chainsaw is in the correct starting position.
2. Press the primer bulb several times.
3. Pull the starter rope until the chainsaw starts.

What should I do if my Makita battery chainsaw is flooded?

If your Makita battery chainsaw is flooded, you will need to clear the carburetor before trying to start it again. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Remove the air filter cover.
2. Locate the carburetor drain screw.
3. Turn the drain screw counterclockwise to drain the carburetor.
4. Replace the drain screw.
5. Reinstall the air filter cover.

What should I do if my Makita battery chainsaw is damaged?

If your Makita battery chainsaw is damaged, you will need to take it to a qualified service center for repairs. Do not attempt to repair the chainsaw yourself, as you could injure yourself or damage the chainsaw further.

About The Author

I am John, and I am the creator of this website. I have been in the woodworking industry for about 5 years. I developed my passion for DIY projects around the house when I was in high school. I have discovered a new appreciation for those who have the experience to pass along their expertise. They know what works best and are able to help others. I am proud to be among them.

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