Help...UDM playing up

[jason78]

Dont know how best to explain it but its been fine over the past 2days of me getting to grips with it,but i went to do the front bumper,set it to position 1 and then thats when it cut out on me.Thought to myself maybe ive overworked it so i let it cool down and then went back to it and its ok on positions 2,3,4,5,6 but 1 it struggles to turn and pick up and then it cuts out :doublesho Any ideas has ive only had it a week and only used it in total of 10hrs over thurs,fri and today.

[jason78]

Also it will only start if i tap it with my hand,but if i do it whilst its on position 1 then it tries to rotate then stops...any thoughts or as this happened to anyone...im gutted as its an early xmas present from the girlfriend and i dont want to sent it back unless i really need to..

[PJS]

I know it's rude to mock the inflicted, but this is a similar story to one relayed by a company who sells them as well as the machine I use - 2 days use, then pffftttzzzz.
To a degree, you're lucky in that it still works beyond position 1, and could live with it.

As for what's wrong - sounds like a case of a faulty switch. It'd likely be fine if it was replaced.
Doubt whether Autopia will send a switch to the dealer whom you purchased it from, as the dealer would rightly want to be paid their time for fixing it, assuming they are "a competent person".
Bottom line, it'll need to be sent back to them for replacement or refund, and they'll then need to send it back to Autopia.
Costly, that's for sure, and reinforces the point I've made here and elsewhere, of potentially being a false economy for the user and the seller.

Perhaps a Megs G220 is now looking a better option, even after investing in a step-down transformer or what I use - the Cyclo.

Hope your supplier is helpful and resolves the situation asap for you.

[jason78]

just contacting the person who i bought it off now hopefully he should get back to me soon

[keevster]

Hi mate. This is why after considerable thought, i purchased the G200 meg polisher.
I know this does not help you much mate, but i just read to many stories of the UDM breaking down, so i am glad i bit the bullet and went for the G200.


In saying that, i have read nothing but good reports about Autopia customer service.

What i would advise mate. Send it back, get a full refund and purchase the G200 from Meguiars. At least that way you are dealing with something within this country if it breaks. And going by Meguiars record of quality products, i doubt very much that the G200 is going to be dogged with as many problems as the UDM.

This is only my opinion on this.

Paul.:thumb:

[Petrolhead Matt]

The exact same thing happened to mine, if you press against the right/left side of the machine where the stickers are does it run properly?

My problem: http://www.detailingworld.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=50504

[jason78]

The exact same thing happened to mine, if you press against the right/left side of the machine where the stickers are does it run properly?

My problem: http://www.detailingworld.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=50504


Matt your star :wave: had a look on that link and decided to see if a connection was loose or anything had come off,pushed and prodded and everything seemed to be connected fine and nothing loose,screwed it back together and it as right as rain....i take it yours is ok now matey?? its got to be something to do with the vibration that had caused it to stutter but 100% now:lol:

[PJS]

Vibration? What's that? ;)
Good to see it appears you've fixed - although I'd be onto Autopia, presenting them with an invoice for the hour's labour you spent doing it.
If nothing else, you might get something for free with your next order.
If you don't ask, you won't get, as my Grandmother was oft heard to say.

[keevster]

personally to me, thats a shocking excuse for a fix. You should not have to adapt to something of that cost, it should be a case of pack up, send back, get a refund?? end off


Paul:thumb:

[jason78]

Packed up again this morning just when i thought things where fine and hoping to finish the bm.Not even bothered to fix/rig it again...just emailed lynn @ Autopia so just waiting for a reply.anyone fancy coming round and finishing off the beast for me lol

[Petrolhead Matt]

The problem was actually that the brushes were not making a proper connection with the motor. What happens is that the brushes wear down as they touch the motor going round and they have a spring that is meant to keep the brush touching the motor. Ever since my Dad adjusted the spring it's been fine, however one of the brushes had worn down a lot and the one on the other side was a lot longer. My Dad said it shouldn't have worn down as much as it had for the amount I'd used it (4 cars in about 6 weeks) so I got another one under warranty from Autopia.

[evobaz]

And going by Meguiars record of quality products, i doubt very much that the G200 is going to be dogged with as many problems as the UDM.

This is only my opinion on this.

Paul.:thumb:

The Megs and the UDM are the same design (although the Megs does have a few subtle changes ie D shaped handle etc) and they are even made in the same factory so there is every chance that they may encounter the very same problems;)

[zoomzoom mazda5]

Mine have the same problem and Lynn at Perfect Shine shipped me a new one and had my old one p/u quick by UPS. So far i haven't no problems with the replacement one yet.

[m500dpp]

and they are even made in the same factory so there is every chance that they may encounter the very same problems

suspected as much but Megs deny this!!!!

Am just going to put the extra and buy a flex - its just not worth all the hassle!!!!

[keevster]

The Megs and the UDM are the same design (although the Megs does have a few subtle changes ie D shaped handle etc) and they are even made in the same factory so there is every chance that they may encounter the very same problems;)


I personally cant see it mate, if there is known flaws in the UDM, i would expect they would have sorted this out with the new G200.
Meguiars have a pretty good name in the UK, well all over really, and the last thing they would want is there new product to get dogs abuse due to failures/design faults, just my opinion though:thumb:


paul

[m4gician]

Hey,

it's no different with mine. Mine has a similar problem except that when it struggles you can kick it up to speed 6 with no problem, except after you lower it down from anywhere but 6, the machine dies.

I called them (Perfect Shine LLC) and they're going to ship me a new one asap, so I mean kudos to their customer service.

[jason78]

hi guys just had another email from lynn saying that the replacement will cost me $54 for shipping costs is this correct....a bit pi$$ed ive got to payanything towards it...so thats £26 just converted it

[PJS]

Plus VAT!
Sorry, but I'd tell them "no thanks" and get a refund, then buy the Meg's locally.
Much less hassle in the long run.
I'm sure you'll be able to sell the step-down rtrans former easily enough on ebay or here.

[V8burble]

The Megs and the UDM are the same design (although the Megs does have a few subtle changes ie D shaped handle etc) and they are even made in the same factory so there is every chance that they may encounter the very same problems;)

Ummm except for the motor, switch and speed controller.... all of which are 220Vac items and different. ;)

[keevster]

Honestly mate, thats why i never went for the UDM. So if you have 2 maybe 3 mishaps with the UDM, its gona cost you 54 dollars a pop. Nah, its not worth it in my eyes, full refund mate and get the Megs G200.

At least if that goes on the blink, which is doubtfull cause its a Megs product, it aint gona cost you best part of 30 spuid to get it sorted



Paul:thumb:

[jason78]

Guys just wanted your thoughts on my reply email after recieving this email this afternoon..Thoughts please as i dont know if its worded right and coming over a bit i dont know agressive..

Hi Jason,
Thanks for the info. The replacement will require flat $54 shipping fee and can be paid via PayPal or credit card. Just let me know what you would like to do.
Yours in Better Car Care,
Lynn Phillips
The Perfect Shine Team
.................................................. .................................................. ....

Hi Lynn, Thanks you once again in getting back to me but i feel after only having the item less then a month thats its unfair for me to to pay another $54 after paying already $346.29 with yourselves and as a gesture thought that delivery costs would be covered by yourselves! Since reading about your great customer service on yours and other detail forums here in the UK,thats a main reason why i bought this on this basis alone.Obviously if this isn't an option then i'm willing to be reimbursed for the total of $346.26 and ill will cover the shipping costs of sending the udm plus the items i purchased with it.
Kind Regards Jason

[Sav]

I was looking at one of these as well till the Meg one came out. Personally I’d try and get my Money back and buy that. I would think the Meg one would be more solid. I do feel its a shame because the UDM probably prompted Meg’s to act but I’d say the UDM is a dead fish, well it is for me and everyone seems to have moved on to it now.

[V8burble]

Guys just wanted your thoughts on my reply email after recieving this email this afternoon..Thoughts please as i dont know if its worded right and coming over a bit i dont know agressive..

Hi Jason,
Thanks for the info. The replacement will require flat $54 shipping fee and can be paid via PayPal or credit card. Just let me know what you would like to do.
Yours in Better Car Care,
Lynn Phillips
The Perfect Shine Team
.................................................. .................................................. ....

Hi Lynn, Thanks you once again in getting back to me but i feel after only having the item less then a month thats its unfair for me to to pay another $54 after paying already $346.29 with yourselves and as a gesture thought that delivery costs would be covered by yourselves! Since reading about your great customer service on yours and other detail forums here in the UK,thats a main reason why i bought this on this basis alone.Obviously if this isn't an option then i'm willing to be reimbursed for the total of $346.26 and ill will cover the shipping costs of sending the udm plus the items i purchased with it.
Kind Regards Jason

sounds like a good balance of a reply to me bud. not too forceful :thumb:

[PJS]

Hi Lynn,
Thanks you once again in getting back to me, but I feel that only having had the item less than a month, it's unfair for me to to pay another $54, after having already paid $346.29 with yourselves, and as a gesture thought that the replacement costs would be covered by yourselves.
I don't see why I should be out of pocket whilst the item is under warranty, in respect of failing to operate fully due to poor QC or choice of components used.
If this isn't an option, then I'd like to receive a refund for the total ($346.26), and Ill will cover the shipping costs of sending back the UDM along with the other items I purchased.
Due to reading about your great customer service on your own and other detailing forums, here in the UK, that's the main reason why I bought the UDM.

Kind Regards
Jason

Highlighted and amended one or two things!! :lol:

Red = remove
Blue = add/fix
bold = daring, brave, cheeky..... :D

One thing though - you don't have to return the pads and whatnot - they'll work on the Megs no problem, I'd imagine.
You'll save same on the cost of returning just the UDM and extension lead (or whatever is unique to the UDM and can't be kept)
Also, do you really want another UDM, even if they agree to replacing FOC?
What if the same happens 6 months later with that one?
So, think about adding that as a reason for not wanting a replacement, unless they say they'll stand over that one too.
Therefore, decide what it is that you want, and if it's a refund, then rejig the message to say that and remove the bits about gesture of goodwill, etc.
Also see if it's cheaper for them to send their courier in (or you organise from this end using their account with UPS) to collect from you, and have that deducted from the refund. You might make a case for keeping some of the items (chemicals/cloths) as goodwill to offset your loss of shipping costs both ways - unless they pick up the tab for collection.
After all, you'll have spent $x amount with nothing to show for it - an expensive trial and error result.

[Seth1]

Lynn had a replacement shipped to me within a week once my UDM started playing up, Total cost to me = £000. I take it you're not in the UK? :confused:

[jason78]

Lynn had a replacement shipped to me within a week once my UDM started playing up, Total cost to me = £000. I take it you're not in the UK? :confused:

yes im in the uk and that reply as just confirmed to me that i now want my money back:mad:

[keevster]

Its possible that now they have maybe had so many fail and need returned that they can no longer justify shelling out for delivery, its possible there has been high volumes returned, which could eventually eat right into there profits.
You have nowt to loose mate with getting a refund, Megs G200 just around the corner:)



Paul:thumb:

[Sav]

Megs G200 just around the corner!

Yeah i'm going with that after Xmas.....UDM was on the list till G200 came out.

[todd]

Thought I would add to this as now having same issues with my UDM, only been used on 8 cars :(

Taking it to bits now to check contacts.

[Marcus_RS4]

Thought I would add that my Megs g died today half way through its first bonnet, may be the first, but the quaity didnt sine through for me ;)

[Sav]

Good thing is its covered mate and great if your in the UK....

[smart valeting]

The Megs and the UDM are the same design (although the Megs does have a few subtle changes ie D shaped handle etc) and they are even made in the same factory so there is every chance that they may encounter the very same problems;)

Would the d handle fit the umd?

Is thier any ware we can get a d handle?


And as any seen the glove like fitment you can get for the umd?

[evobaz]

Sorry I don't know the answer to your questions.

[todd]

Well my UDM is now officially dead :(

I've dropped an email to Lynne at Autopia, I followed the guide on here and cut the plug but I see in other posts that this voids the warranty?

Anyone had any luck with the plug cut?

I'd be gutted if after 4 months I'm left with a lump of metal and nothing else!

[Stebo]

Oh great, I've just ordered a UDM, still hasn't even arrived! On top of that I've just been offered a G220 which I was initally looking litterally a day after I ordered the UDM! Bit off topic but how long does delivery generally take (Northern Ireland)

[evobaz]

Bit off topic but how long does delivery generally take (Northern Ireland)


It just depends on where you ordered it from

[Stebo]

It just depends on where you ordered it from

Autopia :buffer:

[evobaz]

Autopia :buffer:


Usually about 4 or 5 working days

[Stebo]

Usually about 4 or 5 working days

:thumb: Ordered it on Sunday night so hopefully see it soon.

[lee74]

hmmm i ordered one on tuesday me thinking bad move with all these problems
:( :( :(

[evobaz]

hmmm i ordered one on tuesday me thinking bad move with all these problems
:( :( :(


The G220 is suffering just the same:(

[Ultimate-Glaze]

eek, just bought UDM today, should have read this before :wall:

It's still unused packed in the box, wondering if I should just sell it.

[evobaz]

eek, just bought UDM today, should have read this before :wall:

It's still unused packed in the box, wondering if I should just sell it.

Whats the point? Its got a years guarantee, if anything goes wrong then its gets fixed or repaired for free.

What would get to replace it? A G220?

[Ultimate-Glaze]

probably the good old Porter Cable, going to give the UDM a chance though and see how it goes :(

[Stebo]

In fairness there is bound to be loads of these machines here on DW a handfull of them breaking down doesn't have me too worried. I've got mine but haven't tried it out yet, but when I do I'm not really expecting it to go bang. Besides, they're getting so cheap (compared to G220 which is having the same problems) and they've a years warenty it's not the end of the world if it does break down.

[evobaz]

In fairness there is bound to be loads of these machines here on DW a handfull of them breaking down doesn't have me too worried. I've got mine but haven't tried it out yet, but when I do I'm not really expecting it to go bang. Besides, they're getting so cheap (compared to G220 which is having the same problems) and they've a years warenty it's not the end of the world if it does break down.

Exactly - according to UDM / Autopia the failure rate of the UDM is only about 2%. Bear in mind that some guys use these machines very often and for long periods of time so its inevitable that there will be some breakdowns.

These machines all come with 1 years manufacturers warranty so no matter where you buy it from - its covered.

[Trune]

anyone know if you can get replacement brushes for these? i got one from a guy on here, ive only used it 3 or 4 times on 1 panel. and it kept slowing down.

i took it apart and one of the brushes is much more worn than the other. i resat the worn one and now it seems to be behaving for now, but dunno how long it will last.

can you get new brushes?

[jaysdetailing]

Hi detailers iv got a udm and touch wood done over 30 cars with it and no probs, it,ll pack up tomorrow you watch :-(

[evobaz]

I can get replacement brushes for these.

Anyone needing them just drop me a PM.

[Wheelie_Clean]

anyone know if you can get replacement brushes for these? i got one from a guy on here, ive only used it 3 or 4 times on 1 panel. and it kept slowing down.

i took it apart and one of the brushes is much more worn than the other. i resat the worn one and now it seems to be behaving for now, but dunno how long it will last.

can you get new brushes?

See here:http://www.detailingworld.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=66222&highlight=brushes+udm

[adam1942]

I was using my UDM yesterday for the first time and after about 45 minutes doing half of the bonnet the UDM packed in and then it started the usual stop start stop start etc. Took the back off movied the wires around and tightend the screws, its working again.. for the time being :(

[Trune]

check your brushes :)

[cj romeo]

Checking brushes after 45 minutes?

Not exactly Makita levels of reliability are they.

Whats the problem, are the brush springs too weak or the guides easily clogged?

(I used to repair power tools)

[Trune]

is it new to him though? he may have got it 2nd hand.

Problem with the springs, i think. pushing mine out a bit further got it working again for now, tho one was heavily worn.

[cj romeo]

Never thought of that!

[evobaz]

Checking brushes after 45 minutes?

Not exactly Makita levels of reliability are they.

Whats the problem, are the brush springs too weak or the guides easily clogged?

(I used to repair power tools)

Springs are usually fine. Sometimes the brushes stick in the guide probably due to them being clogged up.

On occasions I have seen them with one brush worn excessively and the other brush being fine.

[cj romeo]

One brush wearing then suggests that one is sticking, though thst usually results in hard deposits on the commutator.

Brushes are carbon graphite, so are supposed to self lubricate, but if the guide isnt carefully though through, they can stick with dust from themselves, or in sonstruction tools, heavy dust from concrete etc. but its a rarity.

[adam1942]

It was brand new. what are the springs and brushs you guys are talking about?

Adam.

[cj romeo]

If it was brand new just send it back, the brushes and their springs are not something that are meant to be user adjustable, you'd only void your warranty opening it up.

The brush and commutator is how the electrical energy is passed into the rotating part of this type of motor.