Pump Zero Pump Head: Charging, Light Signals, Cleaning and Maintenance

Applies to: sprayers with a Pump Zero™ pump head, the battery-powered pump that screws onto the top of the tank and has the battery built in. This includes Pump Zero models sold under the Roundup, Scotts, Ortho, Field King, Husqvarna and Smith names, and the replacement Pump Zero head (part 184163). The number 183564 printed on the pump head is a part number, not a model number.

This article does not apply to sprayers with a removable battery pack (DEWALT, CRAFTSMAN, Lesco) or to Power Wand sprayers, where the battery is in the wand. For those, see Battery and Charger Troubleshooting Quick Guide.

Does the pump need oil or lubricant?

No. The Pump Zero pump does not need any regular maintenance beyond charging and normal cleaning. Do not oil, grease or lubricate it.

How to charge the pump

1. In a dry, clean place, plug the charger into a wall outlet.
2. On the end of the pump handle, remove the rubber cover to expose the charging port and plug in the charger cable. The light on top of the pump should start flashing green.
3. The pump cannot run while it is plugged in. Unplug it before use.
4. When charging is complete the light turns solid green and stays on. Charging should take no more than 3 hours.
5. Unplug the cable, put the rubber cover back over the port, and unplug the charger from the wall.
6. Do not leave the pump on the charger for long periods. When the sprayer is not in use, charge it at least once every 3 months.

What the light on the pump means

• Flashing green while plugged in: charging normally. Wait for it to turn solid green.
• Solid green while plugged in: fully charged. Unplug and use.
• Solid green while spraying: normal operation. You should also hear the pump hum.
• Flashing green while spraying: about 25% charge left, usually enough to finish the current tank and one more. Charge it soon.
• Flashing red while plugged in: the battery is too hot to charge safely. This happens after heavy use in hot weather or storage in a hot place such as a closed vehicle or shed. Move the pump somewhere cool, let it cool down, then plug it in again.
• Red and green flashing alternately: the battery has been damaged and cannot be charged. The battery inside the pump cannot be serviced, so the pump head must be replaced. If the sprayer is within its warranty period, file a warranty claim at thefountainheadgroup.com/register or call 1-800-311-9903.
• No light at all: the battery is completely out of charge, or the charger is not getting power. Check the outlet with another device, then plug the pump in. If still no light, call 1-800-311-9903.

Pump turns on (you hear the hum) but will not spray

1. Check there is liquid in the tank.
2. Clean the shut-off. Unscrew the handle from the shut-off assembly, remove the filter, rinse the handle, shut-off and filter with cool clean water, then reassemble and tighten.
3. Clean the nozzle. Remove and take apart the nozzle assembly and clear any residue from the openings. Do not use sharp tools; they can scratch the nozzle and change the spray pattern.
4. Make sure the pump is unplugged from the charger. It will not run while charging.
5. If the tank is already pressurized, the pump shuts off on its own. That is normal.

Cleaning the pump safely

• Wipe the bottom of the pump with a wet cloth.
• Never rinse the pump with a hose or submerge it in water. Water will get into the housing, damage the electronics, stop the pump working and void the warranty.
• Rinse the tank, hose, shut-off, wand and nozzle with clean water after every use, and never store the sprayer with chemical in it.
• Store the sprayer, pump and charger indoors in a warm, dry place out of direct sunlight, and never where it can freeze. Freezing can damage the pump and seals and voids the warranty.

Still not working?

Have your model number ready (the six-digit number on the tank sticker, such as 190671, not the 183564 on the pump head) and call The Fountainhead Group at 1-800-311-9903, Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM Eastern, or create a support ticket. A replacement Pump Zero head (part 184163) is sold in the FGI online store if the pump is out of warranty.

Need a part? Order at shop.thefountainheadgroup.com. Warranty claim or registration? thefountainheadgroup.com/register. Anything else, call The Fountainhead Group at 1-800-311-9903.