On the covered iRobot Roomba i Series, j Series and s Series, error 13 means both wheels are on an uneven surface. The spoken message is "Uneven ground. Place on a flat surface, and then press Clean." First, place the robot on a flat surface and press CLEAN.
Try in this order
0 of 9 completedWhat to do first
ReversiblePlace the robot on a flat surface and press CLEAN.
Correct only the documented fault domain
ReversibleiRobot's chart lists the wheels as what to check and has no separate article for error 13 on this page. The wheel checks in iRobot's error 1 article apply: check the wheel for obstructions, push the wheels up and down several times and shake out any loose debris trapped in the wheel well, and briskly turn both wheels by hand to make sure they turn freely with the same resistance.
Put it on a flat floor
ReversibleLift the Roomba onto a flat surface in the middle of the room and start a new clean.
Free the wheels
ReversiblePush each wheel up and down several times, shake out trapped debris and turn both by hand. They should spin freely with the same resistance.
Place the robot on a flat floor
ReversibleThe spoken message is that the ground is uneven and to place the robot on a flat surface. Pick it up, put it on a hard, level floor away from rugs and thresholds and press Clean.
Check for a step or a rug edge
ReversibleError 13 means that both wheels are on an uneven surface. A rug with a thick edge, a threshold or a floor vent can tilt the robot. Look at where it stopped and move the obstacle or block the area in the app.
Clean the wheels
ReversibleWheels packed with hair or thread can stop turning freely and make the robot sit unevenly. Pull the wheel assemblies clear, remove hair with the cleaning tool and spin each wheel by hand.
Check the wheel drop
ReversibleEach wheel should drop out on its spring when the robot is lifted and spring back when pressed. A stuck wheel gives a false reading of the surface.
Update the app and restart
ReversibleRestart the robot by holding the Clean button for ten seconds, and update the firmware in the iRobot app. If error 13 keeps returning on a flat floor, contact iRobot with the serial number.
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Exact questions
Common questions about “iRobot Roomba i Series, j Series and s Series error 13”
What does error 13 mean on a iRobot Roomba i Series, j Series and s Series?+
Both wheels are on an uneven surface. The spoken message is "Uneven ground. Place on a flat surface, and then press Clean."
Why does my Roomba say error 13 on a flat floor?+
A wheel may be jammed with hair or debris so the robot thinks it is stuck on an obstacle. Remove the wheels' debris and check both turn freely.
Can a thick rug cause Roomba error 13?+
Yes, a deep rug or a threshold can lift a wheel. Clear the obstacle or block the robot from that area.
Is it a fault in the robot?+
Often it is the floor or a stuck wheel.
How do I clean the wheels?+
Remove hair and thread and check that each wheel spins freely.
How do I restart the robot?+
Hold the Clean button for ten seconds.