JBL Boombox 2 Not Charging

JBL wireless speakers, including the Boombox 2, offer portable operation via a beefy internal battery. And when that battery goes dead, you can recharge the speaker via an AC or car adapter. For recharging, this speaker comes with a 24 volt AC power supply. Sometimes though, the JBL Boombox 2 is not charging fully, or at all. In this piece, we’re here to help solve this problem.

JBL Boombox 2 Not Charging: How to Tell This

Read the Battery Status Gauge

You can tell that the JBL Boombox 2 is likely not charging, by reading the battery gauge on the front. Note that this meter starts blinking red during play. It lets you know in this way that the battery is running low.  And the flashing does not stop, even when you plug in the charger.  It should change at this point though, to blinking white. This indicates that the speaker is getting power. But if it continues red, then recharging is not occurring.

Then too, the battery meter normally shows recharging progress.  I.e. as the speaker recharges, more of the gauge bar lights white.  But if no more lights glow after a few hours, then chances are, charging is failing.

Feel the Heat

You can also feel the AC adapter’s side panel ten or twenty minutes into the charge cycle.  The speaker itself heats slightly as well during correctly charging operation.  But if you feel no warmth, then again, your JBL Boombox 2 is not charging.

Thus when the Boombox 2 is not charging, find out what’s wrong and how to remedy the situation.  So in this post, we offer reasons why the speaker may not recharge.  Then we give possible solutions.

JBL Boombox 2 Not Charging: Reasons and Fixes

As we mentioned above, it’s normal that the charge level gauge blinks red when the battery is about dead. But this meter should turn to a flashing white when you attach the charger.

Normally though, this meter only displays white lights.  The number of these lamps glowing tells you how full the battery is. It can appear as follows.

Or, once recharging wraps up, all lights in this gauge go dark.

If the gauge does not change to white, then several things might cause this. We list these below thus.

1.The Power Outlet May Be Dead

The Problem

The adapter may not output any power because it is not receiving any to begin with. This can happen due to a defective circuit or tripped breaker. Also, a blown fuse, faulty wiring, or general power failure might cause this.

The Fix

Check that your receptacle has voltage by plugging in a lamp or other device.  Set circuit breakers back to ON if tripped. And if the outlet has a light switch that controls it, then flick that switch ON.

2. The Adapter is Faulty

The Problem

The JBL Boombox 2 not charging can also occur because the adapter is providing SOME but not ENOUGH current. Indeed as the unit ages, its output energy can shrink over time. So the adapter might not deliver the correct amount presently.

When this happens, you may see the gauge turn to a flashing white, but not gradually advance toward full charge. Or it may advance, but do so more slowly than usual.

Note that this speaker needs 4.2 amps at 24 volts (100.8 watts) to fully recharge in 6.5 hours.  But charging speed may not go as fast if the charger does not meet these specs.

The Fix

The solution is to replace the power adapter, preferably one that delivers the stated voltage and current. We advise that you order a replacement directly from JBL for the safest yet quickest recharging.

3. The Battery is Faulty

The Problem

As lithium ion batteries age, they lose their ability to charge. And the characteristics of the current they draw changes with age.  Normally, as a battery recharges, it draws less amperage as it fills. But in the case of cell failure, it may draw too many or too few amps. So this can confuse the charging circuits into behaving like no charging is occurring.  So the gauge shows that no charging is occurring.

The Fix

To address this, replace the battery. But keep in mind that you can’t easily get the old one out of the speaker. Indeed, changing the battery means that you must take the speaker apart, and this is a delicate endeavor.

Also note that doing this likely breaks the water resistant seal.  So the speaker may no longer be safe to use, should you later expose it to water.

Breaking this seal may well change the sound quality too. So get someone to change the old battery who knows how to pick the right replacement. They should also have the skills and supplies to restore the seal.

A good battery should fit well inside and provide 72.6 watt-hours. But we suggest using only JBL certified batteries for this speaker.

4. This Speaker Might be Defective

The Problem

Even if you have the right adapter, the current reaching the cells may be too low or high.  This can happen when the battery management circuits in the speaker break down.  Note that these systems monitor battery status.  Then they shut OFF the current when they see a full battery.

But when they fail, the battery might get no power at all.  Thus, it never recharges.  Again, in this case, the battery gauge might never stop blinking, even with the charger present. The speaker also may not play as long per charge. Or it might not work at all from the battery.

The Fix

The best answer here, is simply to get a new JBL Boombox 2.  Why?  Because the electronic parts in this model are tiny.  So unless you can replace components yourself, just buy another speaker. It’s the easiest route.

Other Posts About the JBL Boombox 2

1. 1. Charging Procedure
   2. How to Tell if This Speaker is Charging
   3. How to Turn On Bass Mode
   4. Hard Reset Instructions
   5. Low Frequency Mode Explained

References

1. 1. JBL Boombox 2 Official Product Page