Zodiac VX55 4WD Questions & Answers

Step-by-Step: Identifying the Faulty Motor 1. Unplug the cleaner and let it rest for a few minutes. Always disconnect power from the control box first. 2. Visual inspection Check if one side’s track isn’t moving when the cleaner runs (that side’s drive motor is likely bad).

If both tracks move but there’s no suction or poor debris pickup, the pump/impeller motor is likely the issue. 3. Check for mechanical jams

Spin both drive wheels by hand — they should turn smoothly and evenly.

Check the impeller (under the top cover) for hair, pebbles, or debris jamming it. 4. Test cycle

Plug the cleaner back in and start a short cycle.

Watch from the surface:

If it starts then stops quickly with error 03, it’s detecting motor overload or stall.

If one track doesn’t move or jitters, that’s your bad drive motor. 5. Multimeter check (optional but accurate)

Open the motor housing (only if you’re confident; it’s sealed for waterproofing).

Measure the resistance of each motor’s winding:

Both drive motors should have roughly the same resistance (often a few dozen ohms).

A large difference or open circuit = faulty motor.

The pump motor usually has a slightly lower resistance 6. Swap test (advanced)

If your VX55 model has separate motor connectors on the internal board, you can swap the two drive motors’ plugs.

If the error “follows” the motor to the other output, that motor is bad. ---

Typical Causes

Water ingress into the motor housing

Seized bearings or jammed impeller

Corroded connector inside the cleaner

Motor coil short (less common, but fatal) Quick field indicators

Symptom Likely Fault

Only turns one way or spins in circles One drive motor dead No suction or pickup Pump motor failed or impeller jammed Won’t move at all, Error 03 instantly Main board or both motors wet/corroded Works briefly then stops Thermal or overload due to friction/jam

THANKYOU I HAVE FOUND WATER DAMAGE TO CIRCUIT BOARD FOR DRIVE MOTORS CAN THIS BE PURCHASED SEPARATELY?

IMHO I gave up on the robotic cleaner and went back to the Kreepy it's done a far better job and cost a lot less than the robotic until something comes along that actually does the job I'll stay with the cheaper but better Kreepy lol hope this helps Dave

You can only try look at general consumer protection and warranties for assistance. This happened to my machine - motor block replacement approx $500!!!

Hi Ian, Thanks for your inquiry. The VX55 is now a discontinued product but it does have a longer cable and a 7-day timer built into the control box. You can view the datasheets for the VX 55 and the VX 42 here: VX55 datasheet: external link  VX42 Datasheet: external link 

We do recommend our EvoluxX 5050 series if you want the same features as the VX 55. It should be noted that the 7 day timer on our EvoluX is accessed via an app on a smartphone and will need to be connected.

If you need further assistance, we can be reached at the live chat located on this page during 9am-5pm Mon to Fri: external link 

Regards, Zodiac & Astral Pool/Fluidra Support

Hi Shaun, You can reach out to us via LIVE CHAT to submit a warranty claim. We can be reached at the live chat located on this page during 9am-5pm Mon to Fri: external link  Alternatively you can also fill out the form on this page directly and we will be in touch after we've received your details.

Regards, Zodiac & Astral Pool/Fluidra Support

Mine only flipped over when it was overdue to empty the leaves from the basket... having said that, the tune up kit could help,

Hi Susan, Please reach out to us via LIVE CHAT, once we've obtain some information from you, one of our case management team members will be able to assist you further. We can be reached at the live chat located on this page during 9am-5pm Mon to Fri: external link 

Regards, Fluidra Case Management Team

I did reach out to live chat last week several times. What happens is that the live chat times out because the people at your end are not doing their jobs (or are they?). I have spent quite a long time on live chat and it is a complete waste of time. I still am none the wiser as to what is going on with my unit. Your case management team are useless. I have checked that the power is plugged in and I have unplugged the box from the power supply. There are no kinks in the swivel cable. I have checked the chemicals. The Zodiac will not follow a floor only mode. I won't waste my money even on a tune-up kit. I will buy another brand as this product review page is not helpful!

My Zodiac Robotic pool cleaner VX55 is not working properly and is having the same symptoms as described below - flips on it's back, not covering the the pool properly. I was planning to buy a Vortex Motor Tune-Up Kit - R0746700 and have it installed by a Zodiac technician. Would this make a difference? I paid $2000 for mine only two years ago.

Hello Susan, if you water chemistry is in balance then I would suggest you to unplug the ebox from the power supply and unplug is from the swivel cable and then reconnect is once more. Also if the cable seems tangled, wet it and lay it out straight in the sun and let it dry.

Try running your cleaner in floor only mode and once the cycle is finished, convert back to floor and wall, we hope this will resolve your issue.

If you need further assistance, we can be reached at the live chat located on this page during 9am-5pm Mon to Fri: external link 

Regards, Fluidra Case Management Team

Hello Fluidra I had already tried those suggestions and my water chemistry is in balance. More specifically I was wondering if it was worth spending the money on tune-up kit or just buy another system e.g. a maytronics dolphin, which I hear are superior to the Zodiac, but I will be guided by any suggestions. Thank you

Suggest you call zodiac contact centre.

1300 763 021

They are extremely helpful

Re dust. You can purchase a finer screen filter (100 microns vs the standard 200 microns). I use standard with high leaf litter times and 100 at other times. Re lifespan. I used mine almost daily so it did well over 3 years. But service from Zodiac was second to none.

This machine was the best I’d had over 36 years, but I’ve been in a high gum leaf area over that time. We get a LOT of leaves at different times and this machine coped.

I purchased the finer Filter basket as well, and it is great. Just today I've got an Error 008 and 007, the wheels are not engauging,

I brought the one with the longer lead and the remote, ! It's no worth the extra cost , 3k in nz , might sound to much but I am very happy with the easy clean filter system,. better than any others. Don't believe all the hype about it cleaning the walls,, but it's the only way to clean the pool ! It shows in what comes out in the filter

How much does this product cost in AUD??

I bought the VX55 3 or so years ago and it cost around 1400

same as mine any ideas on the fix?

Mine is doing the same thing now. It is literally one issue after another with our Zodiac equipment. We had an error on this cleaner that required a replacement cable (Zodiac were difficult but did end up replacing it through our pool shop after many calls and emails). Now the wheels aren't turning AND we're getting error 1. We are now at the point of leaving Zodiac (who we thought were the best) and changing to another company as we have had our heat pump break, water heater break twice (and is still playing up), hydroxinator break and now the robot cleaner has broken again. Enough is enough Zodiac! There's only so much a customer can take of poor quality products and poor customer service.