It was a cold Tuesday morning in my garage. I had a pile of wood and a box of long screws. I grabbed my Bosch impact driver, pulled the trigger, and nothing happened. No hum. No click. Just a dead tool in my hand.
I felt a pit in my stomach. I have used this tool for years to build sheds and fix fences. I was not ready to throw it away. I spent the next three hours at my workbench. I found out why my Bosch impact driver was not working. Here is my story.
The First Steps for a Dead Tool
When a tool dies, we often think the motor is gone. But after fixing many tools, I know it is often a small fix. Most issues come from dirt or heat. I always start with the easiest things first.
The Battery Connection Test
I checked my battery first. It showed three green bars. But when I slid it onto the driver, the LED did not blink. I looked at the metal tabs and saw a layer of gray dust.
I used a rag and some rubbing alcohol to clean the tabs. I heard a loud click when I put it back. It did not fix it this time, but it is a great place to start.
| Part to Check | What to Look For | My Quick Fix |
| Battery Tabs | Dust or green rust | Wipe with alcohol |
| Battery Slot | Loose metal clips | Bend them back |
| Charger | Red flashing light | Let battery cool down |
Inside the Case: My Repair Journey
If the battery is fine, you must look inside. I opened my driver case with a small Torx bit. Inside, there are wires, magnets, and a lot of grease. It can look scary, but it is quite simple.
The Mushy Trigger Switch
The trigger is the brain of the tool. On my Bosch, the trigger felt soft and slow. I noticed that if I pulled it hard, the motor would jerk for a split second. This is a sign of a bad switch.
Inside the trigger, small copper parts get dirty. This dirt stops the flow of power. Sometimes, a quick spray of cleaner into the trigger cracks can save it. This trick has saved me a lot of money in the past.
Checking the Carbon Brushes
My driver is an older model with carbon brushes. These are small blocks that wear down as you work. I pulled mine out to see their size. They were very short and worn.
When brushes get too small, they cannot touch the motor. This makes the tool stop and start. New brushes only cost a few dollars. Replacing them makes an old tool feel brand new again.
Why Motors Fail and How to Tell
I smelled it before I saw it. It was a sharp smell like burnt toast. I looked at the copper coils inside the motor. They were black and crispy. I had pushed the tool too hard on my last project.
If the motor smells burnt, the wires have melted. At this point, the tool is often done. A new motor costs as much as a new tool. I had to decide if it was worth the cost to fix.
The Mechanical Jam
Sometimes the motor works, but the tip does not spin. This is a mechanical jam. I once thought my driver was broken, but the button was just in the middle.
In the middle spot, the trigger is locked. It is a safety feature so it does not turn on in your bag. Always check that the button is pushed all the way to one side.
| Common Sound | The Likely Cause | The Fix |
| High Whine | Jammed Gearbox | Add new gear grease |
| Loud Clicks | Worn Out Anvil | Replace the front head |
| Humming | Stuck Motor | Tap the side gently |
My Final Thoughts on the Fix
I love my Bosch tools because they are tough. I try to fix them to save them from the trash. But I have to be honest with myself about the price.
If the fix is just cleaning or new brushes, do it. It feels good to fix your own gear. But if the motor is melted, it is time for an upgrade. I bought a new brushless model that stays cool.
FAQs: Bosch Impact Driver Stopped Working
Why is my Bosch impact driver not working even with a full battery?
Dirt or dust often blocks the metal tabs on the battery. Clean the contacts with a cloth and rubbing alcohol to restore the power flow.
Can I fix a Bosch impact driver trigger that feels stuck or mushy?
Yes, you can often fix a sticky trigger with electronic contact cleaner. Spray it into the gaps to remove grit and help the switch move freely again.
How do I know if my Bosch impact driver brushes are worn out?
Look for big blue sparks or a light burning smell while the tool runs. If the brushes are shorter than five millimeters, you should swap them for new ones.
What does it mean if my Bosch motor smells like burnt toast?
A burnt smell usually means the copper coils inside the motor have melted from heat. In most cases, it is safer and cheaper to buy a new tool.