Is your Stihl battery chainsaw not working? I have been there. It was a crisp Saturday morning, and I had a pile of storm debris waiting. I slid the battery into my MSA 140 and pulled the trigger.
Nothing.
No roar, no hum, just silence.
If you are reading this, you are probably standing in your yard feeling the same frustration I did. Unlike my gas saws, which sputter or cough when they are unhappy, a Stihl battery chainsaw just sits there. It is either on, or it is a paperweight.
I spent that afternoon troubleshooting so you don’t have to. Here is exactly why my Stihl battery chainsaw was not working and how I fixed it.
Check the Chain Brake
I have to start with this one because it was my first mistake. It is a little embarrassing, but it happens to the best of us.
On a gas saw, the engine idles even if the brake is on. You know it is running. But on a battery saw like the MSA series, the chain brake cuts the power completely. The motor will not make a sound.
The Fix: Look at the black handguard in front of the top handle. Is it pushed forward?
- Pull it back firmly toward the handle.
- Listen for a loud click.
If you don’t hear that click, the saw thinks the brake is on. I pulled mine back, and just like that, the saw woke up. I felt a bit silly, but I was glad it was an easy fix.
Reading the Battery LEDs
When the brake wasn’t the issue on a different job, I learned that the battery tries to talk to you. I pressed the button on my AP 300 battery, and it lit up like a Christmas tree.
Stihl batteries have a specific code system. Here is a quick table I made to help you decode what those lights mean.
Stihl Battery LED Guide
| LED Pattern | What It Means | What I Did |
| 1 Red Light | Too Hot or Cold. The battery temp is unsafe. | I brought it inside to warm up (or put it in the shade). |
| 3 Red Lights (Solid) | Motor Overheat. You worked the saw too hard. | I took a 20-minute break. The saw needs to cool down. |
| 3 Red Lights (Flashing) | Electrical Error. There is a connection issue. | I cleaned the contacts (more on this below). |
| 4 Red Lights (Flashing) | Battery Failure. The battery is likely dead. | Sadly, I had to replace the battery. |
Cleaning the Contacts
One time, I had those 3 flashing red lights. The manual said “electrical fault,” which sounded expensive. But it turned out to be simple.
I looked into the battery slot on the saw. It was packed with fine sawdust and bar oil. This “gunk” was blocking the metal contacts. The saw couldn’t get power because it couldn’t “feel” the battery.
How I cleaned it:
- Safety First: I removed the battery.
- Air Blast: I used my shop vac to blow out the battery slot.
- Wipe Down: I used a dry rag to wipe the metal tabs on the battery itself.
Once I cleared that dust out, the connection was solid again.
The Hidden Safety Switch
This one is tricky. There is a safety lever on the rear handle (where your palm rests). If you don’t press it down fully, the trigger won’t work.
I noticed that after cutting some pine, pitch and sap had built up around that lever. It wasn’t pressing down all the way. A quick spray of cleaner and a rag fixed it. If your Stihl battery chainsaw is not working, check for sticky sap on the handle.
Is Your Chain Too Tight?
I love a tight chain, but battery saws are sensitive.
On my gas Stihl, the engine just bogs down if the chain is tight. The electric motor is smarter. If it feels too much resistance right away, it shuts off to save the motor.
I loosened the tensioner just a hair. I made sure I could pull the chain freely by hand (wearing gloves, of course). That solved the issue immediately.
My Final Thoughts
Troubleshooting a battery saw is different than a gas one. You don’t need a spark plug wrench or carburetor cleaner. You mostly need to check for debris, heat, and safety switches.
For me, it is usually just sawdust blocking a sensor or the chain brake being on. It takes five minutes to check, and then I am back to cutting wood.
Hopefully, this gets you back to work, too. Stay safe out there!
FAQs – Stihl Battery Chainsaw Not Working
Why does my Stihl battery chainsaw stop when I cut?
It may be too hot. If the saw works too hard, it shuts off to stay safe. Let it cool down for a bit. Also, check if your chain is too tight.
What do the red lights on my Stihl battery mean?
They tell you what is wrong. One red light means it is too hot or cold. Three flashing red lights mean a bad connection. Check your manual for the full list.
How do I reset my Stihl battery chainsaw?
Take the battery out. Push the brake forward. Wait one minute. Pull the brake back until it clicks. Put the battery in. This resets the system.
Why is my electric chainsaw not starting?
Check the chain brake first. It is the black guard near the top handle. Pull it back hard until it clicks. The saw will not run if the brake is on.
Can I leave my Stihl battery on the charger?
It is safe for a short time. But do not leave it on for days. Take it off once it is full. Store it in a dry, cool place to keep it strong.