As an animal lover, you want to ensure that your petWALK door is always working optimally and provides your furry companions with the best access to the outdoors. Like any technical device, the petWALK door requires regular maintenance to stay in top shape. Here’s how to properly care for your door and which steps are important.
The Best Time for Maintenance
While you prepare your home for winter, don’t forget to winterize the petWALK door. Although the door is generally easy to maintain, it’s worthwhile to conduct thorough maintenance at least once a year to ensure optimal functionality and longevity.
Step-by-Step Guide to Optimal Maintenance
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Lubricate the Door Hinges Properly
Nothing is more annoying than squeaky door hinges. By regularly lubricating them with the silicone grease included in the petWALK maintenance kit, you can prevent squeaking and the buildup of dirt. A few minutes of attention will save you a lot of trouble later. Take the silicone grease included in the petWALK maintenance kit and apply it to the guide plate and the door hinges. -
Remove Dust and Dirt
Your petWALK door deserves to be as clean as the rest of your home. Use a vacuum cleaner to remove coarse dirt, and then clean the door thoroughly with a slightly damp cloth. This keeps it not only visually appealing but also functional. -
Visual Inspection
Over time, small issues can be overlooked. We recommend taking the time once a year to closely inspect the petWALK door. Consider the following questions to ensure you don’t miss anything:- Is the door leaf correctly positioned?
- Does the decor fit properly?
- Is the silicone sealant on the outside still adhering well?
- Are the seals on the door leaf still intact, or do they need to be replaced?
Take the time to inspect the door closely. Check whether the door leaf and the decor are properly fitted, whether the silicone joints are still intact, and whether the seals are sealing effectively. Small adjustments can help prevent larger problems.
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Checking the Slip Clutch Using a Hand Test
To perform the hand test, place your hand in the open door and then close the door using the remote control to simulate a blocking object. The door should touch the object and then reopen slightly so that the object can be removed. If the door is worn out, it may not function properly even without the hand test, triggering an error message (E03) related to the slip clutch.
Caution! This represents a safety risk, as the door may no longer stop if something becomes jammed. However, if the slip clutch wears out, it can grind during normal operation and eventually fail to close. In such cases, we recommend servicing your petWALK door. More information can be found on our homepage in the "Frequently Asked Questions" section, which also provides guidance on adjusting the slip clutch and under which conditions you can do this.
Error Resolution: If the door is still open, remove the obstacle. If the door is already closed, check what may have prevented the pet door from closing to avoid a similar situation in the future. Then confirm the error message by pressing the OK button on your remote control, which will clear the error message from the display. For instructions on tightening the slip clutch, refer to the accompanying video or print out the instructions.
5. Door rattles? Here’s What to Check!
If the petWALK door rattles and displays the error message E01 when opening or closing, this is likely due to a mechanical issue caused by extreme temperature changes. Temperature fluctuations can cause the metal to shift and create excessive pressure on the door leaf, resulting in the bolts not closing smoothly. These error messages can be corrected by simply tightening the locking bolts.
Symptoms: When locking and unlocking the locking bolts, you may hear a rattling noise. The door does not open and displays the error message “E01.”
Cause of Error: The contact pressure of the locking bolts may be too high.
Error Resolution: PetWALK doors feature adjustable locking bolts, allowing you to customize the contact pressure. Download the manual or follow the instructions below: The contact pressure is ideal when the closed and locked door leaf can still be pressed very easily against the seals, meaning there should be a very small amount of play. If the bolts are set too tightly, it may prevent the four-point locking drive from opening or closing the door leaf. You will notice this if the drive rattles or the door does not open, showing the message "E01" on the display.
You can easily adjust the contact pressure by turning the bolts eccentrically using a Torx key (size 15). The door closes more easily when the flat side of the pane faces inward and more tightly when it faces outward.
The petWALK Maintenance Kit
Our practical maintenance kit contains everything you need for the regular care of your petWALK door. From silicone grease to tools for adjusting the slip clutch to spare parts for emergencies, you are well-equipped to keep your door in excellent condition.
Contents of the Kit:
- Replacement Velcro fasteners
- Remote control
- Microfiber cloth
- Open-end wrench
- Silicone grease
- Silicone sealant
- Flange seal
- Allen key
- Torx key
Use the petWALK maintenance kit to not only keep your door functional but also to ensure you're prepared for spontaneous adventures with your four-legged friend.
Regular maintenance of your petWALK door not only ensures its longevity but also guarantees the safety of your pets. With a few simple steps and the right tools from our maintenance kit, you can make sure that your door always works reliably, providing you with long-term satisfaction. Give your petWALK door the attention it deserves, and it will thank you with dependable performance.
