This repository provides a comprehensive repair guide for the SurePetcare Feeder Connect, addressing a common failure mode where the lid fails to open, even though the motor remains active and produces sound. In my experience, this issue affected two separate units after approximately 4 years of use, and both failures occurred shortly after a battery replacement. Before the feeders stopped functioning entirely, they exhibited loud and irregular noises from the gearbox—symptoms consistent with internal mechanical wear or gear damage. This guide includes step-by-step repair instructions with photos, outlining the full disassembly process and identifying the components that typically require replacement.
Before beginning the repair, you’ll need the following tools and materials:
- Drill bits: 2mm (suitable for plastic)
- Replacement gear with the following specifications:
- Teeth: 12
- Module: 0.3
- Outer diameter: 4.2mm
- Inner diameter: 2.0mm
- Silicone grease (recommended for lubricating plastic gears)
An exact replacement for the original gear could not be sourced. However, the following alternative gear was used successfully:
- Teeth: 12
- Module: 0.3
- Outer diameter: 4.2mm
- Inner diameter: 1.15mm
- Product link: AliExpress – Gear Replacement
Note: While the inner diameter is smaller than required, the gear can be modified to fit the motor shaft using methods such as precision drilling or by inserting a sleeve adapter to ensure a secure fit.
The issue appears to stem from wear and misalignment in the smallest gear within the gearbox. Over time, this gear becomes worn down and begins to slip or misalign with the adjacent larger gear. This misalignment leads to mechanical resistance, ultimately causing the motor to stall while still producing sound.
As shown in the second image below, the gear also developed a visible crack, which likely contributes to the malfunction. The crack may allow the gear to shift under load or deform slightly, causing it to jam or skip teeth and preventing the lid from opening correctly.
Start by removing the lid. You will need to unscrew the 4 screws (highlighted in red) that secure the lid in place.
Next, remove the circuit for the buttons (highlighted in red). Unscrew the 4 screws (highlighted in blue) to release the lid mechanism.
To access the gearbox, unscrew the 3 screws (highlighted in red) securing the gearbox, as well as 1 screw (highlighted in green) holding the flap in place.
If possible, remove the green nut, but if it's difficult, it can be removed in a later step. Be careful when removing the gearbox, as the cables are fragile. You may also need to manually rotate the extension (held by the blue nut) to free the gearbox from the frame.
Next, remove the 3 screws (highlighted in red) to access the gearbox.
Rotate the lid to access the gear. This step requires care, and it's crucial to have a clean workspace to prevent dust or foreign objects from entering the gearbox.
Pay attention to the placement of each gear, as they may fall out when you remove the lid. The gear to replace is the black gear—originally, it is white. Use a flathead screwdriver to carefully pop out the worn-out gear.
As you can see, the replacement gear I used had a smaller inner diameter than required. I had to carefully drill the hole to approximately 2mm to match the motor shaft. The gear should fit snugly—tight enough to stay fixed during operation, but not so tight that it requires excessive force, which could cause it to crack. If the hole is too large, the gear may spin freely without engaging the shaft, in which case it won’t function correctly and will need to be replaced.
Once the gear is replaced, apply a small amount of silicone grease to the new gear to ensure smooth operation and reduce wear.
After applying the grease, follow the disassembly steps in reverse to reassemble the feeder. Ensure everything is securely fastened.
After reassembly, power on the feeder and test it to ensure the motor operates correctly and the lid opens and closes smoothly.
You're all done! If you encounter any issues, feel free to revisit the steps to double-check the assembly or gear replacement process.