CT26E shuts down randomly; motor speed declines slowly

[cgcb]

My 2011 CT6E (new bag new filter) is shutting down randomly with increasing frequency. When I toggle power it comes back on. When it runs, the first 10 seconds it sounds like the motor is slowing down. It then reaches steady sound but then will shut down randomly. Sometimes 30 seconds, sometimes 5 minutes.

I just replaced the carbon brushes thinking that’s it, but the old brushes still had 1/2 left. The tension springs on the brushes seem okay. I put the new ones in anyway, but still hear the tale-tell motor slowing. I don’t remember hearing this when new.

Thoughts on causes here guys?

 

[madcow]

How comfortable are you with electronics and taking it apart? I have a 2011 CT 26 E that I just fixed. I too replaced half worn brushes and that didn’t solve my problem. The previous owner reported that it worked only intermittently. When I first plugged it in it worked, then I decided to take it apart and clean it out. After changing the brushes it didn’t work at all. I tried to do some electrical troubleshooting, but Festool doesn’t publish any specifications and nobody on here would take theirs apart and let me know what voltages they were getting from their electronics board. I was able to directly power my motor so I knew that wasn’t it. I verified that the switch was doing something, so I ordered a new electronics board from Festool for $183. They don’t take returns so I’m lucky that solved my problem.