Anyone have issues updating firmware on devices that run on batteries? I can’t nail down what is giving me problems. For example, I went through several ZSE41s that updated no problems, before I hit several that would not update no matter what. I’ve never been able to update a ZSE18 at all (battery or on USB). Location doesn’t seem to have a relevance here, as I can set them next to the hub and they might not update, or they can be at the furthest corner of my small house and update fine.
All my AC power devices throughout my house update no issues.
I am using the ZBox for this.
Ok, I started digging into the Logs, and my recent failure tonight was a ZSE44, in the log was:
Sep 22 17:29:50 ZB-00049389 Zwave3[1562]: [2026-09-22T21:29:50Z ERROR zwave::ctrl::fw_update_md] firmware update process failed: battery level too low
However the problem is the battery level doesn’t report correctly. It always reads 34% on this particular ZSE44 for some reason, even with a brand new battery.
Is there a way to ignore these errors, and force the updates? I’m willing to risk the sensors, I have spares (Plus in this case, the battery isn’t truly low). Any other thoughts, or ideas?
Several times I’ve noticed a device apparently showing enough battery life left simply disappear. Replacing the battery seemed to fix it. (Don’t recall which devices/models/manufacturers in those cases.) But it encouraged me to use USB power whenever possible anyway!
It’s just that one ZSE44. I have them in every room, and for some reason that particular one doesn’t report it’s battery life correctly. I put a couple batteries in it at first before I realized, and got the meter out and checked.
I know firmware 2.2 says “Updated power calculation algorithm to optimize battery reports”. I’m wondering if something got messed up, as it’s been like this for a while on this particular one. My other ones read batteries “correctly”.
@OhioYJ is the ZSE44 is showing the same battery level (34%) after a factory reset and adding again to the hub? If yes, please reach out to our support team for warranty options. You can reference this post for troubleshooting expedition.
