This guide helps you troubleshoot Sun Joe® chainsaws and pole saws. Use the dropdown sections to find help with leaking oil, cutting issues, oil not dispensing, electric no-power issues, and battery-powered no-power issues. Always disconnect power before inspecting the chain, bar, oil tank, sprocket cover, or chain brake.
Sun Joe® Chainsaw Troubleshooting
Chainsaw Troubleshooting
Use this guide to troubleshoot common chainsaw and pole saw oil, cutting, chain, bar, electric power, and battery power issues.
Safety First Always turn the chainsaw OFF before troubleshooting. For electric models, unplug the unit and disconnect the extension cord. For battery-powered models, remove the battery. Wear protective gloves before handling the chain or bar, and wait for all moving parts to stop completely.
Before You Start Confirm whether you have an electric chainsaw, battery-powered chainsaw, or pole saw before using the no-power steps. Chain tension, chain direction, chain brake, oil level, and power source checks should be completed before restarting the tool.
Leaking Oil Check normal seepage and storage practices.
Oil Check
Oil Check
Not Cutting Check chain direction, tension, and bar condition.
Cutting Check
Cutting Check
No Power Use the correct electric or battery-powered start checks.
Power Check
Power Check
📌 Quick Reference
Use this table to choose the correct troubleshooting section before starting.
| Issue | Most Likely Check | Start Here |
|---|---|---|
| Oil is leaking when stored | Normal oil seepage or oil left in tank after use | Leaking Oil |
| Chainsaw is not cutting | Chain direction, chain tension, or bent bar | Not Cutting |
| Oil is not dispensing | Automatic oiling check or oil flow test | Oil Not Dispensing |
| Electric unit has no power | Extension cord, chain tension, chain brake, oil level, start sequence | Electric Unit: No Power |
| Battery-powered unit has no power | Battery seating, chain tension, chain brake, oil level, start sequence | Battery-Powered Unit: No Power |
🛢️ Leaking Oil
It is normal for some oil to seep from the saw when the unit is not in use. Use these steps to help reduce oil seepage during storage.
- Turn the chainsaw OFF and disconnect power before handling or storing it.
- Empty the oil tank after each use to help prevent seepage.
- Wipe away excess oil from the saw body, bar, and chain area before storage.
- If storing the unit for 3 months or longer, keep the chain lightly lubricated.
- Store the chainsaw in a dry, protected area.
Important A small amount of oil seepage during storage can be normal. Light lubrication during long-term storage helps prevent rust on the chain and bar sprocket.
🪚 Not Cutting
Use this section if the chainsaw runs but does not cut properly.
- Turn the chainsaw OFF and disconnect power.
- Inspect the chain and make sure it is installed in the correct direction.
- Inspect the chain tension.
- Inspect the bar for bending or visible damage.
- Wearing protective gloves, rotate the chain around the bar by hand to check the tension.
- If the chain cannot be pulled easily by hand, loosen the chain tension.
- If the chain is dull, damaged, or installed incorrectly, correct or replace it before using the saw again.
File Size Tip Saw Joe pole saws that use an Oregon 91PX chain are sharpened with a 5/32 inches file.
⚙️ Sprocket Replacement
Replacement sprockets are not currently available for Sun Joe® chainsaws.
Important If the sprocket appears damaged or the chain will not move correctly after completing the chain and bar checks, contact support with the model number and serial number ready.
🛢️ Oil Not Dispensing
Some chainsaws use a small oiling hole that lubricates the chain with small drops of oil. The chain may not look as heavily oiled as a gas chainsaw.
- Turn the chainsaw OFF and disconnect power.
- Confirm there is bar and chain oil in the oil tank.
- Check whether your model uses automatic oil dispensing.
- For applicable models, remove the bar, chain, and sprocket cover.
- Place a paper towel near the sprocket cover area.
- Run the unit for 5 minutes.
- Check the paper towel for small drops of oil.
Important This automatic oil-dispensing test does not apply to the X20-SAW-4A series. Always disconnect power before removing the bar, chain, or sprocket cover.
🔌 Electric Unit: No Power
Use this section if an electric chainsaw or electric pole saw will not start.
- Check the extension cord and review the manual for the correct cord specifications.
- Confirm the extension cord is fully connected and not damaged.
- Check the chain tension.
- If applicable, check the chain brake. Make sure the chain brake is disengaged and pulled to position #1.
- Check the oil level.
- Hard reset the unit: push and hold the safety lock button with your thumb.
- While holding the safety lock button, squeeze the trigger with your fingers.
- Once the tool is running, release the safety lock button while continuing to hold the trigger.
Important Do not use a damaged, frayed, worn, or incorrect extension cord. Always confirm chain tension, chain brake position, and oil level before testing again.
🔋 Battery-Powered Unit: No Power
Use this section if a battery-powered chainsaw or pole saw will not start.
- Remove and reinsert the battery until it clicks securely into place.
- Check the battery charge level and recharge if needed.
- Check the chain tension.
- If applicable, check the chain brake. Make sure the chain brake is disengaged and pulled to position #1.
- Check the oil level.
- Hard reset the unit: push and hold the safety lock button with your thumb.
- While holding the safety lock button, squeeze the trigger with your fingers.
- Once the tool is running, release the safety lock button while continuing to hold the trigger.
Important Remove the battery before checking the chain, bar, oil level, sprocket cover, or chain brake area. Do not use a damaged or modified battery.