# Total station restarts when the tripod is touched: diagnosing the contacts

> Leica total station restarts when the tripod is touched? How to diagnose the contacts of GEB211 and GEB221 batteries and clean them safely.

Axis Baterie · Updated: 2026-10-16 · https://batterygeo.com/blog/total-station-restarts-battery-contacts

If a total station shuts down or restarts when the tripod is touched or the alidade is turned, the cause is most often a momentary loss of contact between the battery and the instrument. This applies especially to older GEB211 and GEB221 batteries, whose contacts may be oxidised or worn. The problem can be diagnosed in a few minutes and in many cases fixed with proper cleaning.

## Symptoms of a contact problem

- the total station restarts when the tripod is touched, the station is changed or the alidade is turned,
- shutdowns unrelated to the charge level or the moment of measurement,
- the problem goes away after removing and reinserting the battery.

If the total station shuts down only at the moment of measurement, the cause is rather the voltage drop of worn cells. We describe this in the article [on total station shutdowns during reflectorless measurement](https://batterygeo.com/blog/total-station-shuts-down-during-measurement).

## Step-by-step diagnosis

1. **Visual inspection.** Check the contacts of the battery and of the slot in the instrument. Deposits, discolouration or wear marks indicate oxidation or wear.
2. **Test with another battery.** If the problem does not occur with another battery, the cause is in the battery. If it does, check the contacts in the instrument.
3. **Check the latch and housing.** Play of the battery in the slot or a damaged latch makes the contacts move under vibration.

## Safe cleaning of the contacts

1. Remove the battery from the total station.
2. Clean the contacts with a swab or a lint-free cloth moistened with isopropyl alcohol.
3. Wait until the contacts are completely dry, and only then insert the battery.

Do not use sandpaper or sharp tools, do not bend the spring elements of the contacts and do not apply solder to them. Such methods can permanently damage the contacts of the battery or of the slot in the instrument.

## When cleaning does not help

If the battery contacts are heavily worn or damaged and the housing has play in the slot, the problem may return. During regeneration we check the condition of the contacts and latches. If we find a fault beyond replacing the cells, we contact you before starting work. Contact problems on the total station side require a surveying equipment service.

## Good to know

- Axis Baterie is an **independent service**, not affiliated with Leica Geosystems AG or Hexagon AB. Leica, GEB, FlexLine, Viva and Captivate are trademarks of their respective owners.

[Ask about battery diagnostics](https://batterygeo.com/en#kontakt)

## FAQ

### What should I clean Leica battery contacts with?

Isopropyl alcohol on a swab or a lint-free cloth. Do not use abrasive materials and do not bend the contact elements.

### How do I know whether the contacts or the cells are at fault?

A restart when the total station is moved points to the contacts. Shutdowns only at the moment of measurement point to worn cells.

### Do you check the contacts during regeneration?

Yes. Diagnostics cover the condition of the contacts and latches, and we inform you about any additional faults before starting work.