How to Reset SurePet Feeder: Quick Steps for Troubleshooting

Doug Knight

The SureFeed Microchip Pet Feeder is a great tool for pet owners. But sometimes you might need to reset it. To reset your SureFeed Microchip Pet Feeder, hold down the “Add Pet” button for 10 seconds until the light flashes red and green and the lid opens and closes.

This reset clears the feeder’s memory. After resetting, you’ll need to re-teach the feeder to recognize your pet. This process is simple and helps solve many common issues.

Resetting can fix problems like the lid not opening or closing right. It can also help if the feeder isn’t reading your pet’s microchip. Let’s look at when you might need to reset and how to do it step by step.

Reset Reason Common Signs
Lid Issues Won’t open/close
Chip Reading Doesn’t recognize pet
General Errors Strange behavior

Setting Up Your SureFeed Microchip Pet Feeder

Setting up your SureFeed Microchip Pet Feeder involves understanding its components, installing the RFID collar tag, and configuring the device. This process ensures your pet can access their food securely and conveniently.

Understanding the Components

The SureFeed Microchip Pet Feeder consists of several key parts. The main unit houses the lid mechanism and control panel. A removable bowl fits inside for easy cleaning. The lid opens when it detects your pet’s microchip or RFID collar tag.

The control panel features buttons for programming and operation. These include the ‘Add Pet’ button for registering new pets and the ‘Open/Close’ button for manual lid control.

A training mode helps pets adjust to the feeder’s movements. This feature keeps the lid partially open until your pet is comfortable using it.

Battery installation is straightforward. The feeder requires four C cell batteries, which power the unit for several months.

Installing the RFID Collar Tag

If your pet doesn’t have a microchip, you’ll need to use an RFID collar tag. These small, lightweight tags attach easily to your pet’s collar.

To install:

  1. Remove the tag from its packaging
  2. Slide it onto your pet’s collar
  3. Ensure it’s securely fastened

The tag should hang freely without obstructing your pet’s movement. It’s water-resistant, so there’s no need to remove it during grooming or outdoor activities.

For multi-pet households, each pet needs its own tag to prevent food theft.

Initial Device Configuration

Begin by pressing the ‘Add Pet’ button on the control panel. The lid will open, and a green light will flash. This indicates the feeder is ready to learn your pet’s microchip or RFID tag.

Encourage your pet to approach the feeder. When they do, the device will scan and store their unique identifier. A beep and solid green light confirm successful registration.

You can store up to 32 pet IDs in the feeder’s memory. If you need to remove a pet’s ID, consult the user manual for the correct button sequence.

Set portion sizes by adjusting the built-in slider. This feature helps control your pet’s food intake.

Feature Description
Capacity Up to 32 pet IDs
Power 4 C cell batteries
Bowl Removable for cleaning
Lid Opens for authorized pets
Training Mode Helps pets adjust

After setup, monitor your pet’s interaction with the feeder. Some pets may need time to adapt to the new feeding system.

Operation and Training

The SureFeed microchip pet feeder offers training features to help your pet adjust to using it. These functions allow for gradual introduction and customization to suit your pet’s needs.

Activating Training Mode

To start training mode on your SureFeed microchip pet feeder, press the Training Function button (Fn) at the back of the unit. The lid will open partially, and the light will flash green. This setting lets your pet get used to the feeder’s movement.

Place food in the bowl and let your pet eat normally. Don’t move to the next step until they seem comfortable. When ready, press the Fn button again. The lid will close a bit more, and the light will flash orange three times.

Keep using the feeder as usual. Repeat this process, letting the lid close more each time, until it fully shuts.

Using the Training Function Effectively

For best results, be patient during the training process. Some pets may adapt quickly, while others need more time. Place the feeder in a quiet area to minimize distractions.

If using the feeder for weight management or prescription diets, start with the normal food amount. Adjust portions gradually as your pet gets used to the new feeding routine.

Monitor your pet’s behavior closely. If they seem anxious, slow down the training process. You can return to a previous stage by holding the Fn button for 5 seconds.

Training Stage Lid Position Light Color
1 Fully open Green
2 Partially closed Orange
3 Mostly closed Orange
4 Fully closed No light

Remember, consistency is key. Use the training function regularly to help your pet adapt smoothly to their new SureFeed microchip pet feeder.

Maintenance and Troubleshooting

Keeping your SurePet feeder in top condition ensures smooth operation and longevity. Regular care and quick problem-solving can prevent most issues.

Regular Cleaning and Care

Clean your SurePet feeder weekly to maintain hygiene. Remove the bowl and lid for washing. Use mild soap and warm water. Avoid submerging the main unit in water.

Wipe the body with a damp cloth. Pay attention to the sensors near the bowl area. Keep them free of dirt and food residue.

Check the battery compartment monthly. Replace batteries when the indicator light shows low power. Use high-quality alkaline batteries for best performance.

Inspect moving parts like the lid mechanism. Apply a small amount of food-safe lubricant if needed.

Identifying Common Issues

Lid movement problems are a frequent concern. If the lid doesn’t open, check for obstructions. Ensure the bowl is seated correctly.

Microchip reading failures can occur. Make sure your pet’s chip is registered with the feeder. Re-add the pet’s microchip if necessary.

Battery issues often cause erratic behavior. Replace batteries if the feeder acts unpredictably.

For multi-pet homes, selective access problems may arise. Verify each pet’s microchip is correctly programmed.

Issue Possible Cause Solution
Lid won’t open Obstruction Clear debris
Microchip not read Registration error Re-add pet
Erratic behavior Low battery Replace batteries
Selective access fails Programming error Check settings

Decoding Indicator Lights

A flashing orange light often indicates a training mode. This is normal when adding a new pet.

A steady green light shows the feeder is working correctly. It appears when the lid opens for a recognized pet.

A flashing red light signals low battery power. Replace the batteries soon to avoid interruption.

Alternating red and green lights usually mean the feeder is resetting to factory settings. This happens after holding the reset button for 10 seconds.

If lights behave unexpectedly, consult the user manual. Contact customer support if issues persist.

Personalization and Preferences

The SureFeed Microchip Pet Feeder offers various customization options to suit your pet’s needs. You can tailor feeding schedules, adjust lid closing times, and set up the feeder for multiple pets.

Customizing Feeding Schedules

You can program the SureFeed Microchip Pet Feeder to open at specific times. This feature helps maintain consistent feeding routines. Set up to 12 meal times per day for each pet.

To customize schedules:

  1. Press the “Menu” button
  2. Select “Feeding Schedule”
  3. Choose the pet
  4. Add meal times
  5. Save the settings

You can also enable or disable the schedule as needed. This flexibility allows you to switch between timed and on-demand feeding.

Setting Lid Close Delay

The lid close delay feature prevents the bowl from closing too quickly after your pet finishes eating. You can adjust this delay to suit your pet’s eating habits.

To set the lid close delay:

  1. Press the “Menu” button
  2. Select “Settings”
  3. Choose “Lid Close Delay”
  4. Pick a time between 0-99 seconds

A longer delay works well for slow eaters. Shorter delays help keep food fresh longer.

Adjusting the Feeder for Multiple Pets

The SureFeed Microchip Pet Feeder can store up to 32 pet profiles. This makes it ideal for multi-pet households.

To add a new pet:

  1. Press the “Add Pet” button
  2. Place the pet’s microchip near the feeder
  3. Wait for the confirmation beep

You can assign different food portions to each pet. This ensures each animal gets the right amount of food.

Pet Type Suggested Portion
Small Cat 1/4 – 1/2 cup
Large Cat 1/2 – 1 cup
Small Dog 1/2 – 1 cup
Medium Dog 1 – 2 cups

Remember to clean the bowl regularly to maintain hygiene for all pets using the feeder.

Frequently Asked Questions

Resetting and troubleshooting your SureFeed Microchip Pet Feeder can be straightforward when you know the right steps. These common questions address key issues users often face with their feeders.

How can I perform a factory reset on my SureFeed Microchip Pet Feeder?

To reset your SureFeed Microchip Pet Feeder, press and hold the “Add Pet” button for 10 seconds. The light will alternate between red and green, and the lid will open and close. This confirms the feeder has returned to factory settings.

What steps should be taken to add a new pet to the SureFeed Microchip Feeder?

To add a new pet, press and release the “Add Pet” button quickly. The lid will open. Let your pet approach the feeder. When it inserts its head to eat, the feeder will scan and store the microchip information. The light will flash green to confirm successful registration.

What is the procedure to resolve the flashing orange light on the SureFeed Feeder?

A flashing orange light often indicates low battery power. Replace the batteries with fresh ones. If the issue persists, check for any obstructions preventing the lid from closing properly. Clean the sensors and ensure the bowl is correctly placed.

How should I proceed if my SureFeed Microchip Pet Feeder is not opening?

First, check if the batteries need replacing. If that doesn’t work, try a factory reset. Ensure your pet’s microchip is correctly registered. Clean the sensors near the front of the feeder. If problems continue, contact SurePet customer support for further assistance.

What could be causing the motor issue in my SureFeed Microchip Pet Feeder?

Motor issues can stem from debris blocking the mechanism. Gently clean around the lid and bowl area. Check for any visible obstructions. If the problem continues, it may indicate a more serious mechanical issue requiring professional repair.

How can I troubleshoot the SureFeed Feeder if it enters intruder mode?

Intruder mode activates when an unregistered pet tries to access the feeder. To resolve this, ensure all pets using the feeder are properly registered. Clean the sensors to improve detection accuracy. If needed, perform a factory reset and re-register your pets.

Issue Quick Fix
Factory Reset Hold “Add Pet” button for 10 seconds
Add New Pet Press “Add Pet” button once, let pet approach
Flashing Orange Light Replace batteries, check for obstructions
Not Opening Replace batteries, reset, clean sensors
Motor Issue Clean mechanism, check for blockages
Intruder Mode Re-register pets, clean sensors