Is there a chirping sound coming from your AED wall cabinet? Is your defibrillator flashing a red warning light instead of a comforting green one?

First: Don’t panic. Second: Do not ignore it.

A beeping AED is signaling that it is not rescue-ready. In an emergency, it may fail to deliver a life-saving shock. In over 90% of cases, the fix is straightforward: the machine has failed an automated self-test because its battery or electrode pads have expired.

1. Philips HeartStart (OnSite, Home, & FRx)

The Symptom: A high-pitched chirp every few seconds and a flashing Blue “i” Button on the front of the unit.

The Diagnosis: Press the flashing Blue “i” button. The AED will verbally announce the exact error code (usually “Replace Battery” or “Pads Cartridge Expired”).

• If it says “Replace Battery”: Order an authentic Philips M5070A 4-Year Replacement Battery with guaranteed fresh date codes.
• If it says “Replace Pads”: The hydrogel adhesive has dried out. Order Adult SMART Pads (M5071A) for OnSite/Home, or FRx SMART Pads II (989803139261) for FRx models.

2. Defibtech Lifeline (The Yellow Unit)

The Symptom: A loud chirp and a flashing Red Active Status Indicator in the upper-right corner.

The Diagnosis: Defibtech Lifeline units utilize a dual-battery design. An auxiliary 9V lithium battery inside the pack powers the daily self-tests, while the main yellow pack powers shock delivery.

• The Solution: If the pack is nearing 5 years old, replace the entire unit. Our Defibtech Lifeline DBP-1400 Battery Pack (DCF-200) arrives with a fresh 9V battery pre-installed to clear the chirp immediately.
• Need pads too? Check your Defibtech DDP-100 Adult Replacement Pads.

3. ZOLL AED Plus (Beeping Once Per Minute)

The Symptom: The machine emits a periodic beep while turned off, and the status window displays a Red “X” instead of a Green Checkmark.

The Diagnosis: The 10 internal Type 123A lithium batteries have reached low voltage or the 5-year internal logic clock has expired.

• The Solution: Replace all 10 batteries at once using an authentic 10-Pack of Duracell 123A Lithium Batteries. When the machine announces “If new batteries, press button,” press the small green button inside the battery well to reset the clock.
• Need pads? Order 5-year ZOLL CPR-D-padz (8900-0800-01).

4. Cardiac Science Powerheart (G3 & G5)

The Symptom: The “Rescue Ready” indicator has turned Red, and the unit is beeping.

The Diagnosis: Open the lid. The machine will awaken and speak the exact status (e.g., “Battery Low” or “Service Required”).

• Powerheart G3: Order the FDA-cleared Powerheart G3 Battery Replacement ($247.99) or the Genuine OEM 9146-302 Battery ($499.99).
• Powerheart G5: Order the Powerheart G5 Battery Replacement (XBTAED001A).

How to Silence the Alarm (Temporary Safety Precaution)

If the constant chirping is disruptive in an office or classroom, you can silence it temporarily by ejecting the battery pack.

⚠️ CRITICAL WARNING: Removing the battery leaves the AED completely non-functional. If you remove the battery, you MUST tape a prominent “OUT OF SERVICE” notice to the front of the cabinet immediately until your replacement arrives.

The “One-Stop” Compliance Rule

AED batteries last 4 to 5 years, while electrode pads expire every 2 to 2.5 years. If your battery is dead, your pads are frequently expired as well. Check the expiration dates on both consumables to ensure complete compliance.

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