Milwaukee battery drm

Background

Milwaukee Tool, a subsidiary of Techtronic Industries (TTI), manufactures the M18 battery system for professional power tools. The M18 platform, introduced in 2008, has become one of the industry's leading professional cordless tool systems.

In September 2025, reverse engineering efforts revealed that M18 batteries manufactured since 2016 contain sophisticated diagnostic systems tracking charge cycles, temperature events, overcurrent conditions, & individual cell voltages. These diagnostics can be accessed by Milwaukee service centers but remain hidden from consumers who own the batteries.

Incident

Hidden diagnostic system

Technical implementation

Milwaukee M18 batteries utilize proprietary UART communication protocols operating at 2000 baud to transmit diagnostic data. The system requires specific command sequences discovered through reverse engineering efforts by researchers including Martin Janssen & the Tool Scientist channel.

The diagnostic system records:

• Individual cell voltages with millivolt accuracy
• Total charge cycles (both "smart" & "dumb" charges)
• Days since first user charge
• Temperature excursions & overheating events
• Overcurrent & short circuit events
• Total amp-hours discharged
• Time spent at various discharge current levels

Data accessibility

Milwaukee provides no consumer access to diagnostic data despite using it for warranty determinations. Access requires reverse-engineered command sequences & hardware interfaces; Milwaukee does not publish consumer-facing tools or protocol documentation.

Legal context

Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act

Legal analysis suggests Milwaukee's practices may violate the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, which requires clear disclosure of warranty limitations. Using hidden diagnostic criteria without disclosure could constitute deceptive practices under Section 5 of the FTC Act.

Right to repair implications

The Electronic Frontier Foundation argues that restricting diagnostic access violates consumer ownership rights. Pending & enacted legislation in multiple states requires manufacturers to provide parts, tools, & documentation that enable independent repair.

Business context

Milwaukee states that products are covered for defects after "examination," & that the date code of the product may be used to determine warranty period in the absence of proof of purchase. Milwaukee requires return of products to service centers "freight prepaid & insured" for warranty service, & directs consumers to phone support at 1-800-SAWDUST for instructions.

Consumer impact

Denial patterns

Consumer reports document warranty disputes, including disagreements over whether manufacturing dates or purchase dates govern coverage when proof of purchase is unavailable. BBB filings also reflect consumer complaints involving warranty evaluations & related delays.

Financial impact

M18 battery replacement costs commonly range from about US$169 for an XC5.0Ah pack to US$279 for a 12.0Ah pack at major retailers. Professional contractors report business disruption when required to ship products for warranty evaluation, citing work delays in consumer reviews & complaints.

Industry comparison

Milwaukee's practices align with industry norms but lag in transparency:

• DeWalt: Offers 3-year warranties with depot service requirements.
• Makita: Provides 3-year coverage on lithium-ion tools, batteries, & chargers via limited warranty documentation; warranty service requires return to authorized centers (often freight prepaid).
• Ridgid: Offers a Lifetime Service Agreement (LSA) that is distinct from a “lifetime warranty” & requires registration within 90 days & proof of purchase from authorized retailers.

No major power tool manufacturer currently provides consumer access to battery diagnostic data comparable to Milwaukee's hidden system.

Company response

Official warranty policy

Milwaukee's warranty states batteries are covered for defects after "examination," but provides no transparency regarding diagnostic criteria used in evaluations. The company requires products be shipped to service centers for evaluation, with no instant replacement options described in the policy.

Corporate position

Milwaukee Tool & parent company TTI have provided no public statements addressing:

• Consumer access to diagnostic data
• Specific criteria for warranty denials
• Plans for diagnostic transparency tools
• Position on right-to-repair legislation affecting battery diagnostics

Customer service operates primarily through phone support (1-800-SAWDUST).

Analysis

The visible diagnostic telemetry in Milwaukee M18 battery packs—documented through independent reverse engineering—indicates that manufacturers can retain detailed usage histories that affect warranty determinations while keeping the data inaccessible to consumers. This shares characteristics with broader right-to-repair concerns where software locks & undisclosed diagnostics affect ownership expectations.

Timeline

• 2008: Milwaukee launches the M18 & M12 lithium-ion platforms.
• 2010s: REDLITHIUM updates expand capacity & performance across the M18 line.
• 2023: Hackaday & community researchers publish technical details on M18 battery communication & diagnostic fields.
• 2024–2025: States enact & implement right-to-repair laws increasing manufacturer disclosure obligations for parts & tools (varies by state).

Consumer advocacy

Documentation recommendations

Consumers should:

• Maintain photos of receipts & packaging with visible dates
• Document all error codes & charging patterns
• Record LED diagnostic flash sequences when available
• File Better Business Bureau complaints for improperly denied claims

Alternative solutions

• Third-party battery rebuilding services often cost roughly US$50–$150 for common M18 packs, depending on capacity & service provider.
• Aftermarket batteries provide alternatives though may void tool warranties.

See also

• Right to repair
• Digital rights management
• Warranty
• Planned obsolescence