Frequently Asked Questions

First replace batteries with fresh new SureFire batteries. 95% of non-working SureFire flashlights are due to dead batteries.

If it still doesn't work, perform the "paper clip test" as follows:

1. Put new batteries in the flashlight.
2. Unscrew and remove tailcap.
3. Using a metal object such as a paper clip or key, simultaneously touch the flat center of the exposed battery terminal and the rear metal rim of the flashlight.

If the flashlight turns on, the problem was due to dead batteries.

If the flashlight does not turn on, replace the lamp assembly and perform the paper clip test again.

If your flashlight does not have a replaceable lamp assembly, call SureFire at 1-800-828-8809 and ask for Customer Service.

If you have replaced the batteries and the lamp assembly and the flashlight still does not turn on, you may have a broken tailcap switch. Call SureFire at 1-800-828-8809 and ask for Customer Service.

Either your batteries are too depleted or your main lamp assembly has failed.

The main lamp on the A2 Aviator draws significantly more power than the LEDs. By design it stops functioning when the batteries get too low, thus warning you that your batteries are low but leaving you with usable light from the LEDs.

To fix the problem, first try installing fresh batteries. If this doesn't fix the problem, replace your main lamp assembly (model number MA02).

Models with integral LED heads ( LumaMax series, etc.)


Most other models


9AN


10X


NOTE – For all models, avoid touching glass bulb. Oil from your hand will degrade the surface and affect the performance of your flashlight.

Some flashlights use more than one lamp assembly — a standard lamp and an ultra high-output lamp. Runtimes for ultra high-output lamps is shorter per set of batteries.

For information on which lamp assembliest fit your flashlight, you can:

• Refer to the User Manual that came with your flashlight.
• Click to SureFire's main flashlight page, locate your flashlight, and click on it. This will take you to your flashlight's product page, where you can find the information you need in the Parts & Accessories section.
• Visit SureFire's online Flashlight Specifications Chart and scroll to your model.

No. The assembly is an integral unit. The same goes for the P60L and the X80.

Your lamp should run for approximately 30 hours before it burns out. The lifespan will vary somewhat.

No. SureFire lights do not have a spare bulb compartment. However, you can purchase our watertight SureFire spares carriers, which hold an extra lamp assembly and up to six extra batteries, depending on the spares carrier model.

No. Runtime is how long a set of batteries will operate the flashlight at the specified light output.

• Clean threads of tailcap and bezel using cloth, paper towel or similar absorbent material.
• Clean flat surface at end of threaded section and corresponding area inside the tailcap to ensure positive electrical contact between tailcap and body.
• Remove dirt or debris from o-rings and use a cotton swab or similar to lightly coat them with silicon grease, such as Nyogel or SCUBA equipment grease.
• NOTE: Do not use spray lubricants. Do not use petroleum-based lubricants. Do not use acidic, alkaline, or petroleum solvents to clean any part of your light.

Use a clean, dry pencil eraser in a circular motion to remove carbon build up.

First make sure your flashlight is functioning. Then unscrew the tailcap until the light will not turn on when you press the tailcap switch, or when you wiggle the tailcap from side to side.

If the flashlight does not turn on, the tailcap switch is locked out. You may wish to unscrew the tailcap another ¾ turn to be absolutely certain it's locked out. If your tailcap has a small "scoop" mark in the rim, use this for future reference to determine how much the tailcap should be unscrewed to lock out the switch.

NOTE: After locking out your flashlight, always push the tailcap switch to make sure it is truly locked out.

Either you have installed the batteries in the battery magazine incorrectly or you have installed the battery magazine in the WeaponLight incorrectly. To fix the problem:

1. Remove the battery magazine from the M500's battery compartment and verify that the batteries are installed with correctly polarity forward—it's marked on the magazine.
2. Replace the full battery magazine in the M500's battery compartment in the correct direction — that is, with positive (+) polarity forward.

If the LED's still do not turn on, call SureFire at 1-800-828-8809 and ask for Customer Service.

You have probably installed the batteries with the polarity reversed.

To fix the problem, remove the batteries from your M900's battery compartment and re-install them with the positive (+) end going into the compartment first.

If the LED's still do not turn on, call SureFire at 1-800-828-8809 and ask for Customer Service.

No! Do not try to recharge them, as this can be dangerous.

You can use Panasonic®, Duracell® and Energizer® batteries bought from their authorized dealers since these batteries are suited for use in SureFire products.

Using genuine Panasonic®, Duracell® or Energizer® batteries will not void your warranty, but using any other non-SureFire brand will void it.

No! Many counterfeit or inferior lithium batteries don't have the power output characteristics or built-in fault (short-circuit) protection that SureFire batteries have. This can cause poor performance or even be dangerous to you and your SureFire illumination tools.

Customers should never:

• Use non-U.S.A. made batteries.
• Mix old and new batteries.
• Mix different brands of batteries.
• Purchase and use batteries marked "PRC" or "Made in China".

Buy your SureFire® brand batteries from www.surefire.com (priced as low as $1.75 each when bought in bulk), or from an authorized SureFire dealer.

In both cases, remove the head of the flashlight to access and replace the batteries.

A Rapid SmartCharger will fully charge a Ni-Cad battery in two hours or less.

Connect the lanyard's split ring to the two small arches on the pocket clip of the flashlight.

No. Pocket clips will only fit flashlight models that originally come with them since they require a special slot for attachment. However, a lanyard kit is available for most models.