DeWalt FlexVolt Chainsaw Issues: Chain, Battery and Motor Fixes

DeWalt 60V FlexVolt chainsaws (DCCS670 and DCCS672) feature 16” bars, brushless motors and Oregon low-kickback chains. Common problems include chain not oiling (check oil level and clean the oil port), reduced cutting power (sharpen or replace the chain) and battery draining fast (normal runtime is 70-90 cuts per charge on a 9Ah battery). The chain tensioning system is tool-free. Replacement chains cost $15-25; the saw itself runs $250-350 bare or $350-450 with battery.

Overview of the DeWalt 60V Chainsaw

DeWalt offers several 60V FlexVolt chainsaw models:

Model	Bar	Motor	Best For
DCCS670	16”	Brushless	General cutting
DCCS672	18”	Brushless	Larger jobs
DCCS677	20”	High efficiency	Heavy work

Common specifications:

• Motor: Brushless
• Chain: Oregon low-kickback
• Oiler: Automatic
• Tensioner: Tool-free
• Weight: 12-14 lbs with battery

[NEED REAL IMAGE: DeWalt DCCS670 showing battery and bar]

FlexVolt Technology

FlexVolt batteries automatically switch voltage based on the tool:

• 60V MAX in 60V tools (like chainsaws)
• 20V MAX in 20V tools

This allows one battery system for multiple tools but means you cannot use regular 20V batteries in the chainsaw.

Battery Options

Battery	Capacity	Approx. Cuts (4x4)
DCB606	6.0 Ah	70-90
DCB609	9.0 Ah	100-130
DCB612	12.0 Ah	150-180

Larger capacity = more runtime but also more weight.

Troubleshooting DeWalt Chainsaw Starting Issues

Safety Interlock Sequence

DeWalt chainsaws have a two-step safety:

1. Press trigger lockout (button on top of handle)
2. Then squeeze main trigger

Both must happen in sequence. The saw won’t start if you skip step 1.

Troubleshooting No Power

Check in order:

1. Battery fully seated - Push until you hear click
2. Fuel gauge lit - Check LED indicator on battery
3. Chain brake released - Push forward guard back toward handle
4. Lockout sequence - Press lockout, then trigger

If still no power:

• Remove and reseat battery firmly
• Clean battery contacts with dry cloth
• Try a different FlexVolt battery
• Verify battery works in another 60V tool

Error Indicators

Battery fuel gauge patterns:

• Solid LEDs = Normal charge level
• All LEDs flashing = Error condition
• No LEDs = Dead or connection issue

[NEED REAL IMAGE: DeWalt chainsaw controls]

Understanding the FlexVolt Battery in DeWalt Chainsaw

Battery Won’t Charge

Troubleshooting:

1. Verify outlet has power
2. Check charger LED (should show charging)
3. Clean battery and charger contacts
4. Ensure battery is at room temperature (40-105°F)

DeWalt charger LED meanings:

• Solid red = Charging
• Solid green = Charged
• Flashing red = Hot/cold pack (wait for temperature)
• Flashing red/pause = Problem with battery

Short Runtime

Expected runtime varies by battery and cutting intensity:

Battery	Light Cutting	Heavy Cutting
6.0 Ah	25-35 min	10-15 min
9.0 Ah	35-50 min	15-25 min
12.0 Ah	50-70 min	25-35 min

Improve runtime:

• Keep chain sharp (reduces motor load)
• Don’t force cuts - let saw do the work
• Use larger capacity battery. A battery tester can check cell health.
• Keep backup battery charged

Battery Gets Hot

Normal: Batteries warm during heavy use.

Abnormal: Battery too hot to touch or charger won’t charge.

Solutions:

• Let battery cool before charging
• Don’t store in direct sunlight
• Allow cooling breaks during heavy use

Common Motor Issues with DeWalt Chainsaw

Motor Won’t Start

When pressing trigger and nothing happens:

1. Battery charged and fuel gauge showing?
2. Chain brake released?
3. Pressing lockout first, then trigger?

If clicking but no motor spin:

• Chain may be jammed
• Overload protection activated
• Motor issue (rare)

Motor Stalls During Cutting

Common causes:

1. Dull chain requiring excessive force
2. Chain too tight
3. Battery depleted
4. Pinching wood binding chain
5. Overload protection

Overload protection: Motor shuts off to prevent damage. Wait 30 seconds, then resume with lighter technique.

Reduced Power

Causes:

1. Dull chain (most common)
2. Low battery
3. Chain too tight
4. Motor overheating

Solutions:

• Sharpen or replace chain
• Use fully charged battery. See our DeWalt 60V blower guide for more FlexVolt troubleshooting.
• Check chain tension
• Allow cooling breaks

[NEED REAL IMAGE: DeWalt FlexVolt battery installation]

Chain and Bar Problems in DeWalt Chainsaw

Chain Won’t Move

Causes:

1. Chain brake engaged (most common)
2. Chain derailed from bar
3. Chain too tight
4. Motor not receiving power

Chain brake: Push the front hand guard back toward the handle to release.

Chain Comes Off

Causes:

• Improper tension
• Worn bar rails
• Wrong chain for bar

Reinstalling chain:

1. Remove battery (safety first!)
2. Loosen bar cover
3. Seat chain in bar groove
4. Ensure correct direction (cutters forward on top)
5. Adjust tension
6. Tighten bar cover

Chain Tension

Proper tension: Chain should pull 1/4” from bar but snap back. Should glide freely when pulled by hand.

Tool-free tensioner: Turn dial to adjust. Check frequently - new chains stretch.

Chain Specifications

Model	Bar	Pitch	Gauge	Links
DCCS670	16”	3/8” LP	.043”	56
DCCS672	18”	3/8” LP	.050”	62
DCCS677	20”	3/8” LP	.050”	70

Dull Chain Signs

• Produces fine dust instead of chips
• Requires pushing to cut
• Cut wanders or curves
• Motor works harder (more battery drain)
• Smoke from cut

Oiling System in DeWalt 60V Chainsaw

DeWalt chainsaws have automatic oilers.

No Oil Reaching Bar

Check:

1. Oil tank filled?
2. Oil visible on bar after running 30 seconds?
3. Oil port not blocked?
4. Using proper bar and chain oil?

Testing: Run saw over cardboard for 30 seconds. Should see oil spray pattern.

Fixes:

• Fill oil tank
• Clean oil port with thin wire
• Use proper bar oil (not motor oil)

Oil Leaking

Some seepage normal when stored. Excessive leaking may indicate:

• Overfilled tank
• Damaged cap seal
• Crack in tank

Maintenance Tips for Your DeWalt Chainsaw

Before Each Use

• Check bar oil level
• Verify chain tension
• Test chain brake
• Inspect chain for damage
• Confirm battery charged

After Each Use

• Clean debris from saw
• Check tension (chains stretch when warm)
• Top off bar oil
• Clean bar groove

Periodic Maintenance

Every 5-10 hours:

• Sharpen chain
• Clean bar groove with groove cleaner
• Flip bar for even rail wear
• Clean air vents

Seasonally:

• Inspect bar for damage
• Replace chain if worn
• Check all fasteners
• Clean entire saw

Storage

• Remove battery
• Clean saw thoroughly
• Apply light oil to bar and chain
• Store in case or covered
• Store batteries at room temperature. See our storage guide for long-term tips.

Common Parts

Part	DeWalt Number	Price
Chain (16”)	DWO1DT616	$20-30
Chain (18”)	DWO1DT618	$22-32
Bar (16”)	?“various	$35-45
6.0 Ah FlexVolt	DCB606	$149-179
9.0 Ah FlexVolt	DCB609	$199-249
12.0 Ah FlexVolt	DCB612	$249-299

Related Guides

• Chainsaw Won’t Start
• Milwaukee M18 Chainsaw Problems
• EGO Chainsaw Problems
• Greenworks Chainsaw Problems

Summary

DeWalt’s FlexVolt chainsaw is built tough for jobsite demands. The key to good performance is keeping the chain sharp and using a properly charged FlexVolt battery. The two-step safety interlock trips up some users - remember to press lockout first, then the trigger. For users already invested in DeWalt’s FlexVolt platform, this chainsaw works with your existing batteries. It handles firewood and construction cutting well but isn’t designed for heavy forestry work.