● Checked Nov 3, 2026From Narwal support
Narwal error104110421043
Narwal "Side brush malfunction" (1041, 1042, 1043): what it means and the fix
Steps3
ToolsNone
PartsMaybe side brush
Works for Narwal robot vacuums and base stations (Freo series).
Short answer
What it means: The side brush is not turning properly.
Quick fix: Remove and clean the side brush.
Fix it in 3 steps
- Remove and clean the side brush.Done?
- Replace the side brush if the bristles are bent or frayed.Done?
- Restart the robot.Did it work?
Fixed when: The side brush spins and the code clears.
Great, it is fixed. Bookmark this page in case it comes back.
Still showing Side brush malfunction?
The code comes back after these steps. Contact Narwal support with the robot serial number, the error time, a screenshot and a short video. Contact Narwal support at 1 (866) 939 2153. Warranty: 1 year for products bought outside the EU and Switzerland. Batteries and consumables are excluded.. Narwal support →
Parts that fix this
Often linked to the side brush. Bent or worn side brushes jam and push dirt away instead of into the robot.
How old is your Narwal?
Fixes this · our kit1 year refill kit for Narwal Freo X Ultra1 roller brush, 6 side brushes, 4 filters, 8 mop pads (4 sets). Free US shipping · Fit guarantee$21.99See the kit →Just the side brushFor Narwal on AmazonCheck price →Check the part fits your model. Affiliate links: we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Remind me when parts are due (one free email)
Why it happens
- Debris caught in the side brush
- Bent or frayed bristles, if the code keeps coming back
Other Narwal errors
1001, 1003, 1004Battery›1005, 1006Battery too hot or too cold›1007, 1008Zero tangling roller brush›1009, 1010Mop pad or mopping module›1011Localization error›1012, 1123, 1124Robot trapped›1013Entered a no go zone›1014, 1015, 1016Drive wheel malfunction›1017Anti drop (cliff) sensor triggered›1018, 1019, 1060System malfunction›1020, 1021, 1130Base station connection or charging error›1022, 1023Base station not found›1024, 1025, 1127Cannot leave or return to the base›1026Robot and base lost connection›1027, 2000 to 20Base station malfunction›1028, 1029Mopping paused›1030 to 1038, 11Mopping module malfunction›1039, 1040Mop pad drying interrupted›1044Roller brush tangled›1045Dustbin or dust bag not in place›1046Robot malfunction›1047 to 1054LIDAR malfunction›1065, 1066, 1089Sensor malfunction›1079Relocalization failure›1083, 1084, 1177Perception system or chip temperature›1113Bumper malfunction›1126, 1142 to 11Robot trapped (LIDAR related)›1140Non original battery detected›1150 to 1156Mapping failure›1170 to 1176Binocular (front) sensor blocked or dirty›1200Top cover not seated›2003Base station water overflow›2004Cleaning module not seated›2005Clean water tank not installed›2006, 2017Clean water dispensing error›2007Dirty water tank full or not installed›2008Detergent pump malfunction›2013, 2014, 2015Maintenance agent detection error›2032, 2033, 2034Dust collection malfunction›2035, 2036Dust bag temperature or drying error›2040, 2041, 2042Electrolyzed water module›3000 to 3010Automatic water change module›All 43 Narwal codes →Keeps happening? Compare before you replace
Narwal Freo X Ultra$450 · Quiet mop focused combo that compresses dust into a bag in the robotCheck price on Amazon →
Narwal Freo Z10 Turbo$550 · Quiet, long running all in one robot at a midrange priceCheck price on Amazon →
Narwal Freo X Ultra vs Narwal Freo Z10 TurboPoint by point