-
[Robot kits](https://robotsforthat.com/robot-kits/) / [SunFounder GalaxyRVR troubleshooting](https://robotsforthat.com/robot-kits/galaxyrvr-troubleshooting/) / **The battery runs out very fast**

Updated 2026-10-27

# SunFounder GalaxyRVR: the battery runs out very fast

Researched by [Riley Hart](https://robotsforthat.com/author/riley-hart/) · based on SunFounder GalaxyRVR build guide and docs · we may earn a commission

Short answer The battery was not fully charged, or a loose power connection keeps cutting in and out. Start with this: Charge fully for about 2 hours before driving.

## Why it happens

The battery was not fully charged, or a loose power connection keeps cutting in and out.

## How to fix it

- Charge fully for about 2 hours before driving.
- Check the battery plug and the shield are firmly seated.
- About 90 minutes of driving per charge is normal.

## Check the step it comes from

Step 44 of 49

### Charge it fully

Plug in the USB-C cable (a 5V 2A phone charger works). A full charge takes about 2 hours.

**Check:** A red charge light is on. The orange battery lights blink.

**Common mistake:** Using a fast laptop charger. A plain 5V 2A phone charger is safest.

[See this step in the full build guide](https://robotsforthat.com/robot-kits/galaxyrvr-build-guide/#step-44)

Still stuck?

## Show the AI coach a photo

Open step 44 in the free build tool, tap Stuck and take a photo. The coach checks it against that exact step and tells you what to change. 3 free questions per kit.

[Open step 44 →](https://robotsforthat.com/lab/build/mars-rover/steps/#step-44)

## Other GalaxyRVR problems

[No camera picture in the app The ESP32 CAM is in its adapter the wrong way, its ribbon is loose, or the camera is not getting power.](https://robotsforthat.com/robot-kits/galaxyrvr-troubleshooting/#no-video)[The GalaxyRVR Wi-Fi does not show up The rover is in upload mode, the battery is flat, or the camera board is not powered. The camera board makes the Wi-Fi.](https://robotsforthat.com/robot-kits/galaxyrvr-troubleshooting/#no-wifi)[The app keeps disconnecting Your phone leaves the rover's Wi-Fi because it has no internet, or another network on the same channel interferes.](https://robotsforthat.com/robot-kits/galaxyrvr-troubleshooting/#wifi-drops)[The app sees the Wi-Fi but will not connect Custom code uploaded to the board replaced the rover's own program, or the camera board firmware is old.](https://robotsforthat.com/robot-kits/galaxyrvr-troubleshooting/#app-wont-connect)[A wheel spins the wrong way Two motor plugs are swapped.](https://robotsforthat.com/robot-kits/galaxyrvr-troubleshooting/#wheel-backwards)[One wheel does not turn Its plug is not fully in, or its wire got caught and snapped.](https://robotsforthat.com/robot-kits/galaxyrvr-troubleshooting/#wheel-dead)

[All 12 GalaxyRVR problems and fixes](https://robotsforthat.com/robot-kits/galaxyrvr-troubleshooting/) · [The full build guide](https://robotsforthat.com/robot-kits/galaxyrvr-build-guide/)

**SunFounder GalaxyRVR Mars Rover Kit** $129.99 at SunFounder. Every part and tool in one box.

[See it at SunFounder store](https://www.sunfounder.com/products/sunfounder-galaxyrvr-mars-rover-kit)

## Sources

- [SunFounder GalaxyRVR quick start](https://docs.sunfounder.com/projects/galaxy-rvr/en/latest/quick_start/quick_start_robopilot.html)
- [GalaxyRVR board: switches and lights](https://docs.sunfounder.com/projects/galaxy-rvr/en/latest/hardware/cpn_galaxy_shield.html)
- [SunFounder GalaxyRVR paper guide (PDF)](https://github.com/sunfounder/sf-pdf/raw/master/assembly_file/z0112v11-a0001012-galaxyrvr.pdf)
- [SunFounder GalaxyRVR FAQ](https://docs.sunfounder.com/projects/galaxy-rvr/en/latest/faq.html)

Drawings by robotsforthat. SunFounder GalaxyRVR is a trademark of SunFounder. We are not affiliated with SunFounder.

HTML version: https://robotsforthat.com/robot-kits/galaxyrvr-battery-drains/