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LINE WON'T FEED

Ryobi · Ryobi RY40260 40V Expand-It Cordless String Trimmer

Ryobi Ryobi RY40260 40V Expand-It Cordless String Trimmer LINE WON'T FEED Error Fix: Bump Feed or Auto-Feed Not Advancing Line

The trimmer line does not advance when the bump knob is tapped on the ground (bump feed) or when the auto-feed system should release more line. This is the single most common string trimmer issue across all brands. Causes: The spool is empty or nearly empty — remove the bump knob cap and check remaining line. Reload with the correct line diameter (check the owner's manual — the RY40260 typically accepts 0.080" diameter line). The line is tangled or fused on the spool — remove the spool and unwind the line. If the line has been wound too tightly, or the trimmer was run until the line melted from heat, the loops can fuse together. Rewind the line neatly and evenly, following the direction arrows on the spool. The bump knob spring may be broken or missing — without the spring, the bump mechanism cannot function. Replace the spring. The line eyelet (the hole the line exits through) may be clogged with debris, or the line emerged and was cut too short to extend. Ryobi sells pre-wound replacement spools that eliminate the need for manual winding.

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Quick Answer

Error LINE WON'T FEED on the Ryobi Ryobi RY40260 40V Expand-It Cordless String Trimmer means: Bump Feed or Auto-Feed Not Advancing Line. The top-ranked community fix is “Replace the Bump Knob Spring and Clean Line Eyelet” (medium difficulty, ~30 min, DIY cost: $10-$20). 2 community-ranked fixes available below.

Published February 2026 · 2 fixes · string trimmer

Content is based on manufacturer service documentation, community repair experience, and OEM technical bulletins. Always verify with your owner's manual.Learn about our editorial standards.

When to Call a Professional

While many string trimmer repairs can be done safely at home, consider hiring a qualified technician if:

  • The repair involves electrical wiring, gas lines, or refrigerant
  • You've tried the top-ranked fix and the error persists
  • You smell gas, see sparking, or notice water leaking
  • The repair requires specialized tools you don't have
  • Your appliance is still under manufacturer warranty

Average professional repair cost for this issue: $100-$140.

Other Ryobi Ryobi RY40260 40V Expand-It Cordless String Trimmer Error Codes

BATT ALL BLINK

Battery Fault — All 4 LEDs Blinking

2 fixes
BATT COLD

Battery Too Cold to Operate or Charge

2 fixes
BATT DEPLETED

Battery Fully Depleted — No LEDs Lit

2 fixes
BATT OVERHEAT

Battery Over-Temperature — Tool Shuts Down

2 fixes
CHARGER RED-GREEN

Charger Alternating Red/Green — Defective Battery

2 fixes
EXCESSIVE VIBRATION

Abnormal Vibration During Trimming

2 fixes
GUARD BROKEN

Line Cutter Guard Broken or Missing

2 fixes
HEAD WON'T SPIN

Motor Runs But Trimmer Head Does Not Rotate

2 fixes

People Also Ask About Ryobi Ryobi RY40260 40V Expand-It Cordless String Trimmer Error LINE WON'T FEED

What does error code LINE WON'T FEED mean on a Ryobi Ryobi RY40260 40V Expand-It Cordless String Trimmer?
Error code LINE WON'T FEED on the Ryobi Ryobi RY40260 40V Expand-It Cordless String Trimmer means: Bump Feed or Auto-Feed Not Advancing Line. The trimmer line does not advance when the bump knob is tapped on the ground (bump feed) or when the auto-feed system should release more line. This is the single most common string trimmer issue across all brands. Causes: The spool is empty or nearly empty — remove the bump knob cap and check remaining line. Reload with the correct line diameter (check the owner's manual — the RY40260 typically accepts 0.080" diameter line). The line is tangled or fused on the spool — remove the spool and unwind the line. If the line has been wound too tightly, or the trimmer was run until the line melted from heat, the loops can fuse together. Rewind the line neatly and evenly, following the direction arrows on the spool. The bump knob spring may be broken or missing — without the spring, the bump mechanism cannot function. Replace the spring. The line eyelet (the hole the line exits through) may be clogged with debris, or the line emerged and was cut too short to extend. Ryobi sells pre-wound replacement spools that eliminate the need for manual winding.
How do I fix error code LINE WON'T FEED on my Ryobi Ryobi RY40260 40V Expand-It Cordless String Trimmer?
The most successful fix is "Replace the Bump Knob Spring and Clean Line Eyelet" (medium difficulty, ~30 minutes). Estimated DIY cost: $10-$20. HomeMD has 2 community-ranked fixes for this error.
Is error code LINE WON'T FEED on a Ryobi Ryobi RY40260 40V Expand-It Cordless String Trimmer serious?
This error is rated warning severity. It is generally not urgent and can often be resolved with a simple DIY fix.
Can I fix Ryobi Ryobi RY40260 40V Expand-It Cordless String Trimmer error LINE WON'T FEED myself?
Yes — the top-ranked community fix ("Replace the Bump Knob Spring and Clean Line Eyelet") is rated medium difficulty and takes about 30 minutes. Tools needed: Flathead screwdriver, Needle-nose pliers, Compressed air can.
How much does it cost to repair Ryobi Ryobi RY40260 40V Expand-It Cordless String Trimmer error LINE WON'T FEED?
DIY cost: $10-$20. Professional repair typically costs $100-$140. Many homeowners save money by trying the top-ranked community fix first.
What other error codes does the Ryobi Ryobi RY40260 40V Expand-It Cordless String Trimmer have?
The Ryobi Ryobi RY40260 40V Expand-It Cordless String Trimmer has 8 other known error codes, including: BATT ALL BLINK (Battery Fault — All 4 LEDs Blinking), BATT COLD (Battery Too Cold to Operate or Charge), BATT DEPLETED (Battery Fully Depleted — No LEDs Lit), BATT OVERHEAT (Battery Over-Temperature — Tool Shuts Down), CHARGER RED-GREEN (Charger Alternating Red/Green — Defective Battery), and 3 more.
What other error codes does the Ryobi Ryobi RY40260 40V Expand-It Cordless String Trimmer have?

The Ryobi Ryobi RY40260 40V Expand-It Cordless String Trimmer has 8 other known error codes:

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