saw won't start at all, i press the trigger and get nothing, no light, no sound, with a full battery

Diagnosis

The Milwaukee M18 FUEL Table Saw (2736-20) utilizes a complex safety interlock circuit designed to prevent accidental startup. When you pull the trigger and receive zero feedback—no clicking from the relay, no LED status light, and no motor hum—it indicates a complete break in the electrical continuity between the battery terminals and the motor controller. This is rarely a battery failure if the battery is confirmed charged; instead, it is typically a "logical" lockout. The most common culprit is the trigger lockout mechanism or a misalignment in the blade guard assembly. Because this tool is designed for jobsite use, sawdust and debris frequently migrate into the trigger housing or the safety switches, preventing the physical contact from closing. If the safety switch isn't fully depressed, the tool's logic board treats the trigger pull as an invalid command and refuses to send power to the motor. You can confirm this by checking if the LED light on the tool flashes briefly; if there is absolutely no light, the break is likely at the primary safety switch or the battery contact pins.

How to Fix It

To restore power to your 2736-20, follow this precise sequence to clear the safety interlocks:

1. Clear the Trigger Lockout: Locate the yellow safety slide switch positioned directly above the trigger. Firmly press the slide downward until you feel a distinct mechanical click. If the slide feels "mushy," use a can of compressed air to blow out the gap between the slide and the housing to remove packed sawdust.
2. Verify Battery Seating: Remove the M18 battery and inspect the gold-plated contact pins on the tool. Ensure no debris is blocking the pins. Re-insert the battery and press down firmly until the locking tabs click into place. A loose battery can prevent the high-current draw required to engage the motor.
3. Reset the Blade Guard/Riving Knife: Ensure the riving knife is fully seated and the blade guard assembly is locked in the "down" or "active" position. If the guard is skewed or not fully engaged in its track, the internal safety sensor may prevent the saw from firing.
4. Test the Trigger Sequence: With the yellow slide depressed, pull the trigger firmly. If the saw starts, the issue was a partial engagement of the lockout switch.

If That Didn't Work

• Inspect the Battery Terminals for Arcing: Examine the battery contacts for small black carbon deposits or "pitting." If you see burnt marks, use a small piece of fine-grit sandpaper (400 grit) to gently clean the contact points on both the battery and the tool to ensure a clean electrical connection.
• Check for a Blown Internal Fuse: While rare, the 2736-20 has internal protection circuitry. If the tool suffered a massive surge or a jammed blade that caused a hard stop, the internal fuse may have popped. This requires opening the chassis to test continuity with a multimeter across the main power rail.
• Test with a Different Battery Chemistry: Try a High Output (HO) battery if you are currently using a standard M18 pack. Some older batteries may not provide the initial voltage spike required to trip the relay on the FUEL brushless controller, leading to a "dead" feeling trigger.
• Clean the Trigger Switch Housing: Use an electronic contact cleaner (like WD-40 Specialist Contact Cleaner) and spray it directly into the trigger assembly and the yellow lockout switch. Operate the trigger and slide 20-30 times to break up internal oxidation or sawdust clumps.

Heads Up

• Avoid Over-Tightening: When adjusting the blade or riving knife, do not over-torque the bolts; this can warp the mounting bracket and trigger a safety lockout.
• Dust Management: Regularly blow out the trigger area with compressed air. Sawdust is hygroscopic and can create a conductive or insulating layer that interferes with the safety switches.
• Battery Heat: If the battery is extremely hot from a previous heavy cut, the M18 thermal protection may prevent the tool from restarting for several minutes. Let the battery cool before attempting to troubleshoot.
• Blade Compatibility: Always ensure the blade is tightened to the correct torque. A loose blade can cause vibration that may trigger the internal electronic overload protection.