ES2 will not turn off or go to sleep

[kiwiamazon]

I purchased a well used Ninebot ES2. Thanks to ScooterHacking and DarknessBot
I have successfully linked this ES2 to my account in the Segway-Ninebot app.
My issue is that I cannot get the power button to do anything.
I had to go to an old version of firmware (that did not require the power button to pair)
to get the Ninebot app running.
I’ve replaced the dashboard assembly (with a new one from alibaba), but that had no effect.
I can shut down the ES2 via the power off function in DarknessBot, but the ES2
immediately goes into a self check (every indicator briefly comes on) and then remains on.
What am I missing?
Does the ES2 think someone is standing on it so it will not shut down?
How does it know that?
Will power cycling the ES2 controller possibly help?
Will replacing the ES2 controller help?
Any suggestions other than charge often?
(my ES2 loses 18% of charge per day doing nothing!)