Your lift is critical to the operation and profitability of your business. If it stops working correctly, it’s costing you money. Let’s take a look at how to troubleshoot some common issues and get your lift back to work. Remember to check your owner’s manual for details about your specific lift.
Lift Won’t Raise
If the lift won’t lift … that’s really going to be a problem! Here are some possible causes and solutions.
| Possible Cause | Potential Solutions |
| Air in oil | Check for proper oil level. Bleed the cylinders. Check if the oil seal is damaged or cocked. Replace if necessary. Check if the inlet screen is clogged. Clean or replace. |
| Lowering valve leaks | Flush release valve to remove possible contamination. Replace dirty oil per owner’s manual. If handle does not move freely, replace bracket or handle assembly. |
| Damaged pump | Replace with new OEM pump. |
| Pump won’t prime | Check for proper oil level. Flush release valve to remove possible contamination. Check if the oil seal is damaged or cocked. Replace if necessary. Check pump mounting bolts are correct per owner’s manual. Check if the inlet screen is clogged. Clean or replace. Replace with new OEM pump. |
| Relief valve leaks | Replace with new OEM valve. |
| Cylinder is binding or leaking internally | Contact customer support. |
Lift Lowers Slowly
When the work is done and it’s time to get the car back to the customer, the last thing you need is an unusually slow lift. Here are some potential causes and solutions for a lift that lowers more slowly than normal.
| Possible Cause | Potential Solutions |
| Release valve clogged | Check the hydraulic fluid level and cleanliness. If it’s contaminated and you’re using automatic transmission fluid, replace and clean the entire system. Clean release valve in solvent and blow out with air. Replace with new OEM part. |
| Pressure fitting is too long | Replace fitting with a short thread lead. |
| Cylinders are binding | Contact customer support. |
If a vehicle becomes stranded in the air after all mechanical locks have been released and you’ve followed all standard operating procedures, immediately stop using the lift, check to make sure all locking positions are secure and contact the factory or factory-approved service center.
As you can see, many common issues can be prevented by proper maintenance. Keep your lift clean and well-maintained for a long service life.
