With routine servicing and regular care, your stairlift should stay in perfect working order. All that being said, if you are wondering ‘Why has my stairlift stopped working?’ then we have the answers for you.
Issues with newer or recently refurbished stairlifts rarely lie with a mechanical failure and can often be put down to maintenance oversights and user error.
If you’re having a problem with your stairlift, it will usually have a simple solution. All our straight stairlifts at Halton Stairlifts have an onboard diagnostic system to help diagnose any faults.
Here we take a look at troubleshooting some fairly common stairlift problems, to get your stairlift back on track as quickly as possible without needing to call out an engineer.
Why is My Stairlift Not Working?
There are several reasons why your stairlift may not be working properly, usually, it is resolved with a quick fix so do not worry if you find yourself in this position with a stairlift that seems to not be working.
Seat
Check the swivel seat and levers. Make sure they are all in the correct position. All stairlifts have a swivel seat for easy positioning, if the seat is in the correct position it won’t work until it is.
Obstructions
Obstructions in the way can cause your stairlift to stop as it has sensors on it. Stopping can make it seem like the device is not working but it could be something as simple as removable objects that are in the way.
If you are in need of some stairlift troubleshooting here are some basic steps that you can follow.
Check Battery
If your stairlift has been unplugged for a long time for example and your stairlift has been relying on the battery to operate, then your battery has drained and ran out.
In order to recharge the battery back up, plug in your stairlift and ensure the chair has returned to its original position, only then will the battery be able to charge again.
In some cases, the battery could have completely run out, in which case it may need replacing. You can talk to our experts at Halton Stairlifts if this is the case.
My Stairlift Won’t Move
You’ve probably done so already, but if not, check or double-check the on/off switch on the stairlift.
Step 1
If the switch is in the ‘off’ position, turn it to switch the stairlift ‘on’. The power light should be illuminated to show it is on. You should check that the key is inserted and is in the correct position for the power to be on.
Step 2
Then check the master power switch. Make sure this switch is on. Again, the power light will illuminate to show it is receiving power.
Step 3
If your stairlift still isn’t working, check the key. Make sure it is fully inserted and is in the ‘on’ position.
Step 4
If you’re confident your stairlift is connected to the power supply, but it still isn’t moving, try the following:
- Check the swivel seat and levers. Make sure they are all in the correct position.
- Check whether there is anything obstructing the safety edges. If there is something in the way, reverse the stairlift and remove the obstruction.
- If you have a hinged rail, check it is lowered properly and locked in place.
- Turn the power key to the ‘off’ position and then ‘on’.
- Move and hold the control in the direction of travel for a few seconds. The stairlift should start after a short while.
If your stairlift still isn’t working after trying each step, speak to the team at Halton Stairlifts for advice on what to do next.
My Stairlift Keeps Stopping
Your stairlift may keep stopping during a journey because of obstructions on the stairs. Stairlifts with a footrest with safety edges will slow to a stop if an object is detected in the stairlift’s path. Remove the obstruction and continue your journey.
If your stairlift keeps stopping along the stairs, there may be technical issues with power connections or contacts. You will need to call out an engineer to take a closer look if this is the underlying cause.
My Stairlift Keeps Beeping
Your stairlift won’t work if the battery is not charged properly. Taking a closer look at the different reasons your stairlift is making a noise, you can find the answers to why is my stairlift beeping? in our handy guide.
How Do You Reset a Stairlift?
To reset a stairlift can to its factory setting all you need to do is disconnect it from the power supply for 30 seconds before plugging it back in again.
It can be a good idea to try and reset it if you are struggling with your stairlift not working, a simple reset can sometimes provide the answer.
My Stairlift Has No Power
If your stairlift doesn’t look to be charged, try the following checks:
- Is the mains switch on your wall in the on position?
- Have you checked that your stairlift is stored correctly in its charging location?
- Are all the contact points clean?
- See if the on/off switch, the master power switch, and the isolation key are all in the ‘on’ position.
My Stairlift Remote Control isn’t Working
It may just be that the batteries need replacing. Check which type of batteries you need and how many, and swap them for some new fully-charged ones.
What Next?
If you’ve put our advice in place but you’re still having issues with your stairlift, don’t worry as we can still help.
- Did you know that stairlifts bought from us within the last twelve months are still protected by our stairlift warranty cover? Your warranty includes a 24-hour emergency call-out service and also covers you for parts and labour.
- If your Halton Stairlifts stairlift is over twelve months old, you can still access stairlift repairs and servicing from us. If you’re outside of your warranty period, there will be a charge for any parts and repairs you require, but our highly experienced engineers can be with you quickly, usually within 24 hours.
Our team is always on hand to offer practical and helpful advice about your stairlift, so feel free to contact us with your stairlift questions. Or, if you would like to get a FREE no-obligation quote for a replacement stairlift, call us on 0800 644 7766.
You can also check with our team about eligibility to purchase an extended warranty for your stairlift.
If you’re still experiencing problems, arrange a call-out visit for your stairlift. Get in touch today on 0800 644 774.
Neil is the founder of Halton Stairlifts. He has years of experience installing stairlifts across the UK. With an eagerness to help those with mobility issues get up the stairs, Neil understands how important it is for a seamless and straightforward approach to installing stairlifts to help those in need quickly.