Stairlifts are incredibly useful tools for accessibility and mobility, but like any other device, they can malfunction at times. Of course, while a malfunctioning TV might be inconvenient, a malfunctioning stairlift means sacrificing your freedom and independence until the problem is fixed. Keep reading to learn a few troubleshooting tips that may help you solve your stairlift troubles.

Stairlift Won’t Turn On

If your stairlift won’t power up at all, start by checking the main power switch, which is usually on the wall or on the stairlift itself. Make sure it’s turned on and that you haven’t blown any fuses. Verify the stairlift is correctly plugged in if it runs on a household outlet. If this still doesn’t work, the battery could be drained; try leaving the stairlift at the designated charging point for a few hours, then try the lift again.

Remote Not Working

If you have a remote control for your stairlift and it’s not working, the most likely cause is dead batteries. Try replacing the batteries in the remote and test it again. If this doesn’t work, your remote may have lost signal due to interference from other electronics in the room. Move any other remote devices or phones away from the lift and see if that restores the connection. If this still doesn’t work, check that the receiver on the stairlift is properly aligned with the remote.

Stairlift Stuck on Track

If your stairlift is stuck somewhere along the track, this is likely due to some kind of object in the chair’s path. Check for any visible objects that may have gotten in the way and carefully remove them from the area near the track. You can also check the track for any dirt buildup that may be interfering with the chair’ movement. If these steps don’t work, the problem could be the safety sensors. These sensors stop the stairlift if they detect an obstruction, but may falsely detect an object if they’re dirt. Wipe them clean and test the stairlift to see if it starts moving again.

Stairlift Stops before End of Track

Stairlifts are programmed to travel the distance of your track before coming to a gentle stop at the end. If your stairlift is consistently stopping before reaching the end of the track, the device that controls this, called a limit switch, may be faulty. Gently realign the stairlift on the track and try again.

If these troubleshooting tips don’t fix your problem, contact a technician that specializes in stairlifts in New Orleans for further assistance.