Stairlift troubleshooting: What are common stairlift issues?
Stairlifts are an essential mobility aid that enables you or a family member to continue to live independently in their home without having to move. Despite being an incredibly safe and reliable piece of equipment that can enhance someone’s life, like all technology, they can occasionally go wrong.
In this guide, we walk you through some common stairlift issues, how to identify them, and explain why it is vital that you call a technician to help keep your stairlift running smoothly and safely.
What are common stairlift issues?
Your stairlift is not moving
It can be frustrating when your stairlift suddenly stops cooperating, and it doesn’t respond when you press the control.
Some potential causes for this issue may be related to the power supply, such as a dead battery or an issue with the stairlift battery. Another alternative is that the safety sensors in your stairlift are engaged, or there is an obstruction on the rail.
What should you do if your stairlift is not moving?
Firstly, check that the stairlift is switched on, then check for any obstructions around the seat and footrest.
If that is not the case, you will need to call a stairlift engineer because they will be able to identify any electrical faults or check the battery for problems. These issues should be diagnosed professionally to avoid further damage or safety hazards.
ALSO READ: A guide to stair lift installation
Beeping or an alarm sounds
There are many stairlift models that have alarms or alert tones, and these can be set off when a stairlift is not parked in its charging station, or it is warning you that the battery is low.
What should you do if your stairlift is beeping?
Persistent beeping or alarms sounding from a stairlift, even when it is docked, could be an indication that there is an issue with it charging or that the battery is failing and needs to be replaced.
These issues can be complex, and you will need to call a stairlift engineer to visit your home, advise on the issue, and then make the necessary repairs.
Your stairlift is making unusual noises
If you notice that your stairlift is making loud or strange noises while you are using it, such as grinding, clicking or squeaking, it could indicate that there is an issue with the motor, there is some dirt or debris on the rail that has got stuck, or there are loose components.
What should you do if your stairlift is making an unusual noise?
If the stairlift begins to make an unfamiliar noise, it should be looked at by one of our qualified stairlift engineers. If you continue to use the stairlift, it could lead to a mechanical failure and become a bigger issue, and the sooner the problem is diagnosed and rectified, the sooner your stairlift will be able to operate smoothly again.
The stairlift engineer will be able to clean the rail, lubricate its mechanical parts and replace any worn parts.
ALSO READ: Stairlift prices
Stairlift remote control is not working
If you are getting no response from your stairlift when you are using the remote, this could mean that there is an issue with the batteries.
What should you do if your stairlift control is not working?
You should first check and replace the batteries. To do this, you remove the remote from the holder and slide the cover off the back, just like a TV remote.
If this does not fix the problem, there could be an interference with the signal, or the remote control unit has stopped working. If you have a stairlift from Companion Stairlifts, you can call one of our experts, and we will be able to send a stairlift technician to repair the remote, reprogram it or replace it.
Issues with the seat or footrest
The seat and footrest are vital parts of a stairlift, as they make it easy to travel up and down staircases comfortably. If you are having difficulty folding or unfolding the seat or footrest, or the seat is not swivelling properly, there could be a malfunction with the mechanisms of the stairlift or an obstruction.
What should you do if you’re having issues with your stairlift's seat or footrest?
Faulty seats or footrests can compromise user safety, and if you are having these issues, you should call a stairlift engineer to investigate the problem. They will be able to adjust the components or replace them if necessary.
My stairlift is showing an error code
Error messages can appear on the control panel, and flashing indicator lights can appear on stairlift models. Each model has codes for different faults, such as motor, sensor or circuit board error codes. There are, however, several codes, and not all of these are error codes.
What should you do if your stairlift is showing an error code?
You should first refer to your manual to see what the different error codes indicate and if there are any simple fixes.
If you have a Companion stairlift, you should contact us, and one of our helpful team members will be able to guide you on what the code means and how to rectify it. If needed, one of our professional engineers can visit your home and perform appropriate diagnostics and repairs.
Inconsistent speed or jerky movements
Some stairlift users have found that their stairlift is too fast, too slow, or its speed varies from one use to the next. Sometimes you might experience jerky movements when using a stairlift.
These issues could be down to the motor in your stairlift, the battery running low on charge, or your battery needing to be replaced. If the gears in your stairlift model are worn, this could also cause jerky movements, as well as a stairlift suffering from drive system problems.
What should you do if your stairlift speed is inconsistent?
Jerky movements or inconsistent speed can be a sign of a serious mechanical failure, and this will need to be fixed immediately. If you have a Companion stairlift, you should call us, and we will get one of our engineers to visit your home and assess your stairlift. We will then be able to replace a part if needed.
ALSO READ: How to choose a stairlift
Restarting a stairlift
If a stairlift stops abruptly or doesn't move, it’s easy to reset it and get it back to normal operation. This can be especially useful after a power outage or if you’re performing routine maintenance.
How do you restart your stairlift?
Below, we take you through the steps you can follow to restart and reset your Companion stairlift.
- Turn the stairlift off at the plug.
- Turn the on/off switch – this is located at the bottom of the stairlift under the cover to ‘Off’ (you will need to remove the cover).
- Wait 30 seconds.
- Turn on the on/off switch again to ‘On’, and switch back on at the plug.
The importance of stairlift maintenance
Ensuring that your stairlift is regularly maintained will help to keep it in perfect working order. Every Companion stairlift comes with a fully comprehensive 12-month warranty, covering all parts and labour. After the first 12 months' guarantee expires, we offer a range of options to bring you complete peace of mind, with extended, affordable cover plans.
As part of a home visit, our stairlift engineers will undertake an extensive examination of all components of your model, including all mechanical parts, electrical systems, safety features, and its functionality.
During this assessment, they will fix any issues they come across and will share their expert advice. We generally recommend that a new stairlift be serviced once a year, and reconditioned models be serviced every six months.
ALSO READ: Service and Maintenance
A stairlift troubleshooting checklist
Here we take you through some top tips in the unlikely event that your stairlift comes across a problem.
- Read your stairlift brochure or manual to familiarise yourself with the different features that are available, and, in particular, its reset buttons.
- When using a stairlift, remember to carry a mobile phone in the very unlikely event that your stairlift stops, so you can call or message others if you need help.
- Should your stairlift stop on the stairs, you should remain seated and see if you can restart it or call the emergency breakdown team on 0808 189 2204.
- Don’t try to fix issues on your own, and instead call one of Companion Stairlift’s engineers.
Stairlifts are an incredible aid for people of all ages who have limited mobility and struggle to get up and down the stairs. On the unlikely occasion that your straight stairlift or curved stairlift goes wrong, this troubleshooting tips guide will help you through the issue.
If you are interested in buying a stairlift for your home, contact us today!
