When your car lift malfunctions, it can result in financial losses. To minimize downtime and get your car lift up and running again, you can troubleshoot some of the most common issues. Here’s how to identify the problem and fix it quickly.
A functioning car lift is essential to the success and profitability of your business. If it breaks down, it can lead to financial losses. To prevent this, you can troubleshoot common issues that may arise with your car lift. Be sure to consult your owner’s manual for information specific to your lift. Let’s take a closer look at how to identify and fix these issues to get your car lift back to work.
Lift Won’t Raise
When a car lift fails to lift, it can pose a serious problem. Here are some common causes and solutions to address the issue.
| Possible Cause | Potential Solutions |
| Air in oil | Check the oil level and ensure it’s at the proper level. Bleed the cylinders and check for a damaged or cocked oil seal. Replace if necessary. Check if the inlet screen is clogged and clean or replace it as needed. |
| Lowering valve leaks | If the handle doesn’t move freely, replace the bracket or handle assembly. Flush the release valve to remove any possible contamination. Replace dirty oil as per the owner’s manual. |
| Damaged pump | If the pump needs to be replaced, use a new OEM pump. Check the oil level and flush the release valve to remove any contamination. Check the pump mounting bolts and ensure they’re correct as per the owner’s manual. Check if the inlet screen is clogged and clean or replace it as needed. |
| 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 | If the valve needs to be replaced, use a new OEM valve. If you need further assistance. |
| Cylinder is binding or leaking internally | If you need further assistance, contact customer support. |
Lift Lowers Slowly
The last thing you want when finishing a job and returning a car to a customer is a lift that moves unusually slowly. Here are some possible causes and solutions for a car lift that lowers more slowly than usual.
| 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 the release valve in solvent and blow it out with air. Replace with a new OEM part. |
| Pressure fitting is too long | If a fitting with a short thread lead needs to be replaced, use a new one. |
| Cylinders are binding | If you need further assistance, contact customer support. |
If a vehicle is stuck in the air even after releasing all mechanical locks and following standard operating procedures, stop using the lift immediately. Check to ensure all locking positions are secure and contact the factory or factory-approved service center for assistance.
Proper maintenance can prevent many common issues with your car lift. Ensure your lift is regularly cleaned and well-maintained to prolong its service life.