ShowroomObam Mobility Solutions Finder

Most Likely Cause: Power supply issues, which account for 80% of stairlift complaints.

Quick Fixes To Try:

• Check that the wall outlet is working by plugging in a lamp or phone charger
• Look for tripped circuit breakers in your electrical panel (they’ll be in the middle position between on/off)
• Ensure the key switch on the armrest is fully horizontal (turned completely on)
• Verify the battery disconnect switch shows “I” for on
• Make sure the stairlift is properly parked on the charging station
• Check that charging indicator lights are displaying (yellow/amber = charging, green = fully charged)

When to call a professional

If you smell burning, see sparks, find damaged wiring, or circuit breakers keep tripping after you reset them.

Most Likely Cause: Battery degradation or failure.

Warning Signs of Battery Problems:

• Gradual speed decrease over time
• Stop-start movement, especially going upward
• Lift works going down but struggles or stops going up
• Continuous beeping indicating charging problems
• Display shows error codes like F5, C5, or C6

What You Can Do

• Ensure the lift is parked on the charging station overnight (8-10 hours minimum)
• Clean dust or corrosion from brass charging strips with a dry cloth
• Test if the lift can complete 8-12 trips after a full charge (fewer indicates battery failure)

Professional Service Needed

Batteries typically last 3-5 years and require professional replacement. Even if only one battery tests bad, replace both simultaneously to avoid another service call within months.

Most Likely Cause: Track obstructions or sensor malfunctions.

Check For These Common Obstructions:

• Objects on stairs (toys, shoes, books, pet items)
• Pet hair or human hair wrapped around rollers
• Dust buildup creating black marks on tracks
• New carpeting or flooring interfering with the track
• Wall decorations positioned too close to the travel path

Safety Sensor Troubleshooting:

• Press each visible safety edge panel and confirm it springs back freely
• Try moving the lift in the opposite direction—if it moves, you likely have a real obstruction
• Clean sensors gently with a soft, dry cloth
• Look for error codes (E1/E2 = footrest sensor, E3/E4 = carriage sensors, E5/E6 = seat position)

Prevention

Vacuum and wipe the track weekly with a dry cloth. Never clean the toothed rack section or use water/solvents on the track.

Most Likely Cause: User error with swivel seat positioning.

Proper Seat Locking Procedure:

• The seat MUST face sideways on the stairs (not toward the landing) for the lift to operate
• Locate the lever underneath the seat (left or right side)
• Press the lever down firmly while rotating the seat to the riding position
• Release the lever and listen for an audible “click” indicating the lock engaged
• Test by trying to move the seat without pressing the lever

Error Codes Indicating Seat Problems:

• Acorn models: E5 or E6
• Bruno models: Single beep
• Handicare models: “0” display

If The Seat Won’t Lock

Try a power cycle reset by turning off the key switch and disconnecting the battery for 30 seconds, then powering back on. If the lever won’t depress or the seat won’t rotate, you may need professional lubrication service.

Most Likely Cause: Dead or weak batteries (solves 70% of remote problems).

Remote Troubleshooting:

1. Replace batteries first: Use fresh AA alkaline batteries, ensuring correct polarity (+ and – markings)
2. Test the remote: Stand 3-10 feet from the stairlift with clear line of sight (for infrared remotes)
3. Check for stuck buttons: Press each button firmly multiple times
4. Test signal transmission: For infrared remotes, point at your phone’s camera and press buttons—you should see light flashing on the screen
5. Eliminate interference: Move away wireless devices, routers, or other electronics that might interfere

If Battery Replacement Doesn’t Work:

• Try reprogramming the remote (procedures vary by manufacturer—check your manual)
• Clean battery contacts with isopropyl alcohol if you see corrosion
• Use the armrest controls as backup—these are hardwired and don’t require batteries

Remember

Remote batteries are separate from the main stairlift batteries. Remote batteries cost under $5 to replace; main stairlift batteries require professional replacement at $100-200.