If your Thyssenkrupp stair lift is not working, there are a few things which you can check before calling out an engineer. In this guide we will cover the main problems which crop up for the Thyssenkrupp Flow X, Flow 2a or older model.
If a ThyssenKrupp stairlift (including older Flow, Levant, HomeGlide, or Access BDD models) isn’t working, the fault is usually one of a handful of common issues. The most common of which is usually a power issue – whether a flat battery or a charging problem.
See also stairlift not working for other makes/models.
Thyssenkrupp Stair Lift Not Working
Power supply issue (most common)
- Mains power switched off – if the mains power isn’t charging the battery, it will run down.
- Fused spur or plug fuse blown.
- Tripped circuit breaker – sometimes happens in a power cut. Check the fuse box connected to your stairlift and reset any tripped switches. The power trickle charges the stairlift so you may have to allow the battery to re-charge which takes a few hours.
- Charger not working – check it is plugged in at the mains and switched on.
- Charging contacts dirty or misaligned.
Symptoms
- Lift completely dead.
- No display.
- Battery eventually goes flat.
Flat Or Failing Batteries
Even though the lift plugs into the mains, it actually runs from batteries.
Signs include:
- Lift moves very slowly.
- Stops halfway.
- Lift stops during a steeper climb, or with heavier weight.
- Beeping.
- Works briefly after charging then fails again.
- Batteries more than 3–5 years old.
This is probably the most common repair on older ThyssenKrupp stairlifts. Give us a call and we can send out an engineer to replace the batteries. Or see our post on stairlift battery replacement.
Emergency stop button pressed
Someone may have accidentally pressed the large red emergency stop button.
Symptoms:
- Lift appears dead.
- Usually cured by twisting the button to release it.
Swivel seat not locked
Most ThyssenKrupp stairlifts have seat safety switches.
If the seat hasn’t clicked fully into the travelling position:
- Lift won’t move.
- Display may show a fault code.
- Audible warning.
Charging contacts not making contact
Especially common on Flow models.
Causes include:
- Dirty brass contacts.
- Bent charging strips.
- Lift not parked correctly. If the lift isn’t parked in the correct position, the charge points cannot create an electrical connection.
Eventually the batteries discharge.
A recent problem we had was with a retro-fitted charge point which had been fitted on a bend. Unfortunately this meant the charging strips (pictured above) had bent as they connected the strips in a different position each time they passed them – eventually causing the problem.
Remote controls not working
Often simply:
- Flat batteries.
- Remote needs repairing.
- Faulty transmitter.
Usually the lift can still be driven using the armrest controls.
Key switch turned off
Some installations have a key switch.
If removed or turned:
- Lift won’t operate.
Joystick or arm control fault
The joystick can wear with age.
Symptoms:
- Nothing happens when pushed.
- Only works in one direction.
- Intermittent movement.
Overspeed governor or safety gear activated
Less common but important.
Usually caused by:
- Mechanical issue.
- Excessive speed detected.
- Service work required.
- Something trapped in mechanism (often clothing)
The lift locks out for safety.
Faulty limit switches or magnets
If the lift doesn’t know where it is:
- Won’t charge.
- Stops unexpectedly.
- Won’t travel to one end.
Motor brake problem
Possible symptoms:
- Clicking.
- Motor tries to run.
- Lift doesn’t move.
Requires repair.
PCB (control board) fault
Older ThyssenKrupp lifts can develop electronic faults.
Symptoms vary:
- Random fault codes.
- Intermittent operation.
- No response despite good batteries.
Wiring fault
Could be:
- Broken cable in the travelling loom.
- Loose connector.
- Corrosion.
Often intermittent.
Common fault codes
Many ThyssenKrupp stairlifts display diagnostic codes. Examples include:
- Battery low
- Seat not in travel position
- Footplate safety edge activated/ OSG (Over Speed Governor)
- Overspeed fault
- Charger fault
- Direction control fault
The exact fault code displayed depends on the model (Flow, Flow 2, Flow X, Levant, HomeGlide, etc.).
Quick checks a homeowner can safely make
Before calling an engineer, it’s worth checking:
- Is there power to the charger?
- Is the emergency stop released?
- Is the seat fully locked into position?
- Is the footplate clear of obstructions?
- Is the key switch turned on?
- Is the lift parked on a charging point?
- Do the remote controls have fresh batteries?
Summary
The most common faults are ones of low or flat batteries. Checking the power is switched on and the batteries are charging is the first thing to check. Trip switches on fuse boxes during a power cut can isolate your charger and the battery eventually runs flat.
We also get problems where the stairlift hasn’t been parked properly on its charge point. This can happen when the stairlift isn’t driven to the end position correctly for some reason. The stairlift will start beeping when it isn’t being charged.
Call An Engineer
If you’ve tried everything and your stairlift is still not working, give us a call. We may even be able to help over the phone.
Call us on 0800 046 3438 or use the form on this website and request a call-back.
We also have some troubleshooting videos on our YouTube channel which might help you. Use the search feature on our YouTube channel here.
