This was a common call out stairlift problem we had this week in Manchester. This was a Flow X – one of the best stairlifts for narrow stairs. Even though this stairlift is a very clever one, all stairlifts can have their problems. This one had stopped working for some reason.
We arrived in Manchester to diagnose the issue. This can be done by looking at the fault code on the stairlift base. See our other post on stairlift not working and stairlift fault codes for more detail on this topic.
Common Call Out Stairlift Problem
When a stairlift breaks down it can be for a number of reasons. For example, some stairlifts will have problems due to a safety plate or mechanism getting triggered. Sometimes plates can catch in the housing of the stairlift base, causing the stairlift to cut out.
Each model is different though and some stairlifts are simpler to diagnose than others. We created a video to help people diagnose some of the most common stairlift problems with a common model – the Stannah 600.
Fault Diagnosis – Fault Codes
The stairlift started and began to climb the stairs. Our engineer got on board to diagnose the issue. Just about half way up the stairs it started beeping and wouldn’t climb any further. We removed the base cover to see the fault display which came up with fault code F21 – this code means there’s an issue with the batteries on a Flow X.
If you have a Flow X stairlift you can find the fault codes on the reverse side of the base unit cover. The display can be reached by removing this cover. We always recommend giving us a call however if it’s an issue which cannot be easily remedied.
This one was a simple fix, but not every call out is so simple! For this one, we replaced the batteries with some brand new ones and hey presto – it was working perfectly again!
Problem Stairlift? Check The Battery Is Charging
Battery failure or low batteries is one of the most common faults we get on our stairlift call outs. This is why we use brand new batteries with our reconditioned stairlifts. New batteries solve a lot of issues with problem stairlifts.
Often the stairlift has been switched off – either by the owner of the stairlift or another member of the household or a cleaner. Stairlifts need to be plugged in continuously and switches should remain in the on position. If a switch is turned off, this can stop the stairlift battery from charging.
Check around the side and back of your stairlift for the power switch and make sure it is in the on position. There’s also a switch on the arm in many stairlift models. Batteries are often flat due to the stairlift having been unplugged or turned off.
Some of our call outs are as simple as turning a switch – so we do advise you to check everything is plugged in and batteries are charging before calling us out – (We often drive hundreds of miles to sort out problem stairlifts for our customers! )
Summary
Stairlifts run on batteries, not the mains. The mains charger is used to charge the batteries. This call out in Manchester was a typical one – low batteries caused the stairlift to stop working half way up the stairs. Stairlifts can operate fine for some time until the batteries drop in power. When they do, your stairlift can stop working completely. It is also common to happen when on a steeper part of the stairlift rail, as this draws more power from the battery.
Let us know if you’re struggling with your stairlift. You can also see some of our troubleshooting guides on our YouTube channel here.
Call us on 0800 046 3438 or visit our contact page and leave us a message.