Has your stairlift been acting up? A common question we receive is, ‘Why has my stairlift stopped working?’. However, we urge you not to worry.
There are many reasons why your stairlift may not be working, and it doesn’t necessarily mean that your device is broken. Sometimes, a simple stairlift reset can prompt it to start working again! Read on to find out how to fix your stairlift and where the reset button on a stairlift is located.
Fix Your Stairlift: Step by Step
So, your stairlift has stopped working – now what? The first reaction is usually to panic, but we urge you to relax! In most cases, a faulty stairlift can be easily fixed or may not need to be fixed at all. Follow our step-by-step guide to fix your stairlift when it’s not working.
Step 1 – Check the On Switch
Check that your stairlift has been switched on properly and that your key is fully inserted in the ‘on’ position. In some cases, the on switch can accidentally turn off without you realising. It’s easy to forget to turn your stairlift back on after using it so much.
Step 2 – Monitor Battery Power
Check the battery life on your stairlift. If your stairlift has been unplugged for a long time and has relied on the battery to operate, then it’s likely drained and run out. If your battery won’t charge up at all, it may be that it’s run out completely, meaning it’ll need to be replaced.
Step 3 – Check Charging Point
Check if your main charging point has a power source coming from it, and that all the contact points are clean. If your socket isn’t working, then no electricity will be charging your stairlift battery. Make sure the battery is placed correctly to ensure sufficient power, too.
Step 4 – Clear Obstructions
Check for any obstructions that would prevent your stairlift from moving. Stairlifts have sensors to detect obstructions before moving. If your stairlift isn’t moving, it may be down to something as simple as removing objects close by or in the way.
Step 5 – Clean Your Track
Similar to how obstructions can cause your stairlift to stop working, so can dust and debris. Looking after your stairlift and its surroundings is key. By cleaning dirt or blockages from your stairlift track, you can ensure a safe and smooth ride with no disturbances. Cloth or paper towels are best used to clean the track on your staircase.
Step 6 – Fix the Seat Position
Check the swivel seat and levers on your stairlift, ensuring they’re all in the correct position. All stairlifts have a swivel seat for easy positioning, and if the seat isn’t in the right position or the armrests aren’t put down, it won’t work properly.
Step 7 – Address Beeping
If you’re wondering how to stop a stairlift beeping, you’re not alone. Stairlifts tend to beep due to low battery levels. So, if you’ve checked that your main charging point is working and ensured battery levels on your stairlift are full, your stairlift should stop beeping.
Step 8 – Refer to Your User Manual
Refer to your user manual if issues continue. When your stairlift is acting up or appears broken, your user manual will come in handy. It contains everything you need to know about your specific stairlift model, including information on error codes and troubleshooting steps.
Step 9 – Reset Your Stairlift
We know what you might be thinking…where is the reset button on a stairlift? But don’t worry, we’re here to tell you in the next section of the blog. If you’ve tried everything to fix your stairlift, it may be time for a complete reset.
Resetting your stairlift is simple with the right instructions and could help resolve any potential issues or glitches to prompt your mobility device to start working again.
Step 10 – Call the Experts
If you’ve completed all the steps above and nothing has worked, it may be time to call the experts. Many stairlift companies offer repairs as part of their services to help find and fix the issue that’s causing your stairlift not to work.
Where is the Reset Button on a Stairlift?
So, where is the reset button on a stairlift?
The reset button on a stairlift is commonly found on or near the armrest as shown below, but may also be found near the footrest, under the seat, or next to the power supply or ‘on’ button. To find out exactly where the reset button is on your stairlift, check your user manual.
How to Reset Your Stairlift
- Refer to your user manual
- Locate the reset button
- Press down on the reset button for at least 30 seconds until it reboots
- Wait for it to fully power up
- Ensure the stairlift track is clear of dirt or obstructions
- Sit on your stairlift and put your safety belt on
- Test your stairlift
- Listen out for any unusual sounds or movements
If you believe that your stairlift still isn’t working to its best ability after a reset, you may benefit from expert repair services.
When to Consider Stairlift Repair Services
If you’ve tried everything in our guide to try to fix your stairlift and it still isn’t working, you may need to seek professional repair services.
It may be that your stairlift isn’t completely broken, but it could be helpful to have an expert visit your home to ensure it can be fixed properly. For many stairlift owners, trying to fix a stairlift alone isn’t possible. At Halton Stairlift, we have a team of DBS-checked engineers who offer quick and efficient repair services.
Is Your Stairlift Completely Broken?
If your stairlift has been repaired and it still isn’t working, it may be completely broken. We understand how frustrating this can be, especially if you rely on your stairlift to aid your mobility issues. However, there are plenty of options available to suit both your needs and budget if you have to buy a new stairlift.
Rental Stairlifts
Finding the right stairlift takes time. If your stairlift has stopped working and you require short-term mobility assistance, rentals are a great option while you decide on a permanent solution.
Reconditioned Stairlifts
Reconditioned stairlifts are just as good as new. If you’re on a budget and require a permanent stairlift installation after your previous device has broken, reconditioned models may be worth considering. They’re cost-effective, environmentally-friendly, and undergo thorough testing to ensure high safety standards are met.
New Stairlifs
Whether you’ve owned multiple stairlifts or now feels the right time to treat yourself to a brand new model, you may benefit from a new stairlift. New stairlifts are durable and long-lasting, allowing you to be extra specific when it comes to key features or upholstery preferences.
How Halton Stairlifts Can Help if Your Stairlift isn’t Working
If you’ve put our advice in place but you’re still having issues with your stairlift, don’t worry – we can help. We offer stairlift repairs and servicing across all of our models to help fix your broken stairlift, usually within just 24 hours! Did you know that stairlifts bought from us within the last 12 months are still protected by our stairlift warranty cover?
Your warranty includes a 24-hour emergency call-out service and also covers you for parts and labour. However, if your stairlift is over twelve months old, you can still access stairlift repairs and servicing from us.
If you’re outside of your warranty period, there will be a charge for any parts and repairs you require. We also offer rental services for short-term mobility solutions, as well as new and reconditioned models to purchase.
If your stairlift isn’t working, contact our helpful team today.
Neil is the founder of Halton Stairlifts. He has years of experience installing stairlifts across the UK. With an eagerness to help those with mobility issues get up the stairs, Neil understands how important it is for a seamless and straightforward approach to installing stairlifts to help those in need quickly.
