Section 11 Troubleshooting guide
The lift does not operate
Check the power supply. The wiring harness ( both wires ) must be run directly to the battery. Attaching the black
( ground ) wire to the frame of the vehicle is NOT considered a reliable ground.
Run the lift from a shop battery and not through the vehicle wiring harness. If this solves the problem, check the
vehicle wiring harness for bad connections or broken wires.
NOTE: Each lift is equipped with a manual motor override located on the top of the motor box.
Simply remove the cap and use a 3/8” socket to manually operate the lift.
CAUTION!!
Make sure the key is in the
“off” position and no power is connected to the lift.
SERIOUS INJURY MAY OCCUR IF POWER RESUMES DURING MANUAL OPERATION OF THE LIFT!
The motor does not lift the platform completely when in use.
Check the wire connections at the battery. A poor connection will cause the motor to run slow and have less lifting capacity.
Run the lift from a shop battery and not through the vehicle wiring harness. If this solves the problem, inspect the entire
length of the vehicle harness for breaks, or worn insulation. A good supply of power will ensure full lifting capacity.
The motor works intermittently
Check the ground and power wire making sure that it is securely attached to the battery of the vehicle. Grounding the
lift to any other location may cause loss of ground and intermittent loss of power. Check the wires leading to the toggle
switch in the motor housing box. All connections must be securely on the switch.
The platform or hold down arm is not holding upright or is too hard to move.
Check the tension of the pivot point bolts. Two tight, and the movement will be to too hard. Too loose and the part will
not stay in the desired position. Tighten or loosen bolts until platform and/or hold down arm operates with some resistance.
See section 9 for details.
There is a ratcheting sound when the lift is all the way up or down.
This is a normal sound. It is the clutch activating when the lift reaches the end position.
This sound should only occur when the toggle switch is being pressed and the platform is at its highest and lowest point.
The license plate light does not work.
This light runs from the 4 prong trailer plug located on the vehicle wiring harness that powers the lift.
Most hitch installers will install this type of wiring when the hitch is installed. If no such plug exists, it may be wired
directly to a tail light or license plate light.
What do I do with the extra length of wire leading to the motor of the lift?
This wire is there in case a Swing Away Option is used with the lift. If a Swing Away is not installed, coil the extra wire
and zip tie it to the frame of the lift out of the way of any moving parts. We recommend leaving the wire in case a
Swing Away is added to the lift at a later time.
The lift does not reach the ground when lowered completely.
Check the attachment of the Hitch Adapter to the Hitch Post on the back of the lift (See section 4 or 5).
The normal range of operation for the lift is 5 to 18 inches to the bottom of the hitch. Any higher vehicles will require a
custom bracket.
The lift bottoms out when going over bumps or in driveways.
Check the attachment of the Hitch Adapter to the Hitch Post on the back of the lift (See section 4 or 5). The normal range of
operation for the lift is 5 to 18 inches to the bottom of the hitch. The lift should be installed at the highest position possible.
Enter driveways at an angle
I have lost my keys.
Contact the dealer where the lift was purchased. If they do no have extra keys in stock, they can get them
from the manufacturer.
