You’re trying to get your wheelchair lift to unfold, but the button just isn’t working, and to top it off, the handheld control lights are off, too. It’s frustrating, especially if you’re running an organization that depends on this van daily. You can’t afford delays or issues that make transportation more difficult for those who rely on you.
Many organizations face these kinds of technical problems with wheelchair lifts, and while it might seem like a small issue, it can have a big impact on your operations and, more importantly, the people you serve. It can lead to:
- Fewer rides for your clients
- Missed appointments
- People being left behind
At MoveMobility, we understand how stressful these situations can be. Over the past two decades, our goal has always been to break down barriers to healthcare and transportation. We’re proud to hold certifications like the Ford QVM and STELLANTIS Q-Pro, ensuring the highest quality in the industry. That said, we know there are many options out there for you, and we want to provide helpful information, not just promote ourselves.
In this article, we’ll cover one of the most common reasons why your wheelchair lift handheld control lights are off and the unfold button is not working.
Dealing with an unexpected wheelchair lift problem?
Picture this: Your team is out on a busy morning, heading to pick up a client who depends on your wheelchair accessible van. Everything’s going as planned until it’s time to operate the lift. You press the button on the handheld control, but nothing happens. The control lights aren’t even lighting up on the pump box, and the unfold button isn’t working.
Now, your client is waiting, and you’re stuck trying to figure out what’s wrong. You’ve got a tight schedule, and this malfunction is frustrating and stressful for both your staff and the person who relies on your transportation. These moments are overwhelming.
You start thinking:
- Is this a quick fix?
- What if we can’t get the lift working?
- How will this impact our client’s day and our ability to serve others?
This situation can leave your staff and clients feeling helpless. It can cause people to miss their appointments and even lead to reputational damage.
We know how hard it is to face these challenges because we’ve worked with countless organizations facing similar problems. The frustration is real, and we’re here to help guide you through it. Let’s explore one of the most common reasons why your wheelchair lift isn’t working and what you should do about it.
Three steps to take if your wheelchair lift control lights aren’t working
When you’re facing a situation where the wheelchair lift controls aren’t responding, it can feel stressful. But don’t worry—follow these simple steps to troubleshoot the issue.
Step 1: Check the power switch
The first thing to check is whether the power switch is turned on. This switch is located at the bottom of the pump box. A green light should turn on if it’s in the right position, signaling that the power is active.
Step 2: Use the manual backup pump
Sometimes, the lift might need a little help resetting. If you’re still having issues after the first step, use the manual backup pump to ensure the lift is fully stowed. Doing this can reset the safety switches, which might be preventing the controls from working.
Step 3: No lights? It could be electrical
If the handheld control lights still don’t come on, even after checking the power switch, a deeper electrical issue might be at play. At this point, it’s a good idea to seek professional help. Contact MoveMobility’s Customer Care Team for expert advice on what to do next.
Taking these steps can save you time and ensure your lift is up and running again quickly, minimizing disruptions to your day.
Is it time to consider a new wheelchair van?
If your organization is dealing with constant wheelchair lift problems, it’s easy to feel irritated. Your van might also be showing other signs of wear and tear at this point, and these ongoing issues could mean more downtime than you can afford.
Every time your van is out of commission, it causes delays, frustration for your clients, and even financial losses. When your vehicle starts causing more headaches than it solves, it may be time to start thinking about a replacement.
Here are some signs that it may be time to consider a new wheelchair van:
Frequent breakdowns: Your van spends more time in the shop than on the road.
Increased downtime: You’re experiencing delays and cancellations because your van isn’t reliable.
Costly repairs: Fixing your current van is starting to feel like a money pit.
Unreliable wheelchair lift: Your clients feel unsafe or uncomfortable due to constant lift malfunctions.
Missed opportunities: You can’t serve as many clients as you’d like due to vehicle issues.
Instead of constantly worrying if your wheelchair lift will work properly daily, you can rely on a new, dependable van with a lift to get the job done. Upgrading to a new wheelchair van is about giving your organization the tools it needs to continue providing excellent service.
With less downtime, you’ll be able to:
- Serve more clients
- Stay on schedule
- Avoid costly repairs that eat away at your budget
Check out the video below to learn about the top 5 benefits of purchasing a new wheelchair van!
Solving wheelchair lift issues: What’s next?
You came to this article because you’ve been experiencing issues with your wheelchair van lift—maybe the handheld control lights are off, or the unfold button just won’t work. These problems can leave you feeling stuck and unsure of what to do next.
In this article, you’ve learned a few basic steps to troubleshoot this problem and explored what to do if your van is showing signs of aging and downtime is hurting your operations.
At MoveMobility, we understand that when your vehicle isn’t working as it should, it disrupts the services you provide. Our team knows how important it is for you to be able to serve your clients safely and reliably. If you face these challenges, you’re not alone; we’re here to help.
If you have any questions or want to explore new wheelchair van options, click the button below to talk to a mobility expert. We’re always ready to assist you with any wheelchair lift concerns.
If you’re dealing with other wheelchair lift problems aside from the one discussed in this article, we have a few other related resources you should check out:
