TPG Home

TPG DISABLEAIDS

Stairlift User Guides, How to fix common problems

Round the Corner Stairlift

TPG Disable Aids | Advice & Support

Stairlift User Guides

To find common User Guides to download

Common stairlift problems

While we aim to make sure every stairlift is in great condition, things like time and use can sometimes lead to problems. In this guide, we’ve gathered some typical issues that can happen with stairlifts and provided solutions to help if your stairlift isn’t working as expected.

Top Tips..

Carry a mobile phone with you if you’re at home alone. This way, you can call for help if needed.

Keep our contact number 01432 351666 easily accessible for emergencies.

When dealing with your stairlift, it’s a good idea to have someone else with you. They can assist you if any issues arise.

If your stairlift stops while on the stairs:

    • Stay seated if possible.
    • Try restarting it or asking for help.
    • If you need to get off, do it carefully and slowly.
    • Ideally, have someone there to assist you in getting off safely.

Remember a well maintained stairlift is less likely to breakdown. We & manufacturers recommend an annual service to keep your lift in a good working order. Failure to have your lift serviced annually may jeopardise your manufacturers warranty.

My stairlift will not move

If the power light is off:

Check the on/off switch is on (usually located on the arm).

Check that the master power switch is on (usually located under the seat on the carriage, either at the front or back).

Check that the key is inserted and turned to the on position (usually located under the seat on the carriage at the front or side).

If the power light is on:

Check that the chair is fully swivelled back to its travelling position and that the swivel levers are in the correct position.

Check whether there is anything obstructing the safety edges – if there is move the stairlift in the opposite direction, remove the obstruction and then you can continue your journey.

If you have a hinged rail ensure the rail is fully lowered and locked in position.

If your stairlift still does not move:

Turn the master power key to the off position and then back on.

Move and hold the control in the direction of travel for a few seconds after which the stairlift should start.

Remember attempting complex repairs without proper training and knowledge could lead to further problems or safety hazards. It is normally advisable that you contact a certified trained company like ourselves. We are happy to assist just give us a call on 01432 351666.

If the stairlift still doesn’t work at this point you can contact our service department during office hours on 01432 351666.

My stairlift is beeping
Your stairlift will beep if the batteries are not being charged.
Check the wall switch is on and the charger indicator is lit.
Check that the power has not tripped.
Check the stairlift is parked correctly at the top or bottom of the stairs.

Please do not confuse smoke alarm beeping, due to a low battery, with stairlift beeping. Smoke alarms usually beep every 30 seconds to warn you that their battery is low and requires replacing. It is always advisable that you rule out a nearby smoke alarm should you hear beeping just in case.

If you have checked these things and your stairlift continues to beep you can switch your stairlift off to stop the noise and call our service department during office hours 01432 351666.

My remote control doesn’t work
To test a stairlift remote control to ensure it’s working properly, follow these steps:
Preparation:
Make sure the stairlift is in a safe position and not obstructed.
Ensure that the stairlift is powered on and operational.
Testing the Remote Control:
Stand within a reasonable distance from the stairlift, ensuring you have a clear line of sight to the stairlift’s receiver.
Hold the remote control in your hand, aiming it towards the stairlift’s receiver.
Testing the Buttons:
Press each button on the remote control one at a time. These buttons typically include directional buttons (up and down) and possibly other functions like stop or power.
As you press each button, observe the stairlift’s response:
If the stairlift moves in the expected direction (up or down) when you press the respective button, the remote control is functioning correctly for that command.
If the stairlift does not respond or moves in the opposite direction, there might be an issue with the remote control or the communication between the remote and the stairlift.
Additional Steps:
Check the batteries in the remote control. If the batteries are weak or depleted, this could cause the remote control to not function properly.
Ensure that there are no obstructions or interference between the remote control and the stairlift’s receiver. Objects or obstacles can block the signal.
If the remote control still doesn’t work after checking the batteries and ensuring a clear line of sight, there might be a problem with the remote control itself. You could try using a different remote control, if available, to see if the issue persists.
If the stairlift does not operate at all, even with other controls like those on the stairlift itself, there might be a larger issue with the stairlift’s functionality that requires professional assistance from us.
Remember that safety is paramount, especially with equipment like stairlifts. If you’re unsure about testing the remote control or encounter any issues, it’s recommended to contact us on 01432 351666.
There are two different types of remote control wireless and infra red.
Look for a small, usually dark-coloured window on the front of the remote control. This is the infrared emitter. Some remotes might have an “IR” or “Infrared” symbol near the emitter window. If your remote control is infra-red you can test using a mobile phone, following the instructions below.
What You Need to test an Infra-red remote control:
A set of new batteries
The remote control you want to test.
A mobile phone with a camera (front facing camera)
Steps:
Make sure the batteries in the remote control are fully charged or recently purchased.
Find the tip of the remote control that emits infrared light. Most stairlift remote controls have this feature.
Point the tip of the remote control towards the camera on your mobile phone.
Open the camera app on your mobile phone and switch to the selfie camera mode.
Look at the camera app on your phone’s screen. You should be able to see the tip of the remote control’s infrared light.
While looking at the camera app, press the buttons on the remote control. You should see the infrared tip flashing on the camera app whenever you press a button.
If the infrared tip flashes as you press the buttons, it means your remote control is working properly. This test works for stairlifts as well as other devices with infrared functionality, like radio remote controls.
Troubleshooting:
If the test doesn’t work, make sure the batteries are properly inserted and fully charged.
If your remote control isn’t working even though the infrared tip is flashing, there might be an issue with the stairlift. Check if there’s anything obstructing the line of sight between the remote control and the stairlift main unit.
Keep in mind that infrared signals need a clear line of sight to work properly. If there’s an obstruction, the signal might not reach the stairlift main unit or device.
Using this simple test, you can quickly determine whether your remote control is functional or if there might be another issue affecting its performance.
Remember attempting complex repairs without proper training and knowledge could lead to further problems or safety hazards. It is normally advisable that you contact a certified trained company like us.
If the stairlift still doesn’t work at this point you can contact our service department during office hours on 01432 351666.
My automatic swivel doesn’t work

If the powered swivel feature of your stairlift is not working, you can perform the following simple checks to troubleshoot the issue:

Safety Switches:
Stairlifts typically have safety switches that prevent the swivel function from working if the seat is not properly locked in the travel position. Ensure that the seat is securely in place and locked before attempting to activate the swivel.
Power Supply:
Make sure that the stairlift is powered on and that there is a reliable power supply. Check if the stairlift’s display or indicator lights are working as expected.
Remote Control:
Test the swivel function using both the remote control and the controls on the stairlift itself. If the issue is only present with one control method, it might indicate a problem with the control device.
Obstructions:
Check for any obstructions around the swivel mechanism that might be preventing its movement. Clear away any objects that could be blocking the swivel’s path.
Manual Override: Some stairlifts have a manual override feature that allows you to manually engage the swivel function in case of a power failure or malfunction. Refer to your stairlift’s user manual to see if this option is available and how to use it.
Locking Mechanism:
Verify that the swivel locking mechanism is functioning correctly. If it’s not engaging properly, the swivel function might not work.
Remote Control Batteries:
If your stairlift’s swivel is controlled by a remote, make sure the remote control has fresh batteries. Weak batteries can cause communication issues between the remote and the stairlift.
Reboot or Reset:
In some cases, a simple reboot or reset of the stairlift system might resolve the issue. Check your user manual for instructions on how to perform a reset.
Professional Assistance:
If none of the above steps resolve the issue, or if you’re uncomfortable with the troubleshooting process. We can provide specific guidance based on your stairlift’s model and features.Always prioritise safety during troubleshooting. If you’re unsure about any step or if the issue persists, reach out to us to ensure the proper functioning of your stairlift.

Call our service department during office hours on 01432 351666. If available and safe use the manual swivel levers under the seat in the meantime.

For further Tips and Advice you can download the User Manuals for the common stair lifts below:

Obstructions causing the lift to stop, often shown as an Error

Basic Check:
Look for any objects obstructing the track or blocking the movement of the stairlift.
Instructions:
Carefully inspect the track and surrounding area for any objects that might be causing an obstruction. Remove any obstacles that you find.
Garments stuck in the track:
Carefully inspect the area. Observe if the lift can be sent in the opposite direction to free the garment. If the lift resists or the garment appears to be wrapped around or catching. We would recommend getting a qualified stairlift engineer such as us to inspect and assess the impact of the damage.
Always prioritise safety during troubleshooting. If you’re unsure about any step or if the issue persists, reach out to us to ensure the proper functioning of your stairlift.Call our service department during office hours on 01432 351666.

For further Tips and Advice you can download the User Manuals for the common stair lifts below:

Seat or Footrest Not Folding
Basic Check:
Check for any foreign objects or obstructions preventing the seat or footrest from folding properly.
Instructions:
Carefully examine the seat and footrest mechanisms for anything that might be hindering their movement. Remove any debris or objects that are causing the issue.
Always prioritise safety during troubleshooting. If you’re unsure about any step or if the issue persists, reach out to us to ensure the proper functioning of your stairlift.

Call our service department during office hours on 01432 351666.

For further Tips and Advice you can download the User Manuals for the common stair lifts below:

Strange Noises or Jolting Movements

Basic Check:
Check for loose bolts, screws, or parts that might be causing the noises or uneven movements. We would not recommend using a stairlift that has loose fixings or exessive movement.
Remember attempting more complex repairs without proper training and knowledge could lead to further problems or safety hazards. It is normally advisable that you contact a certified trained company like ourselves.Call our service department during office hours on 01432 351666. If available and safe use the manual swivel levers under the seat in the meantime.

For further Tips and Advice you can download the User Manuals for the common stair lifts below:

Stairlift User Manuals

Handicare 1100

Straight Stairlift

Handicare 950

Straight Stairlift

Handicare 1000

Straight Stairlift

Handicare 1100 Slidetrack

Straight Stairlift

Handicare 2000

Curved Stairlift

Handicare Freecurve

Curved Stairlift

Handicare 4000

Curved Stairlift

Stannah 600 Sienna

Straight Stairlift

Stannah 600 Starla

Straight Stairlift

Stannah 320

Outdoor Straight Stairlift

Stannah 260 Siena

Curved Stairlift

Stannah 260 Starla

Curved Stairlift

Stannah 260 Sadler

Curved Stairlift

Access BDD Homeglide

Straight Stairlift

Access BDD Flow 2A

Curved Stairlift

Access BDD Flow X

Curved Stairlift
Share This