TextWhat to do if my forklift will not turn on?
If you are not certified to service a forklift, we of course first recommend that you have the forklift checked by a professional. With that said, there are a few things you can test yourself before doing that, such as checking your fuel source.
For electric forklifts, you will want to see when the vehicle was last charged. Even if the battery was recently charged, it could still be the culprit! Make sure that it is still functional. From short circuits to sulfation, there are many reasons why an array will stop charging. In many cases, the cell needs to be replaced.
For internal combustion forklifts (IC), you need to be sure that the fuel in the tank has not been sitting there for long enough that the odor of fuel is potent. Be sure to check all otherfluids inyour forklift as well. Transmission valves should also be checked for any dirt blockages or leaks that can create trouble.
Check all your safety features to be sure that there isn’t an emergency power switch that is flipped on. A cold engine can also cause the machine to stall, as can a seat switch which requires a certain amount of weight for the device to operate.This was designed to help create a child-safe piece of machinery, but it can be a frustrating feature if forgotten.
My forklift will not idle. Now What?
Depending on the model, some forklifts have an idle air control valve or an idle speed control valve situated at the bottom of the throttle form that couldbe causing the issue. If the valve is not broken, it wouldalso be wise to check that there are no leaks in fuel or clogs that may be causing the machine to shut down once it idles. The transmission may also be to blame, and if this is the case it is better to seek the help of a professional who can betteridentify the main problem.
My forklift will not go into gear. What is the Problem?
If your forklift will not go into gear, first check your transmission fluid levels and then the break isolator valve at the top of the transmission. If there is pressure in the brake lines, it will prevent travel in either direction and will affect transmission changes. The spool in the valve on top of the transmission manages the dumping of transmission fluid pressure when the forklift moves in reverse or forwards. Models vary, and any transmission ordeal is recommended to be seen by a professional.
My forklift will not turn off. What can I do?
If your forklift will not shut down, it is likely an issue with the key ignition that must be looked at by a professional electrician. Most forklift models being produced today come equipped with an emergency shut off switch that can is separate from the ignition.
My forklift will not lift. What should I do?
If your forklift is not lifting, rest assured that this is a common forklift issue and there are a few things you can do to try to remedy it. The lift, or “mast”, is the mechanism that does all the work on a forklift. When it is not functioning, it is likely an issue of hydraulics. Be sure to check your hydraulics fluid to rule out any problems of the kind.
Oil leakages can also cause issues with the mast and must be looked at by a professional immediately. The lift and tilt cylinder is likely where an expert would find the leak that is causing the malfunction. An improperly functioning mast can slow down production and even damage products, so this is something you want to take a look at ASAP.
My forklift will not charge. What do I do?
If your forklift will not charge, then the battery likely needs to be replaced – but there are a few things you can look out for to prevent further issues. If your battery has, for example, short-circuited, then you are going to needto replace the faulty cell with a single-charged cell. If sulfation is taking place from constant charging and discharging of the battery or impurities causing excessive discharging, then remove or cease those activities to extend the life of the battery. If it can’t be remedied, then the cell must be replaced.