During normal use of your stair lift it is likely the lift will eventually display a fault error code or the main batteries will need to be replaced. While some problems can easily be resolved many will require a service call. The guide below is a list of the Acorn stair lift error codes and what they signify. You may also find our basic troubleshooting guide to common stairlift problems helpful.
If your lift is beeping or making a chirping noise it’s an indication the lift is not receiving charge voltage and needs immediate attention. This beeping sound can occur even when the lift is not being used. If there are no lights or sounds coming from the lift, and you’ve checked the battery isolation switch you’ll need to schedule service. We serve the Northern Virginia, DC, and Maryland areas.
Acorn stair lift codes models 120/130
Explanation of the codes, what they are telling you, and what to do.
Stair lifts have many features to keep you safe and operational at the same time. If your lift stops working the codes on your lift can tell you what the problem is. It is important to note the codes flash in a sequence of a letter and then a number. Here are the most common codes for the Acorn 120 and 130 stair lifts.
C1- This code is normal, it’s to let you know the batteries are charging.
C4- The internal lift batteries are fully charged. All Acorn lifts run off the batteries, the household power is supplied to charge these batteries.
It’s normal for the C1 AND C4 codes to alternate while charging. The lift can flash C1 then C4 and back to C1 while in battery charge mode.
C5- The charger is connected but not charging. This is a battery fault problem and requires a service call. The batteries will need to be replaced and the lift charging circuit should be checked.
C6- The batteries are fully charged, C6 Code is displayed for the 130 models and is a normal operating code.
C7- T700 Models Power supply charger voltage is too LOW.
C8- Power supply charger voltage is too HIGH.
C9- Battery fault charger is connected but not charging.
A1- Stair lift is beeping, the lift is not parked on a charging station. The A1 code is telling you the lift is not charging. Move the lift to a charging point. If the lift doesn’t stop beeping check the power supply. If the power supply is plugged into a working outlet and the lift continues to beep call for service as soon as possible. The lift will need to be serviced or the main batteries will lose their charge and the lift will stop working.
Normal operating codes.
A2- This is a normal code when the lift is traveling up with the armrest switch.
A3- Is also normal and should be on when the lift is traveling down using the armrest switch.
A4- Normal and the same as A2, lift traveling in the up direction but is shown when using the remote control.
A5- Normal and the same as A3, the lift is traveling in the down direction but is shown when using the remote control.
E Codes – Indicate an ERROR and is typically a problem that can be easily fixed.
E1- The footrest safety edge has been activated in the up direction, check the footrest for an obstruction.
E2- This is also the footrest sensor but in the down direction, check the footrest for an obstruction.
E3- The safety edge on the carriage has been activated in the up direction. The safety edge is different from the footrest sensor. The safety edge is on the carriage of the lift and wraps around the stair lift rail. The top safety edge will have a key switch and battery switch located on the front.
E4- This is also the safety edge on the carriage but for the down direction. It will look like the top safety edge but without any switches on the cover.
E5- The seat is not in its normal operating position. Try swiveling the seat to reset the sensor.
E6- T700 Models is also the seat position sensor. Turn the seat to its riding position and check that it is locked in place. If the seat has been removed make sure the plastic cam is aligned and in the correct position.
E7- T700 Model Low battery, move the lift down and park on the nearest charging contact. The lift won’t move up until the E7 code is cleared.
E8- The batteries are low and need to be charged. If the batteries are good they will usually recharge in 1-2 hours. However, in most cases, the batteries will need to be replaced.
E9- The lift key-switch is in the off position. Check the key-switch is turned to the on position. The function of the key switch is to disable the controls and does not actually remove power from the lift and controller.
F Codes – FATAL ERROR codes indicate a problem that will need a stair lift service tech.
F1- Board relay fault, you will likely need a replacement board call for service.
F2- Brake fault will usually require a service call. Try turning the lift off and resetting it.
F3- Motor fault call for service.
F4- Overcurrent to the motor fault. Recommend service tech.
F5- Battery fault, try parking the lift on a charging contact. With the F5 code, the batteries have reached a critical level. Parking the lift on a charging station MAY recharge the batteries and correct the problem. How long it takes to charge the batteries will depend on their age and condition. Recharging the batteries should not take more than 24 hours. In many cases, the batteries won’t recharge and will need to be replaced by a service technician.
F6- Over limit means the lift went past the normal limit and shut off. Try hand-winding the lift away from the end of the track. Before running again it will need to be determined why the lift went too far. Recommend service call.
F7- OSG or over-speed governor, the lift should be checked by a service technician. The OSG or Overspeed governor is a device that monitors the speed of your stairlift to prevent it from traveling past its normal rated speed. This is a safety device that should never be tampered with.
F8- System lockout, try turning the power off and resetting the lift, call for service.
F9- T700 Model Carriage/footplate UP safety edge has been activated while at the lift is at the lowest stopping position. Check the UP carriage /footplate safety edge for obstruction.
H Codes – Hardware Faults – Lift will not Operate Requires Tech
H1- Multiple error codes likely SW-1 safety short to ground, requires service
H2- Multiple error codes SW-2 safety short to ground, requires service
H3- More than one error has occurred
H4- More than one error, safety device fault
Stair lifts are machinery and should always be serviced or repaired by certified lift technicians.
The Acorn lift operates with the use of two stairlift batteries. There are many reasons these batteries can stop working and won’t charge. The batteries are internal and should only be serviced or replaced by experienced stair lift technicians that are familiar with the Acorn stairlift.
Transformer/Power Supply
The batteries on the Acorn 130/120 receive a charging current from an external power supply. This unique transformer has an output of 15VAC 2500mA and is a plug-in-style transformer that should also be checked when your lift is serviced. A transformer problem will cause other issues with your lift and should be repaired immediately. Acorn lifts are battery-powered and need a continuous charge supplied by this transformer. Any problems with the transformer will cause your lift to stop working.
Programming the remote controls
Occasionally it may be necessary to reprogram the remote controls. The sequence to program the Acorn 130 and Brooks remote controls is below. Note: The programming sequence for the newer 130/T700 model is different.
- Push the control switch at the end of the armrest to run the lift down to the bottom limit.
- Once at the bottom limit position swivel the seat until you see the E5 error code and stop.
- Press and hold BOTH the armrest control in the down direction and the down button on the remote until the lift beeps.
- Swivel the seat back into the normal operating position and test the remote in the up and down direction.
