Forklift Won't Start - What Do You Do?
If your forklift won't start, there are a few things that you can try to troubleshoot the problem yourself: Check that your battery if fully charged, check that the fuel in your tank is good, and more!
Click on the links below to take you to more information on each troubleshooting step.
Forklift won’t start? Try these troubleshooting tips
Common Reasons Why Your Forklift Won't Start
Your Forklift Is not Getting Its Fuel Source
Both electric and internal combustion forklifts require fuel in order to start. If they are not getting fuel, then they won't start.
Electric Forklifts
Electric forklifts get their fuel from their battery. You can take the following steps to make sure your electric forklift is getting its fuel from its battery.
Step 1: Find out When Your Lift Truck Was Last Charged.
If your electric forklift won't start, it may simply be because its battery needs to be charged. Find out when it was last charged and if it was properly connected to the charger. If it was not recently charged or properly connected, it will need to be re-charged.
Watch the steps for properly charging a forklift battery
Step 2: Find out if There Were any Power Outages or Electrical Surges
If there was a power outage or an electrical surge during your battery charging time, then it may not have been properly charged and will need to be re-charged.
Step 3: Check to See if Your Headlights Are Still Working
Turn on your headlights to see if they still work. If they don't turn on at all, there are a few possible reasons why including:
A blown main power fuse
Corroded battery connections
Loose or broken ground connections
If your lights turn on, then try blowing the horn. If the lights dim, then your battery may be dead or you may have a bad connection. Check to see if it is charged and check that all of the connections are secure.
Learn how to take voltage readings on a forklift battery
You can check to see if your battery is fully charged using a VOM (volts-ohm-meter). If your battery is fully charged then the VOM should read about 13.2 volts. If you notice that the voltage drops at the battery terminals, then the battery is most likely your problem.
Re-charge your battery fully and then test it again with the VOM. If your battery doesn't take a full 13.2-volt charge, then it may need to be replaced.
If your battery is good, then your problem might be a malfunctioning fuse or plug that needs to be replaced. A professional can help you quickly find the problem and get you up and running again.
Internal Combustion Forklift
If your forklift has an internal combustion engine, then you should check that it is properly getting its diesel or gas.
Step 1: Check to See if Your Fuel Is Still Good
Find out if the fuel has been sitting in your forklift's tank for an extended period of time. It may need to have a completely new tank of fuel.
Diesel can go bad in as little as 30 days especially if it comes in contact with water. Keeping your tank full will cut down on condensation forming inside of your tank and damaging your fuel.
Step 2: Check Your Other Fluid Levels
If your forklift won’t start, check your fluid levels, especially your oil
Check all of your other fluid levels to see that they are topped up.
In some cases, your forklift won't start because it may be designed to stop the fuel valve from opening if there isn't sufficient oil in the engine.
This is a safety feature that prevents you from operating your forklift without enough oil and thus damaging your engine.
Step 3: Check for Fuel Leakages
See if the fuel smells stronger than it usually does. If this is the case, then you may have a fuel leak somewhere that is preventing your forklift from starting.
Step 4: Check Your Battery
Internal combustion forklifts also have batteries, not for fuel but to run other components of your forklift. Follow step 3 under the electric forklifts above to make sure that your problem isn't with your battery.
Proper forklift battery maintenance will help it last longer -Image Source: NationalLiftTruck
Other Possible Reasons Why Your Forklift Won't Start
1. Your Safety Features Are On: Some forklifts are equipped with an emergency power-off switch. Check to see that this switch hasn't been accidentally flipped as it could be the reason why your forklift won't start.
2. Your Engine Is Too Cold: If your forklift has been exposed to extremely cold temperatures for a long period of time, then it may not start. If possible, move your forklift to a warmer area. Let it warm up for a while and then try starting it again.
3. You Don't Have Enough Weight on Your Seat: Another safety feature that many forklifts have is that they won't start unless there is a certain amount of weight on the seat.
This is a feature that ensures that there is an operator seated in the forklift before it can be started.
Try adjusting your weight and make sure that you are firmly seated before starting your forklift engine.
When Should You Call a Professional
There are many other reasons why your forklift won't start. If you have tried all of the above steps then it is time to contact a professional.
A forklift is a complex piece of machinery and other than the basic maintenance and troubleshooting, its service and repairs should be left to trained technicians.
Wayco - For the Best Service, Parts, and Warranties in the Forklift Industry
If your forklift won’t start, contact the professionals at Wayco. Our fully equipped service and parts departments are always available to repair all popular makes of industrial forklift trucks 24 hours a day, 365 days a year!
Whether you are in the market for a new or used forklift, talk to the professionals at Wayco. Wayco offers the best warranties in the business for both new and used forklifts so you can purchase with confidence!
