Why Won’t My Forklift Start? 7 Possible Reasons and How to Fix Them
Table of Contents
7 Possible Reasons and How to Fix Them
There is nothing worse than to jump into the driver’s seat, all ready to get to work, only for your forklift to refuse to start. Whether the forklift is turning over but not firing up, making a clicking noise, or doing absolutely nothing, it can cause significant disruptions.
The good news? Most starting issues come down to only a handful of common problems. Through a little bit of troubleshooting, you can often solve the problems and get the vehicle moving again quite easily.
Let’s go through seven possible reasons your forklift won’t start, and what you can do about it.
Battery Problems
If your forklift is completely unresponsive or just making a clicking noise when you turn the key, the battery should be the first thing you check always. A flat battery, loose connections, or corrosion at the terminals are all indicators for the problem. Double-check the battery including its connections and terminals so that everything is rusty and dirty. If it still won’t start, your battery might not be good enough and need to be replaced.
Fuel Supply Issues
When it comes to fuel-powered forklifts, an empty or low tank is the most likely problem, but old or contaminated fuel can also lead to just as many issues. In case the forklift has not been used for some time, some fuel is likely to have degraded. This makes it less easier for the engine to start. Obstructed fuel lines and a clogged filter can also disrupt the fuel flow. Filling up with fresh fuel and checking for blockages will definitely solve the problem.
Cold Weather Trouble
Starting a forklift could be a bit more of a challenge in the freezing cold, particularly, in the case of electric and LPG models. Batteries don’t do well in the cold. Furthermore, the condensation in the fuel tank acts as a result of the thicker fuel, which can be one reason for engine problems. To increase the lifespan of forklifts you can follow certain tactics. Shelter them under a roof and let them warm up for a while before you use them. And don’t forget to check the fuel system. If you obey these rules, you may escape the starting difficulties that often accompany winter.
The Friendly Annoyance of the Safety Device
Forklifts are equipped with a variety of safety features that can prevent them from starting when certain conditions are not met. It is possible that the seat sensor picks up no weight or the transmission is not in neutral but the emergency stop button can still be engaged. You have to check everything first and only then make your own conclusions about this problem. Often found fixes include presses of buttons or switches of gears into the correct position; in other instances, you might also need a technician.
Electric Malfunctioning
Even if the battery is charging OK but the forklift refuses to start, especially if it was fine when you left it, a battery-related electrical issue might be the cause. Melted fuses, cut wiring or a defective ignition switch can keep power from reaching where it should. A simple inspection of the fuses and wiring might show what the problem is. On the contrary, if it looks good and still won’t start, it might be time for H&F Forklifts to fix it for you.
The Starter Motor
You turn the key to start the engine but the motor refuses to ignite, leaving you puzzled with the starter motor. Eventually, these engines get exhausted and burn out. This reduces the chance that the engine will start. Unlike, the loose or corroded connections to the starter are not immune. In most cases, people find out that the starter motor is the issue when tapping gets it to turn over for a short period of time, which happens when the motor needs replacement.
Engine Problems
If you followed the instruction and the battery, fuel, and electrics seem to be in good condition but your forklift still won’t start then there is a need to check the engine itself internally. Low oil levels, clogged air filters or worn-out spark plugs are the common reasons that can prevent the engine from the proper firing up. Despite this, the fuel injectors or the regulators in the Diesel and LPG models can also be the cause of the problem if they are not functioning properly. Regular servicing is a very efficient way to make these parts work well. The ongoing maintenance is the most important thing to avoid small issues turning into expensive repairs.
A forklift that stops working can stop work immediately. The malfunction issue is usually an easy fix.
When you don’t know what to do and you need professional help, just rely on us. We will work very hard to get your forklift back and keep it running. Give us a call today and let our experts take care of the problem!
