Heads up on a lift problem

[DAVE VAN]

I was lifting my Cobra on my 2 post lift. When I released the push button it kept going up. Thanks to someones previous post i had installed a kill switch near the controls which stopped the pump. If not for the kill switch, my other option was the breaker on the other side or the shop. The Car would have topped out by then and damaged something big time.

If your lift doesn't have a kill switch or disconnect close by please install one NOW.

 

[MrSurly]

Always good advice.
Most lifts have ‘safety’ trip wire of similar across the top but depending on the car being lifted, it may not be in just the right place. In the case of *MY* lift, the safety wire pulls a link under the button so as to let the switch release
even though the button is pushed. In the scenario you had (the switch itself failing ‘on’) then the safety wire on mine would be useless. I should consider a safety esd on mine, but the breaker is close by...
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[Mister68]

Installing a kill switch right on the lift is the way go. I installed mine 7 years ago after I read a post describing the same problem, switch contacts welding themselves closed.

 

[zkdiesel]

Have rotary s with thousands of cycles. Never had an issue like this, never even worry about it.

What brand lift/pump motor combo?

 

[Kaizen]

Amen Dave. Small cost for big payout. Not just an urban legend


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[glentre]

I agree with the possibility of failed switches. There have been other posts in the past regarding failed lift switches and, after reading them, I installed breakers ahead of and adjacent to the factory lift switches on both of my four post units.

Glen

 

[stayalert]

I'm new here and am happy to get this heads up.... Glad nothing was damaged/noone hurt....My garage is still on paper and even when built, a lift probably won't go in right away. If my van (with a fiberglass pop up roof) experienced that scenario it would result in ALOT of damage.

 

[kaymccampbell]

I've got this one next to my lift controls.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KPEEPAW/?tag=atomicindus08-20

It actually got used, when a big chunk of crud fell off me, and into the up pushbutton for the lift, jamming it, while lifting the car. Just reached up and swatted the paddle. Almost just like I practiced a hundred times. In reality, there is that second or two delay, where you kinda **** yourself, before you remember to swat the switch.

Also have one on the tablesaw, where my hips bump, and another on the bandsaw, on the column.

 

[sweetk30]

happen to me a few months ago . here is my thread and how i made the fix .

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=446731

 

[johnehr]

Definitely a good idea. Might as well put an outlet for a welder in at the same time.




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[Mr_fixit]

I had my lift hydraulic stay on too long also. there was a 1/2" adjusting screw and mechanical lever that was supposed to stop the unit when it hit the limit. Hydraulic cylinder bend the g door track quicker than I could disconnect the twist lok plug.

. Turns out that the mechanical lever rested on a rubber chunk, which deteriorated
over the years, giving too much play. Swapped out the micro switch too.
I also added a double pole switch as a another means of disconnecting.

Stuck again years later, so I eliminated the mechanical lever operating the micro switch and installed a heavy duty momentary switch in a different position to eliminate the microswitch/lever combo.

Can't be too safe.

 

[Matt M PA]

I too installed one years ago on my 4 post. I can post a photo if anyone is interested, but I used an exterior double box with a cover that has a red lever. My electrical panel is on the other side of the garage. Cheap insurance to have a shut off at the lift. FWIW, the cover I bought has a provision to put a padlock on the switch to avoid unauthorized use.

 

[nadogail]

I've got this one next to my lift controls.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KPEEPAW/?tag=atomicindus08-20

It actually got used, when a big chunk of crud fell off me, and into the up pushbutton for the lift, jamming it, while lifting the car. Just reached up and swatted the paddle. Almost just like I practiced a hundred times. In reality, there is that second or two delay, where you kinda **** yourself, before you remember to swat the switch.

Also have one on the tablesaw, where my hips bump, and another on the bandsaw, on the column.

Thanks for posting.

 

[Chuckster in NJ]

ANY motorized equipment should have a disconnecting switch within sight....... A simple plug is considered a disconnecting means.

 

[slowTA]

After I read about this the first time I checked my lift.

While holding the power button on and the release lever at the same time the car lowered all the way to the floor. If I remember right it was a bit slower than when the pump isn't running.

So if the power button sticks, I'll lower the car all the way then run over to the breaker.

Hopefully this little tip will help someone!

 

[infinkc]

Here is my disconnect, per the install manual on mine its a requirement to install one for the safety reasons. It’s very odd that they don’t include one with the lift since it is required. I always turn mine off when I’m done using the lift for the day since I don’t want anyone(kids) pressing the motor button.

I have the overhead safety cut switch wires into it also if you are wondering what the other smaller black wire is.




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