I own a JLG 60HA with a Ford industrial engine and PQ controllers. It has been sitting unused for about a year, but was in good working condition the last time I used it. The lift functions properly from the ground, but when I switch to the platform, the engine idles, the blue light on the platform flashes, and the controls become unresponsive once I am in the basket. Despite trying various solutions like jumpstarting the alternator to increase voltage, the issue persists. The engine dies after a short period of time, even with the foot pedal pressed down. The system voltage remains low due to the alternator not charging, causing problems with platform control. Connecting a running vehicle to boost the system voltage did not solve the issue. The engine continues to stall even after attempting different methods to rectify the problem.
Are you monitoring the voltage levels in your basket to ensure optimal performance? It is crucial to keep it above 11 volts to prevent any system malfunctions. If voltage drops below this threshold, the engine may shut down around 10 volts. Regular voltage checks are essential for avoiding potential disruptions in operation.
Great, that's valuable information. I appreciate it. I'll be sure to monitor the voltage in the Basket within the next hour and provide an update. Thank you once again!
After conducting a voltage check in the basket, it was found that the circuit breaker inside the wiring box is showing a voltage reading of 11.78. The wire providing power to the circuit breaker has a current flow of approximately .6A. Upon pressing the pedal, the voltage quickly decreases to 1.6 volts and the current flow drops to .25 amps. Additionally, as mentioned in the initial post, the blue flashing light on the basket ceases flashing when the pedal is pressed and resumes when the pedal is released. This issue is commonly known to occur in electric baskets and can be a result of varying voltage levels and current flow.
I need to address an error in my previous post. While the voltage reading on the circuit breaker was accurate, the current measurement was incorrect. I mistakenly measured the current on a circuit fed by the circuit breaker instead of the wire supplying power to it. Upon closer examination, I discovered a significant current draw of around 37 amps on the orange wire connected to the foot pedal when it is pressed. No current flows through the orange wire when the pedal is not pressed. This wire is linked to the foot pedal mechanism. I will now proceed with further troubleshooting to resolve this issue. Thank you for allowing me to rectify this mistake and provide you with precise details.
After conducting a thorough investigation, I identified the issue with the foot pedal - a faulty switch was causing the controls to malfunction. To address the problem temporarily, I replaced it with a standard household three-way switch, and now the controls are functioning properly again. Surprisingly, the circuit did not have any fuses to protect against the high current flow of 39 amps that was causing a voltage drop during testing. There is a circuit breaker in the wiring box, but it appears to have a higher tripping point than the current reading. It seems that the machine only has circuit breakers and no fuses. There might be a resistive load in the circuit that helps regulate the current. Corrosion inside the faulty switch may have been limiting the current flow. One observation I made was that in creep mode, only two out of the four controllers were working, each only in one direction. If you have any insights on this issue, please share them with me. It's a relief to have the machine functioning properly again, thanks for suggesting voltage checks in the basket.
Answer: Answer: The platform controls may be unresponsive and the engine may be stalling due to a low system voltage caused by issues with the alternator not charging properly.
Answer: Answer: You can troubleshoot engine stalling by checking the alternator for proper charging, ensuring the system voltage is sufficient, and investigating potential issues with the foot pedal or other components related to engine operation.
Answer: Answer: To address the blue light flashing on the platform, focus on resolving the underlying problem of low system voltage by checking the alternator, connections, and electrical components related to charging the system.
Answer: Answer: The engine may be dying due to inadequate system voltage caused by the alternator not charging properly, leading to issues with maintaining engine operation and platform control functionality.
Join hundreds of satisfied customers who have transformed their maintenance processes.
Sign up today and start optimizing your workflow.