How to Troubleshoot Waltco Lift Gates
Waltco lift gates are installed on the rear of trucks, to enable easy loading and unloading of cargo. Waltco was launched in 1954, and has become the largest maker of hydraulic lift gates in the United States. Waltco lift gates are raised and lowered by an electric powered motor and a system of hydraulic pistons. The gates fold away when not in use, and become a platform akin to a small elevator when in action. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Inspect the electrical system if your lift gate motor overheats, or the LED indicator light is illuminated red. Loose or corroded battery cables, weak or dead batteries, and a faulty ground wire or connection can all be the cause. Repair or replace the parts at fault, then test the lift gate motor.
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Start your truck engine if the lift gate motor fails, and the LED indicator light is illuminated yellow. The reduced capacity of your electrical system to produce power, when the engine is off, may be the cause. If the motor still fails to work once the engine is turned on, check the cables, ground wire and wire connections for faults. Make any necessary repairs or replacements and try the lift gate motor again.
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Check the hydraulic fluid reservoir if the lift gate does not operate smoothly, or if there is a failure in the hydraulic pistons. Remove all of the old hydraulic fluid through the drain plug located on the underside of the tank. Flush out the system, and refill it with new hydraulic fluid. Bleed the hydraulic pistons according to the manufacturer's instructions, and retest the lift gate.
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Tips & Warnings
Inspect the lift gate before and after each use. Look for damage to lift gate parts, and check that the lift gate is set in the proper position. Inspect the hoses that run from the lift gate motor to the lift gate hydraulics for damage, leaks, cuts or kinks. Look for wear on all moving parts, and check that each bolt and screw is tightly fastened.
Hydraulic lift gates are heavy, powerful devices. Make sure your fingers and toes are clear when the lift gate is in operation, and never allow children to use or play on a lift gate unsupervised.
References
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