Expert repair and servicing for Acorn curved stairlifts — covering both the Acorn 80 and Acorn 180. Full fault code guide, genuine parts, and same-day callouts. If your Acorn is beeping, stuck, not charging, or showing a fault code — we can help.
The fault code information below is provided for reference only. Stairlifts are heavy mechanical devices — some faults (especially safety gear, over-speed governor, and accelerometer faults) require a qualified engineer. If in doubt, call us on 0800 567 7033 before attempting any repair.
The Acorn 80 and Acorn 180 are the same curved stairlift — the only difference is the main PCB fitted, which changes the fault code system.
Uses letter-number codes:
A1 · C1 · E1 · F5 · F7
See the Acorn 180 codes section below.
Uses single-character codes:
5. · U. · d. · E. · 0–9
See the Acorn 80 codes section below.
Every Acorn 180 code — what it means and what to do.
Batteries not recharging. Beeps intermittently for 60 seconds, then hibernates.
Action: Check mains supply. Park on charge points. Allow to recharge. Display shows C1 when charging, C4 when full.
Moving Up.
Action: No action required.
Moving Down.
Action: No action required.
Moving Up (remote control).
Moving Down (remote control).
Waiting for hinge. The stairlift is waiting for the hinge to operate.
Charging mode. The stairlift is charging.
Action: No action required.
Batteries fully charged.
Action: No action required.
Down-side foot sensitive safety edge activated.
Action: Check for obstructions on the down-side foot plate.
Up-side foot sensitive safety edge activated.
Action: Check for obstructions on the up-side foot plate.
Under foot plate sensitive safety edge activated.
Action: Check underneath the foot plate.
Down-side sensitive safety edge activated.
Action: Check the down-side safety edge.
Up-side sensitive safety edge activated.
Action: Check the up-side safety edge.
Seat swivelled away from operating position.
Action: Return the seat to its locked operating position.
Battery flat — audible alarm.
Action: Press arm switch or remote once to stop the alarm. Bring the unit to the nearest charging station.
⚠️ Safety gear is on. Safety-critical fault.
Action: Contact a stairlift repair company immediately. Do not use the stairlift.
Over-speed governor (OSG) fault.
Action: Call your local engineer. Do not attempt to move the carriage.
Batteries not charged.
Action: Drive the stairlift to the nearest charging point.
Accelerometer sensor fault.
Action: Call a local engineer.
Seat not level.
Action: Level with the hand winder. If it continues, call your engineer.
Lost datum / programming fault.
Action: Call your engineer.
Searching mode.
Action: Call your engineer.
The earlier main PCB uses single-character codes. If your display shows any of these, find them below.
Standby. Ready to use.
Moving up the rail.
Moving down the rail.
At correct stopped position.
Batteries fast charging (small light on).
Batteries trickle charging (small light flashing).
No datum is set. Programming mode required.
Datum search is on.
Programming mode is on.
Programming terminal limits (charge point positions).
These codes only display when a call has been made.
No battery power.
Action: Check mains supply and charge points.
Seat swivelled out of its operating position.
Action: Return seat to locked position.
Hinged rail is not down in its operating position.
Action: Check the hinge is fully down.
Seat or footrest not in operating positions (certain applications).
Action: Check seat and footrest.
Pressure Sensitive Edge (PSE) activated.
Action: Check for obstructions on the safety edges.
Conflicting call signal between armrest control and remote.
Action: Release both controls and retry.
Insufficient charge to complete a full journey.
Action: Drive to nearest charge point.
Installation error (flashing display) OR Motor Brake Failure.
Action: Call an engineer.
Feed fault — no power on main control circuit.
Action: Check supply, call engineer.
Overrun the normal parking position and activated the Final Limit Switch.
Action: Call engineer.
Over-speed governor has been activated.
Action: Call engineer. Do not move the carriage.
Over-speed governor is not rotating.
Action: Call engineer.
Levelling over-travel limit switch protection.
Action: Call engineer.
PCB power frame failure.
Action: Call engineer — may need PCB replacement.
Main drive motor polarity is wrong.
Action: Call engineer.
Levelling motor polarity is wrong.
Action: Call engineer.
Encoder failure (main drive or levelling drive).
Action: Call engineer.
Accelerometer failure.
Action: Call engineer immediately.
Lift is out of level — electronic shut down.
Action: Call engineer.
Lift is not being charged. Flashing display + audible beep alarm.
Action: Check mains supply and charge point.
Main drive over speed.
Action: Call engineer.
Levelling over speed.
Action: Call engineer.
Simple checks you can try before calling an engineer.
Note: For temporary recovery only. If the fault recurs, call an engineer.
The seat is levelled by a potentiometer and should come correctly set from the factory. If it becomes unlevel:
Warning: We recommend this is done by a qualified engineer.
F1 indicates a relay fault in the main PCB caused by hot-switch relay signals.
Emergency reset (temporary): With the power off, carefully tap the relay with a screwdriver to release it from being jammed.
⚠️ Important: Emergency recovery only. Contact a stairlift company immediately to have it properly repaired.
If you remove the power bogie covers to access the OSG, check that the regulator and trigger arm are in the correct position.
⚠️ WARNING: If the OSG does not look correct, do NOT attempt to move the carriage. Call an engineer immediately.
The following should always be handled by a qualified engineer: F7 (safety gear), F1 (relay fault), OSG issues, accelerometer faults, and any damage to safety edges or rollers. Call 0800 567 7033.
The most frequent issues we're called out to fix.
If your Acorn makes a grinding noise on straight runs or around a bend, this usually indicates worn rollers. Another sign is the stairlift suddenly running much slower. This should be addressed as soon as possible to prevent further damage to the rail and carriage.
📞 Book a roller inspectionSpecialists in Acorn curved stairlifts — with the parts and know-how to fix it right.
Our engineers have in-depth knowledge of Acorn curved stairlifts — from minor fault codes to full PCB replacement.
We use genuine Acorn parts and follow manufacturer guidelines — ensuring your stairlift performs safely and reliably.
Same-day and next-day callouts available. All work comes with a warranty — giving you total peace of mind.
Our engineers are based in strategic locations to provide national coverage.
Quick answers to the questions we hear most.
The Acorn 80 and Acorn 180 are the same curved stairlift — the difference is the main PCB fitted. The earlier PCB (Acorn 80) uses single-character codes like 5, U, d, E, and 0–9. The later PCB (Acorn 180) uses letter-number codes like A1, C1, E1, F5, and F7.
Code A1 means the batteries are not being recharged. Check that the mains supply is on and the stairlift is parked on its charge points. Allow the batteries to recharge before use.
Code F7 indicates the safety gear is on. This is a safety-critical fault. Contact a stairlift repair company immediately. Do not use the stairlift until it has been inspected.
A blank display on an Acorn 80 usually means no battery power. Check the mains supply is on and the stairlift is parked on its charge points. If it remains blank after charging, call 0800 567 7033.
A grinding noise on the straight run or around a bend usually indicates worn rollers. Another sign is the stairlift suddenly running much slower. This should be investigated as soon as possible.
Some codes can be cleared by switching the stairlift off and on again, or by following the override procedure. However, safety-critical faults (F7, OSG, accelerometer) should always be diagnosed by a qualified engineer. Call 0800 567 7033 for advice.
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