7 days a week
80, 120, 130, 180, Superglide
All work covered
10+ years experience
Acorn models we repair
Straight, curved, current and older. If it says Acorn on it, we can probably fix it.
Acorn 80
One of the older curved models, still going strong in a lot of homes. Uses single-character fault codes, and we know them all.
Acorn 120
An older straight model, often found in bungalows and smaller staircases. Parts are getting harder to find, but most faults we can still sort.
Acorn 130
A popular straight stairlift. Reliable, but rollers, batteries and PCB issues come up over time. All straightforward for us.
Acorn 180
The best-known Acorn curved model. Letter-number fault codes (A1, C1, E1, F1, F5, F7) tell you exactly what's wrong.
Full Acorn 180 fault code guide →
Acorn Superglide
A long-running straight model. Still lots of them about. We repair and service them regularly.
Not sure which model?
Tell us the fault code you're seeing, or ring us and describe what the stairlift is doing. We can usually work out which model it is from the symptoms.
We also repair Brooks stairlifts
Brooks stairlifts are built on the same platform as Acorn. Same motor, same control board, same fault codes, same rollers. The only real difference is the badge on the side and the colour of the seat.
So if your stairlift says Brooks on it, everything on this page applies to you too. F1 fault, jammed rollers, grinding noise, beeping. The diagnosis and the fix are the same. Ring us on 0800 567 7033 with your model and the fault, and we'll take it from there.
Common Acorn and Brooks faults we fix
The jobs we get called out to most often on Acorn and Brooks stairlifts.
- ✅ Beeping, or a fault code showing
- ✅ F1 fault, the most common Acorn fault we see
- ✅ Running slow, or sluggish
- ✅ Not charging, batteries going flat
- ✅ Stuck mid-flight, or won't move
- ✅ Grinding, squeaking or unusual noise
- ✅ Seat not level, or tilting
- ✅ Remote control not responding
- ✅ Safety gear or OSG has tripped
- ✅ Chair won't swivel at the top or bottom
🔈 Grinding noise? That's usually worn rollers
If your Acorn or Brooks makes a grinding noise on a straight run or around a bend, that normally means the rollers are worn. You might also notice it running slower than it used to. Worth sorting quickly, because a small roller problem turns into a rail problem if it's left.
📞 Book a roller inspection🐢 Squeaky, lumpy, or running slow? That's usually jammed rollers
If your Acorn or Brooks is squeaking, running lumpy, or has slowed down, look at the running face of the rail on a straight model — the 120, 130 or Superglide. Wear lines or marks down the rail (like in the photo below) mean the rollers have started to jam.
Acorn rollers aren't lubricated — they're sealed, and over time they stiffen up with age. Once they stop rolling smoothly, they drag on the rail and leave marks like this. Left alone, it gets worse — the rail and rollers both wear, the carriage starts to bind, and eventually the stairlift stops altogether.
The fix: in many cases we can free up the rollers on-site without needing to replace them. If they're too far gone, we'll replace them. Either way, we'll tell you honestly which it needs before we do the work.
Acorn and Brooks fault codes, what they mean
A quick guide. If you've got the exact code, we can usually tell you what's wrong before we even arrive.
Acorn 130, 180, Superglide and Brooks: letter-number codes
Newer models show codes like A1, C1, E1, F1, F5, F7.
A1 is a charging fault. E-codes are safety edges. F1 is the most common, a relay fault on the main board. F7 is the safety-critical one. The safety gear has activated, so don't use the stairlift until an engineer has looked at it.
Acorn 80: single-character codes
Earlier Acorn models show codes like 5, U, d, E, O, 0 to 9.
5 is standby. U and d are moving up and down. O and 0 are over-speed governor (OSG) faults, which are safety-critical. The 80 doesn't show F1, because it uses an older board. Anything you're not sure about, ring us.
⚠️ F1 fault, the most common Acorn and Brooks fault we get called out to
F1 shows on every Acorn or Brooks that uses the modern letter-number codes, so the 130, 180 and Superglide. Not on the older Acorn 80, which uses a different board.
F1 is a relay fault on the main PCB. It usually happens because the control board has received conflicting signals, often from the armrest and the remote being used at the same time, or a hot-switch event. The relay itself can also stick from age.
Emergency reset (temporary use only): Switch the power off. With the power off, gently tap the relay on the main PCB with a screwdriver to release it from being jammed. Switch back on.
⚠️ Important: That's a recovery trick, not a repair. If F1 comes back, ring us straight away on 0800 567 7033. The relay or the board usually needs replacing.
Fault codes are useful clues, but they're not a repair guide. If your stairlift is showing a code related to the safety gear, the over-speed governor or the accelerometer, don't use it until an engineer has been out. Ring us on 0800 567 7033 and we'll advise you from there.
Our Acorn and Brooks services
Repairs, servicing and batteries. Everything an Acorn or Brooks needs to keep going.
Repairs
Fault diagnosis and repair on all Acorn and Brooks models. Genuine and compatible parts, tested before we leave.
Book a repair →Servicing
Annual service plans that keep your stairlift safe and reliable. Full safety check, battery test, rail lubrication and adjustments.
Learn more →Battery replacement
Acorn and Brooks batteries usually last two to three years. We supply and fit replacements that are guaranteed.
Book a battery check →Why Acorn and Brooks owners choose us
Local engineers, honest advice, work that's guaranteed.
🔧 Acorn and Brooks experience
We know the Acorn and Brooks range well, from old 80s to modern 180s. We've seen the same faults many times, so we usually know what's wrong before we arrive.
⚡ Fast, honest service
Same-day and next-day callouts where possible. If a repair isn't worth doing, we'll tell you straight.
🛡 Guaranteed work
Every repair we do comes with a warranty. If it's not right, we come back.
Acorn and Brooks repairs in your area
We cover the North West, with engineers based locally.
Acorn and Brooks stairlift repair FAQs
The questions we hear most often from Acorn and Brooks owners.
Which Acorn models do you repair?
All of them. Acorn 80, 120, 130, 180, Superglide. Straight and curved.
Is a Brooks stairlift the same as an Acorn?
Effectively, yes. Brooks stairlifts are built on the same platform as Acorn. Same motor, same control board, same fault codes, same rollers. The only real difference is the badge and the colour of the seat. So the fix is the same.
How do I know which Acorn or Brooks model I have?
The model is usually on a label under the seat or on the carriage. If you're not sure, ring us with the fault code you're seeing. The code format usually tells us which model it is.
What does the F1 fault mean?
F1 is a relay fault on the main PCB, and it's the most common fault we see on Acorn and Brooks. It shows on models that use letter-number codes, so the 130, 180 and Superglide. Not on the older Acorn 80. The relay usually needs replacing. Ring 0800 567 7033.
Why is my Acorn or Brooks stairlift going slow?
A few things can cause this. On a straight model, look at the rail. Wear marks along the running face almost always mean jammed or worn rollers. Otherwise, it's usually tired batteries, or the lift having stuck itself in half-speed mode after a bend.
Why is my stairlift beeping?
On most Acorn and Brooks models, beeping means the batteries aren't charging properly or the stairlift isn't parked on its charge points. If it carries on after a full charge, the batteries probably need replacing.
Can you still repair an old Acorn?
Yes. Even models Acorn no longer makes can usually be repaired. Parts availability varies, so it's worth calling with the model and fault first.
Do you offer emergency Acorn and Brooks repairs?
Yes. Emergency callouts are available 7 days a week. If your stairlift has stopped working or is showing a fault code, ring 0800 567 7033 and we'll get you booked in.
Acorn or Brooks stairlift not working?
Ring us for fast, guaranteed repairs, 7 days a week.