What should I do if my Power Chair Battery Won’t Charge?
If your power wheelchair battery is not charging, you can follow these systematic troubleshooting steps to identify and resolve the issue:
- Inspect Connections and Power Source:
- Ensure the chair is powered off and unplugged before inspecting.
- Check the battery terminals for corrosion (white or bluish buildup). You can clean this with a mixture of baking soda and water, then dry it thoroughly.
- Verify that all cable connections are snugly tightened and that there are no frayed wires or bent pins.
- Confirm the wall outlet is working and that the charger’s indicator lights are active.
- Check the Circuit Breaker:
- A battery failing to charge can sometimes be caused by a tripped circuit breaker or a disconnected cable.
- Test with a Multimeter:
- Use a digital multimeter set to DC voltage (at least 24 volts).
- A healthy 12-volt battery should read approximately 12.6 volts, while a 24-volt system should read about 25.2 volts. Significantly lower readings indicate the battery may be faulty.
- Perform a System Reset:
- Turn the controller off for 30 seconds to clear simple electronic glitches.
- For a complete reboot, turn the power off, disconnect the battery pack for at least 60 seconds, then reconnect and restart.
If these steps do not resolve the issue, the charger itself may be faulty, or the battery may have internal damage (such as sulfation). In these cases, discontinue use and contact a certified technician.
Related FAQs
-
Does Insurance Require a Face-to-face Exam for Power Chairs?
Read More »: Does Insurance Require a Face-to-face Exam for Power Chairs?Yes, insurance providers generally require a face-to-face exam to cover a power wheelchair. This is a critical step in the documentation process to confirm medical necessity and ensure compliance with both Medicare and private insurance regulations. Key details regarding this…
-
How Long does it Take to Get a Custom Power Wheelchair?
Read More »: How Long does it Take to Get a Custom Power Wheelchair?The custom motorized wheelchair ordering process typically takes 30 to 60 days from the initial clinical evaluation to home delivery. While the standard timeline is a few weeks, several factors influence this duration: Insurance Coordination: MedEquipped handles the paperwork, insurance…
-
Can an Atp Help with Insurance Paperwork for a Power Chair?
Read More »: Can an Atp Help with Insurance Paperwork for a Power Chair?Yes, an Assistive Technology Professional (ATP) plays a critical role in managing the insurance and funding process for a power chair. Navigating the funding landscape can be overwhelming, but these specialists are trained to handle the heavy lifting regarding administrative…
-
How do I Find a Resna-certified Atp for a Mobility Fitting?
Read More »: How do I Find a Resna-certified Atp for a Mobility Fitting?Finding a RESNA-certified Assistive Technology Professional (ATP) for a mobility fitting can be done through two primary methods according to MedEquipped: Search the RESNA ATP Directory: You can use the official RESNA directory to locate certified professionals who have undergone…
-
Is a Front-wheel Drive Wheelchair Better than Mid-wheel for Obstacle Navigation?
Read More »: Is a Front-wheel Drive Wheelchair Better than Mid-wheel for Obstacle Navigation?Yes, front-wheel drive (FWD) wheelchairs are generally considered superior to mid-wheel drive (MWD) models for obstacle navigation, particularly in outdoor and uneven environments. According to MedEquipped, FWD wheelchairs offer several mechanical advantages for overcoming barriers: Curb Climbing: FWD systems use…