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When a lift develops a fault, the first question building managers ask is: can we fix this ourselves? The answer is almost always no — and the reason is not just regulatory, it is practical. Lift systems are mechanically and electrically complex, and an incomplete or incorrect repair attempt almost always makes the problem worse, increases the repair cost, and creates a safety risk.
This guide covers what your engineer will do when they arrive, the six most common fault types and what causes them, and the one situation where a DIY intervention can make things significantly worse — not better.
How to Troubleshoot a Broken Elevator
Once you have noticed a problem, call a qualified lift maintenance engineer. A methodical troubleshooting process will identify the root cause before any repair begins. The standard sequence is:
- Step 1 — safety isolation, confirming the lift is safely out of service before any investigation begins.
- Step 2 — symptom identification, noting any error codes on the control panel, unusual noises, or passenger-reported behaviour.
- Step 3 — basic systems check, verifying the power supply, control panel status, and emergency stop position.
- Step 4 — door mechanism inspection, checking tracks, rollers, and sensors for obstruction or misalignment.
- Step 5 — mechanical and electrical inspection, examining pulleys, cables, motors, and brake systems for wear or damage.
- Step 6 — safety feature testing, verifying that emergency communication systems, overspeed governors, and emergency brakes are functioning correctly.
6 Common Reasons for Broken Elevators
Lift Getting Stuck
Lift getting stuck: caused by power failure, control system fault, or mechanical breakdown. During a power outage, confirm the supply is restored and reset the lift at the control panel. If the lift remains unresponsive, an engineer must identify the specific fault code and cause before any further action.
Lift Moving Slowly or Jerkily
Lift moving slowly or jerkily: caused by poor lubrication, worn pulleys, misaligned guide rails, or motor/drive system issues. Regular lubrication as specified by the manufacturer prevents the majority of these faults. Persistent slowness after lubrication indicates a component inspection is needed.
Unusual Noises or Vibrations
Unusual noises or vibrations: caused by damaged bearings, loose components, or a failing control system. Grinding or scraping during travel typically indicates a mechanical fault that will worsen quickly if left unaddressed. Do not continue to operate a lift that is producing unusual sounds.
Doors Not Opening or Closing Properly
Doors not opening or closing properly: caused by misaligned door tracks, faulty door sensors, worn rollers, or door operator failure. Door faults are among the most common faults we attend. Clearing door tracks and sensors resolves a proportion of cases; the rest require component inspection and replacement.
Irregular Floor Levelling
Irregular floor levelling: caused by faulty levelling sensors, misaligned guide rails, or worn suspension ropes. A lift that stops consistently unlevel — requiring passengers to step up or down — is a tripping hazard and a LOLER compliance issue. This requires an engineer visit.
Oil Leak
Oil leak: caused by deteriorating hoses, malfunctioning valves, or failed seals in the hydraulic system. Oil contamination in the lift shaft or pit must be cleaned and the source repaired promptly — both for safety and to prevent further component damage.
Why You Should Never DIY a Lift Repair
Lifts are covered by LOLER, PUWER, and the Electricity at Work Regulations. Any work on a lift must be carried out by a competent person — specifically, a qualified lift engineer. This is not a grey area. Beyond the legal position, lift systems interact in ways that are not obvious: resetting a tripped safety device without identifying why it tripped, for example, can restore operation temporarily while leaving the underlying fault in place. The next failure will be worse, and the intervention will have made diagnosis harder.
Looking for Lift Maintenance or Emergency Repairs?
Future Lift Services operate a 24/7 emergency line and cover Essex and London with rapid response engineers on call every day of the year. We also offer planned maintenance contracts that prevent the majority of these faults occurring in the first place. Contact us today for a free quote.try to reach you as soon as possible.