Written by the Motorplex Team
Offering 24-hour on-site liftgate repairs in Spokane, Auburn, and Washington State.
When a lift gate stops working, a commercial delivery can come to a standstill. Drivers may be unable to unload freight, delivery schedules can fall behind, and fleet managers must find a solution without adding unnecessary downtime.
Real-World Liftgate Service Call
A recent Motorplex service call in Kirkland, Washington, for a failing liftgate that needs on-site service is a good example. A technician was dispatched to Urban Plaza to investigate a liftgate that wouldn’t operate on a Freightliner Cascadia tractor-trailer. The trailer belonged to a major food distributor, and the driver needed the equipment working again.
After testing the batteries, the technician found both were below 11 volts and failed the tests. Motorplex replaced both batteries, cleaned everything up and retested the lift gate. After the replacement, it worked perfectly.
Motorplex by FleetEasy offers lift gate repair in Aurburn, Spokane and throughout Washington State. In this article, we explain common reasons lift gates fail and how we can get them operational again, whenever and wherever you need us to.
Diagnosing a Lift Gate That Won’t Work
When Motorplex received the service call in Kirkland, the technician travelled to the site to investigate the problem. After locating the trailer, the technician spoke with the driver and began checking the batteries. In this case, the lift gate itself wasn’t the problem; the components that powered it were.
Proper diagnosis helps narrow down the cause before repair work begins. Depending on the symptoms, a technician may need to investigate the batteries, electrical connections, wiring, motor, hydraulic system or other components.
The right checks depend on the equipment and the reported problem. Identifying the underlying issue is an important first step toward getting the system back into service.
Common Causes of Lift Gate Failure
Batteries are only one possible source of lift gate trouble. Commercial fleets should also watch for other signs that their equipment needs inspection or repair.
Electrical faults can prevent a lift gate from responding to its controls. Problems may involve wiring, connections, switches or other electrical components.
Hydraulic issues can affect lifting performance. Leaks, damaged cylinders, or hydraulic system problems may cause a lift gate to operate poorly or stop moving.
Damaged cables or mechanical components can interfere with normal operation and may require repair or replacement.
Unusual noises, slow movement or inconsistent operation can also indicate a developing problem. Rather than waiting for a complete failure, fleet managers should arrange an inspection when equipment starts behaving differently.
Regular maintenance and lift gate service can help identify developing issues before they interrupt a delivery. Inspections, lubrication, hydraulic fluid service and electrical checks should follow the equipment manufacturer’s recommendations and the demands of the fleet’s operations.
Lift Gate Repair in Spokane, Auburn and Surrounding Regions
Motorplex by FleetEasy provides commercial fleet repair and on-site service from its Auburn and Spokane, Washington, shops. With shops on both sides of Washington State, we serve a wide area that includes parts of Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and British Columbia.
Our lift gate services include installation, preventative maintenance, diagnostics and repairs. The team works on lift gate systems from major manufacturers, with the repair approach depending on the equipment and the issue. Whether your equipment needs service or requires on-site repairs, the dispatch team can discuss your situation and available options.
Need lift gate repair in Washington State? Contact Motorplex to request service in Auburn, Spokane or another service area.