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Acorn Stairlift Error Codes & Fault Codes

Written by Dave Smith, UK-based stairlift researcher · Last updated 25 September 2026

Acorn stairlifts use an onboard diagnostic display to show operating, charging, safety and fault information.

Select your Acorn model and displayed code below to see what it means and what you can safely check.

What Code Is Your Stairlift Showing?

Model

Acorn 130 Error Codes

Code R2: Stairlift moving up

Normal Status

The stairlift is operating normally and travelling upwards using the armrest control.

Safe check: No action required.

When support is appropriate: This is a normal status code. Contact support only if the stairlift is not behaving normally.

Code R3: Stairlift moving down

Normal Status

The stairlift is operating normally and travelling downwards using the armrest control.

Safe check: No action required.

When support is appropriate: This is a normal status code. Contact support only if the stairlift is not behaving normally.

Code R4: Stairlift moving up using remote control

Normal Status

Safe check: No action required.

When support is appropriate: This is a normal status code. Contact support only if the stairlift is not behaving normally.

Code R5: Stairlift moving down using remote control

Normal Status

Safe check: No action required.

When support is appropriate: This is a normal status code. Contact support only if the stairlift is not behaving normally.

Code R9: Powered hinge operating

Normal Status

The stairlift is operating the hinged section of the rail.

Safe check: Allow the hinge operation to complete and keep the hinge area clear.

When support is appropriate: This is a normal status code. Contact support only if the stairlift is not behaving normally.

Code E1: Downward footrest safety edge activated

Check Required

A safety edge has detected an obstruction.

Safe check: Check the relevant footrest safety edge for a visible obstruction and remove it if safe to do so.

When support is appropriate: If the safe check does not clear the code, contact the manufacturer's support service or a competent stairlift engineer.

Code E2: Upward footrest safety edge activated

Check Required

Safe check: Check the relevant footrest safety edge for a visible obstruction and remove it if safe to do so.

When support is appropriate: If the safe check does not clear the code, contact the manufacturer's support service or a competent stairlift engineer.

Code E4: Downward carriage safety edge activated

Check Required

Safe check: Check for a visible obstruction around the carriage and stairlift travel path.

When support is appropriate: If the safe check does not clear the code, contact the manufacturer's support service or a competent stairlift engineer.

Code E5: Upward carriage safety edge activated

Check Required

Safe check: Check for a visible obstruction around the carriage and stairlift travel path.

When support is appropriate: If the safe check does not clear the code, contact the manufacturer's support service or a competent stairlift engineer.

Code E6: Seat is not in the travelling position

Check Required

The stairlift will not travel when the swivel seat is not correctly returned to its riding position.

Safe check: Return the seat fully to its normal travelling position and ensure it is correctly located before trying the stairlift again.

When support is appropriate: If the safe check does not clear the code, contact the manufacturer's support service or a competent stairlift engineer.

Code E7: Battery low

Charging Issue

The battery charge is low and upward travel may be restricted until sufficient charge is restored.

Safe check: Move the stairlift to the nearest charging position if it can be operated normally and allow it to charge.

When support is appropriate: If the batteries repeatedly fail to charge or the code returns, contact Acorn or a competent stairlift engineer.

Code E9: Key switch is off

Check Required

Safe check: Check that the stairlift key is correctly inserted and turned to the normal ON position.

When support is appropriate: If the safe check does not clear the code, contact the manufacturer's support service or a competent stairlift engineer.

Code H3: Powered hinge communication fault

Service Required

Safe check: Check only that the normal mains power supply has not been switched off or disconnected.

When support is appropriate: If power is available and the fault remains, contact Acorn or a competent stairlift engineer.

Code H6: Powered hinge has not reached its expected position

Service Required

Safe check: Check only for an obvious visible obstruction around the powered hinge.

When support is appropriate: If no safe-to-remove obstruction is visible or the code remains, contact Acorn or a competent stairlift engineer.

Code F1: Relay fault

Stop & Contact Support

Safe check: Do not attempt internal repairs.

When support is appropriate: Contact Acorn or a competent stairlift engineer.

Code F2: Brake fault

Stop & Contact Support

Safe check: Do not attempt to adjust, dismantle or bypass the stairlift brake system.

When support is appropriate: Contact Acorn or a competent stairlift engineer.

Source: Official Acorn 130 User Manual (paraphrased) · Verified: 25 September 2026

Acorn 180 Error Codes

Code A1: Ready to use but not charging

Charging Issue

Safe check: Check that the normal mains power supply is switched on and that the stairlift is parked correctly on a charging point.

When support is appropriate: If the safe check does not clear the code, contact the manufacturer's support service or a competent stairlift engineer.

Code A2: Moving up using armrest control

Normal Status

Safe check: No action required.

When support is appropriate: This is a normal status code. Contact support only if the stairlift is not behaving normally.

Code A3: Moving down using armrest control

Normal Status

Safe check: No action required.

When support is appropriate: This is a normal status code. Contact support only if the stairlift is not behaving normally.

Code A4: Moving up using remote control

Normal Status

Safe check: No action required.

When support is appropriate: This is a normal status code. Contact support only if the stairlift is not behaving normally.

Code A5: Moving down using remote control

Normal Status

Safe check: No action required.

When support is appropriate: This is a normal status code. Contact support only if the stairlift is not behaving normally.

Code A9: Waiting for powered hinge operation

Normal Status

Safe check: Allow the hinge operation to complete and keep the area clear.

When support is appropriate: This is a normal status code. Contact support only if the stairlift is not behaving normally.

Code C1: Batteries are charging

Normal Status

Safe check: No action required.

When support is appropriate: This is a normal status code. Contact support only if the stairlift is not behaving normally.

Code C4: Batteries fully charged

Normal Status

Safe check: No action required.

When support is appropriate: This is a normal status code. Contact support only if the stairlift is not behaving normally.

Code E1: Down-side foot safety edge activated

Check Required

Safe check: Check for an obvious obstruction around the affected footrest safety edge.

When support is appropriate: If the safe check does not clear the code, contact the manufacturer's support service or a competent stairlift engineer.

Code E2: Up-side foot safety edge activated

Check Required

Safe check: Check for an obvious obstruction around the affected footrest safety edge.

When support is appropriate: If the safe check does not clear the code, contact the manufacturer's support service or a competent stairlift engineer.

Code E3: Under-footplate safety edge activated

Check Required

Safe check: Check for an obvious obstruction beneath the footplate.

When support is appropriate: If the safe check does not clear the code, contact the manufacturer's support service or a competent stairlift engineer.

Code E4: Down-side safety edge activated

Check Required

Safe check: Check the stairlift travel path and affected safety edge for an obvious obstruction.

When support is appropriate: If the safe check does not clear the code, contact the manufacturer's support service or a competent stairlift engineer.

Code E5: Up-side safety edge activated

Check Required

Safe check: Check the stairlift travel path and affected safety edge for an obvious obstruction.

When support is appropriate: If the safe check does not clear the code, contact the manufacturer's support service or a competent stairlift engineer.

Code E6: Seat swivelled away from travelling position

Check Required

Safe check: Return the seat fully to its normal operating/travelling position.

When support is appropriate: If the safe check does not clear the code, contact the manufacturer's support service or a competent stairlift engineer.

Code E7: Battery low

Charging Issue

Safe check: If the stairlift can be operated normally, move it to the nearest charging station and allow it to charge.

When support is appropriate: If charging problems continue, contact Acorn or a competent stairlift engineer.

Code F5: Battery flat

Service Required

Safe check: Do not repeatedly attempt to operate the stairlift.

When support is appropriate: Return the stairlift to a charging point only where this can be done using the normal user controls. If the fault remains, contact Acorn or a competent engineer.

Code F7: Serious fault requiring supplier assistance

Stop & Contact Support

Safe check: Do not attempt to hand-wind the stairlift downwards or dismantle the equipment.

When support is appropriate: Contact the stairlift supplier or a competent stairlift engineer immediately.

Source: Official Acorn 180 Curved Stairlift User Manual (paraphrased) · Verified: 25 September 2026

Have a different stairlift? Use our stairlift error code finder.

Safe first checks to try

Before calling out an engineer, it's safe to check:

  • The lift is parked on its charging points and charging.
  • The key or isolator switch is on.
  • The seat is locked facing forward with the footrest down.
  • The staircase and rail are clear of any obstruction.

These resolve a large share of everyday faults. See our common stairlift problems guide for more detail.

Codes not listed here

Because code meanings vary by model, the reliable source is:

  • Your Acorn stairlift user manual (it lists the codes for your model), or
  • Acorn directly, who can interpret the code and advise.

When to call an engineer

If the fault won't clear after the basic checks, or the lift is making unusual noises, contact a qualified engineer. Don't attempt electrical or mechanical repairs yourself.

If your Acorn stairlift is old and faults are becoming frequent, replacing it may be more cost-effective than repeated repairs. You can get a free, no-obligation quote for a new stairlift below.

Where to go next: stairlift costs · types of stairlift · Acorn Stairlifts · get a free quote

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