Electric Wheelchair Lights Flashing: Causes & Solutions

If you notice your jazzy power chair blinking lights flashing, I see you!

As a fellow, tormented wheelchair user, I’ve hassled every expert in the field and finally figured out what those lights mean: Your chair is telling you, “Hey you, help me now – Or else…”

In fact, thanks to my extensive research and hands-on experience, I’m here to guide you through understanding and resolving this common yet perplexing issue – and it’s dead easy!

Read on to discover what I learned about the lights flashing problem ASAP…

Key Takeaways

• Decode the Lights: Learn the blinking light codes: each pattern has a unique meaning.
• Consult the Manual: Always check your user manual to decode and resolve those light codes.
• Seek Professional Help: If you struggle or are in doubt, contact a technician for a thorough diagnosis and repair.

Jazzy Power Chair Blinking Lights | 6 Causes You Can’t Ignore

Those blinking lights on a Jazzy Power Chair signal various issues: a drained battery, motor wiring faults, overvoltage, worn-out batteries, brake issues, or poor connections. Each blinking pattern is a direct message indicating a specific problem, requiring immediate attention and action.

Here’s a breakdown of these 6 causes…

1. Low Battery Charge

A blinking light often signals a low battery charge, indicating that it’s time to power up your chair.

This usually occurs after prolonged use or extended periods of inactivity where the chair hasn’t been charged, leaving the battery drained and urgently needing recharging.

2. Motor Wiring Faults

When the lights flash, it could indicate a wiring issue.

This problem often stems from incorrect installation or wires becoming loose over time.

In fact, inspecting your chair regularly can ensure all connections are secure, preventing potential short circuits and ensuring the motor operates efficiently.

3. Overvoltage Supply

Too much power can also cause the lights to blink. It’s a silent alarm telling you the power supply is too high.

When the Jazzy Power Chair receives an overvoltage supply, its lights will blink to indicate the problem.

Overvoltage occurs when more power is supplied than the power chair can take. The result is a short circuit or malfunction.

This places a lot of stress on the electrical components and may cause damage, so address this problem quickly.

4. Worn-Out Batteries

If the lights keep blinking, it might be time for new batteries. It clearly signals that the old ones are tired and need a replacement. 

This happens when your batteries are very old and no longer hold a charge. You’re using them more than normal, and they can’t keep up with the power demand.

The battery terminals are dirty or corroded, preventing a proper connection to the power chair.

5. Brake Fault

When the brakes have an issue, the lights blink to alert you that something’s wrong.

Knowing this, a brake fault is one of the most common causes of blinking lights on a Jazzy power chair.

A mechanical, electrical, or hydraulic issue with the brakes usually prevents them from working properly. 

6. Poor Connections

And finally, rust or loose connections make the lights flicker. Always check rust and ensure you follow the necessary procedures.

See those blinking lights on your Jazzy Power Chair? Then, check for poor connections. Poor connections can occur due to several factors, including worn wires, faulty electrical components, and loose fittings.

Worn wires are a no-no: they can decrease the current between two points, which can cause the light to flicker or blink intermittently. 

So, there you have it: Each blink is like a secret message from your chair, telling you exactly what it needs. Your job is to listen and take action!

How To Fix?

If you’re confused, turn to your user manual. It breaks down those error codes and gives you the lowdown on fixing them.

But yes, if you’re scratching your head and feeling stuck, there’s no shame in calling in the pros.

A skilled technician can pinpoint the issue and get your chair rolling smoothly. Remember, while some fixes are easy, others are no mean feat…

What they need is an expert touch. Better safe than sorry – you don’t want to accidentally turn a small issue into a big problem!

Now, turn to the next section for the ultimate diagnostics guide…

Diagnosing The Electric Wheelchair Flashing

Typically, there are nine flashing lights on a power wheelchair: three red, three green, and four yellow lights.

Now, for an excellent review, check out this YouTube video from Marc’s Mobility to learn about the different fault codes and how to lock and unlock your power wheelchair:

Here are the issues to look out for as a power wheelchair user.

1. One light flash (one red) means the electric wheelchair batteries are low. You will need a power wheelchair battery replacement soon.
2. Two flashing lights (two red) imply that the power chair’s left motor is faulty. You must check on it to determine whether it has a bad connection or corrosion issues.
3. A three-light flashing sequence ( three red) depicts a motor wiring fault on the left motor, and you have to replace the unit.
4. A four-light flashing sequence (three red and one yellow) shows a faulty right motor. You have to check for corrosion or if the motor has a bad connection.
5. Five lights flashing (three red and two yellow) show a motor wiring fault on the right motor, and you must replace it.
6. Seven lights flashing (three red and four yellow) show a bad joystick controller.
7. Eight flashing lights (three red, four yellow, and one green) show a controller error. You have to replace the defective brainbox.
8. Nine flashing lights (three red, two green, and four yellow) show bad park breaks or brake faults.

Nine flashing lights can also show that the chair is in neutral. You will need to put the power chair into gear and turn the power off, and then on.

If ten lights flash in sequence on the bar, you’ve applied excessive voltage to the controller. This rare occurrence signals that the electrical input surpasses the recommended level.

Other instances when the power lights may light up include:

1. The battery gauge is a warning sign, flashing slowly to show low battery power. So take note!
2. The battery gauge steps up to show that you have connected the battery charger. This indication shows that your device is getting charged.
3. The gauge binks at a 2.5-second time rate to show the power chair has gone into sleep mode. You can turn the wheelchair off and on to remedy this issue.
4. The speed indicator rippling shows that the chair is in lock mode. You must put the joystick into the drive position and hold until you hear a pitch beep sound.

How To Fix: Push the joystick into reverse until you hear another beep sound. Release your joystick, and you will hear a loud beep showing the chair is out of the lock position.

The battery gauge rippling shows that the joystick is in a defective position during the power-up.

To finish, you must return the joystick to neutral and power the mobility device again.

But how do you maintain a non-blinking chair? Scroll to the next section…

Mastering Battery and Controller Maintenance for Your Jazzy Power Chair

An optimal performing Jazzy Power Chair takes more than just a mere peek; it involves a routine check and constant care – especially to keep those lights from blinking.

Here’s what you need to do…

1. Maintain your battery

The battery unit is the heart of your Jazzy Power Chair.

A well-maintained battery ensures optimal performance and longevity of the chair. Regularly monitor the battery gauge indicator to keep track of the battery’s health and charge level. A red LED on the battery condition meter often signals a need for immediate attention.

2. Charge correctly

Establish a consistent routine to charge batteries, ensuring they are always at optimal power levels.

Avoid letting the Jazzy Power Chair’s batteries deplete completely, as this can lead to a damaged battery, reducing its efficiency and lifespan.

3. Monitor the temperature

The ambient temperature also influences the battery’s efficiency. Avoid exposing the battery to temperatures outside the recommended range, as extreme temperatures can trigger a battery temperature error, affecting performance.

4. Check the controller

The controller interface of your Jazzy Power Chair is equally vital. The brain commands the chair’s movements, ensuring smooth and safe navigation. Models like the Jazzy Elite ES and Jazzy Select are equipped with sophisticated controllers that require regular checks to ensure they are error-free.

5. Check the error codes frequently

Pay attention to dynamic controller flash codes frequently.

These codes provide real-time feedback on the controller’s status, helping identify issues like a bad joystick controller or other faults that need immediate attention.

So pick a routine time and inspect them often.

6. Check manually

In addition to the above, check the mode button and other controls to ensure they are responsive and functional.

In cases of unresponsiveness, check the controller power and connections to see if this resolves the issue.

7. Brace for emergencies

Learn how to handle emergencies.

Knowing how to engage the manual brake release or switch to free-wheel mode can be crucial during unexpected scenarios.

Always have a set of emergency questions and answers at hand to guide you through resolving sudden issues.

These signs are your wheelchair’s way of saying, “Please, I need help!” (See next heading.)

FAQs

How do I know if my electric wheelchair is out of charge?

You can know when an electric wheelchair is out of charge by checking on the battery gauge on the controller interface. Moreover, you will see slow flashes in the battery gauge indicator.

How many years will a wheelchair battery last?

According to MK Battery, an electric wheelchair battery lasts one to two years. Still, this lifespan depends on how you care for the battery unit. (2)

How often should you charge an electric wheelchair?

It will help if you charge your electric wheelchair daily after use for 8-14 hours. And if you use the mobility aid sparingly, have it charged for 12-14 hours weekly.

How do you test a mobility battery?

You can test your power wheelchair’s batteries by accelerating the device on a flat surface.
Ideally, use a multimeter to measure the change in the battery’s voltage upon acceleration.

How do you reset an electric wheelchair?

You can reset your wheelchair by pressing the power button for about four seconds.
Please wait for the device to switch off, then power it on. This button is located near the device’s battery pack at the circuit breaker.

Conclusion

Congratulations! With this knowledge about the meaning of electric wheelchair lights flashing, you are on your way to becoming a master wheelchair owner. 

What’s more, as a power wheelchair owner, you can diagnose some issues without needing a technician’s help (pretty cool!).

So there you have it: a brief overview of the different error codes, their causes, and how to fix them.

It is up to you to share this golden knowledge with another power wheelchair user you know.

So, are you ready to solve this light flashing issue for your wheelchair? Don’t forget to share your experience with me in the comments below!

Resources

• 1. Mortenson WB, Hammell KW, Luts A, Soles C, Miller WC. The power of power wheelchairs: Mobility choices of community-dwelling, older adults. Scandinavian Journal of Occupational Therapy [Internet]. 2015;22:394–401. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4818588/pdf/nihms5135.pdf
• 2. MK Battery | The Battery Cost and Lifespan for a Power Chair [Internet]. www.mkbattery.com. [cited 2022 Nov 30]. Available from: https://www.mkbattery.com/blog/battery-cost-and-lifespan-power-chair