How Do I Reset My Jazzy Power Chair? (Troubleshooting Tips)

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If you’re like me, you rely on your jazzy power wheelchairs to get around. But what happens when something goes wrong, and you need to reset it?

Follow along with me, and we’ll get your chair up and running again in no time!

Check: The Best Portable Power Wheelchair

How Do You Unlock the Jazzy Power Chair?

If you’re a wheelchair user, and you’re confused and keep asking yourself how to unlock the jazzy power chair, here’s a quick two-step on how to do it.

Step 1: While the electric wheelchair is turned on, press the power button for about four seconds to lock it.

Step 2: Then, to unlock the chair, turn it off and push the power button twice in 10 seconds.

Here’s a video showing this simple process. 

Resetting Jazzy Power Wheelchairs

If the electric wheelchair loses its battery power, quickly reset the circuit breaker.

The 12-volt battery charger [1] is the common electric wheelchair battery found in any mobility chair.

So, make sure that the battery charge of your jazzy wheelchair is not left for an extended period. Otherwise, a battery voltage fault is imminent and this results in bad batteries.

The circuit breaker is positioned on Jazzy’s battery pack. To restore power to the unit, press the “Reset” button.

Make sure to also check our Jazzy scooter battery replacement guide.

Unlocking Invacare Electric Wheelchair

A different option, the SPJ+ joystick is a popular controller widely seen on Invacare motorized wheelchairs.

Simply push the horn button twice in your electric wheelchair for two seconds to lock and unlock. This is the most straightforward combination and should be easily done.

Here’s a video on how to do it!

Steps on How to Troubleshoot a Jazzy Power Chair

Here are a few things to know to troubleshoot a jazzy power chair so you can figure out if your mobility scooter batteries need replacing.

ALSO READ: How Fast Do Electric Wheelchairs Go?

Step 1: Understand the Basics of Beep Sequences

The controller fault [2] or defect in the mobility device is usually indicated by a beep sequence, a beep tone, or a light flashing code on most power wheelchairs.

The beep codes show that something is amiss with your Jazzy Power Chair. To figure out what the beep sequence you’re getting means, consult the user handbook.

Step 2: Troubleshoot the Locked Joystick Feature

It is critical to understand the “locked joystick” function on your electric wheelchair before presuming that you have a faulty battery.

If you unintentionally enter a sequence code, the joystick will get locked.

You can inadvertently lock your joystick by pressing the power button twice or keeping it down for a few seconds. To discover what to do if something happens, again, read the handbook!

Occasional users of the Jazzy Power wheelchair should learn how to lock and unlock the joystick.

Dr. Michael Boninger [3], an engineer, recommends that if you discover that the joystick is not locked and is genuinely damaged or broken, you should contact trained personnel to diagnose the problem and make the repairs instead of tweaking it and bringing more destruction!

Step 3: Ensure that your Batteries and Power Cords are in Good Working Order.

Dr. Lee Kirby, a wheelchair maintenance expert [5], states that starting each day with a fully charged battery is critical.

Remember, when the battery capacity falls below a certain level, the batteries deliver less power to the motor, causing the motor to spin slower. I know I wouldn’t want that!

A battery will need to be replaced in the future. If the wheelchair loses all power, the circuit breaker may need to be reset. Otherwise, the dead battery will render the chair useless.

Pride Mobility Jazzy Power Chair

When charging the batteries, Pride Mobility does not allow the use of an extension cord. The charger should be hooked into an electrical socket directly.

It is critical to inspect all plugs and connectors regularly. Over time, these can get filthy. Dust and debris can be removed with a cloth. Also, make sure the plugs and connectors are securely connected.

Below, I included a video in cleaning motor connectors and battery terminals to avoid having a dead wheelchair battery.

Step 4: Check the Tires

Almost certainly, you use your Jazzy Power Chair regularly.

Because of the excessive use, the tires become worn out. Tires should be replaced depending on how much they’ve been used. To find out when your tires need to be replaced, consult your handbook.

Tires may need to be replaced sooner due to rough terrain and outdoor use. Make sure you inspect your tires regularly. The tires should be replaced once the tread has worn down to less than ¹⁄₃₂ inch.

Step 5: Check the Temperature for any Motor Fault

Last, check the temperature of the electric chair if you notice your Jazzy Chair is running slower than usual. When the electrical system [6] becomes overheated, the amount of power transmitted to the motors is reduced.

The power chair will come to a halt gradually. The power chair should resume normal operation once it has had time to cool down.

Some components of your power chair are sensitive to extreme temperatures. Dr. Lee Kirby, in his book Wheelchair Skills Assessment and Training [7], also suggests maintaining a temperature range of 18°F (-8°C) to 122°F (50°C) in your power chair.

If overheating isn’t the issue, the freewheel lever may need to be disengaged. In your user’s handbook, look for the placement of this lever.

When your battery power runs out, disconnecting the freewheel lever provides aid. This mode unlocks the device and physically maneuvers the chair, allowing the wheels to spin freely.

But if you’re on descent or inclination, don’t put the wheelchair in freewheel mode!

CHECK: Electric Wheelchair Lights Flashing: Causes & How to Fix it

FAQs

Conclusion

There you have it, tips to help you maintain and reset your jazzy electric wheelchair. They’re all fairly simple and straightforward steps that require little work on your part.

Now, with these maintenance tricks, you won’t encounter these issues again, or at least not for a long time!

Ever had to troubleshoot your Jazzy Power Wheel Chair and have managed to fix it? Share your experience with us in the comments down below!

References

• 1. J. Kauzlarich J, Ulrich V, Bruning T. Wheelchair Batteries: Driving Cycles and Testing a [Internet]. 1983. Available from: https://www.rehab.research.va.gov/jour/83/20/1/pdf/kauzlarich.pdf
• 2. Curtiss-Wright. Mobility Diagnostic Guide [Internet]. [cited 2022 Mar 7]. Available from: https://support.pgdt.com/getattachment/Online-Diagnostics/Diagnostic-Guides-Document-Listings/pgdt_mobility_diagnostics.pdf
• 3. The Manual Wheelchair: What the Spinal Cord Injury Consumer Needs to Know | Model Systems Knowledge Translation Center (MSKTC) [Internet]. Msktc.org. 2009. Available from: https://msktc.org/sci/factsheets/wheelchairs/The-Manual-Wheelchair
• 4. Tycorun Energy. Your Complete Guide to Wheelchair Batteries [Internet]. The Best lithium ion battery suppliers | lithium ion battery Manufacturers – TYCORUN ENERGY. [cited 2022 Mar 8]. Available from: https://www.takomabattery.com/your-complete-guide-to-wheelchair-batteries/
• 5. Boninger M, Lee Kirby R, Oyster M, Pearlman J, A Cooper R, Krobot E, et al. Wheelchair Maintenance Training Program [Internet]. www.upmc-sci.pitt.edu. 2017 [cited 2022 Mar 8]. Available from: http://www.upmc-sci.pitt.edu/wmtp-materials/Clinicians%20reference%20manual_05172016.pdf
• 6. Arnold K, Stewart M. Induction Motor – an overview | ScienceDirect Topics [Internet]. www.sciencedirect.com. 1999 [cited 2022 Mar 7]. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/earth-and-planetary-sciences/induction-motor
• 7. Kirby L. “Wheelchair Skills Assessment and Training” – Dr. Lee Kirby | CanWheel [Internet]. CANWHEEL. [cited 2022 Mar 8]. Available from: https://www.canwheel.ca/2016/12/19/wheelchair-skills-assessment-and-training-dr-lee-kirby/