Hearing an alarm is a call to action. When alarms sound on aerial lifts, productivity and safety are at risk. Consequently, for Genie lifts and other leading brands of AWPs, immediate maintenance and repair services will be needed to identify and remedy issues with motor controllers, joysticks and control boxes and other lift parts. Find out more about resolving Genie motor controller alarmer issues on scissor lifts and maintaining aerial lifts with quality replacement parts that fit Genie lifts.
Common Problems with Motor Controllers
Often, Genie scissor lift error codes will appear on the platform control readout or ground control display indicating the reason for a particular problem or alarm. Sometimes, codes appear due to platform overloads or battery-related concerns. Additionally, broken wires or short circuits in the wiring can cause alarms and other system disruptions. In addition to the appearance of error codes, here are some other signs that the motor controller in a Genie lift may be failing:
- Sudden starts and stops in movement and other equipment functions may indicate a problem.
- Loss of power or operation for short periods may be another sign, even if they ultimately resume.
- Unusual battery draining may stem from motor controller problems.
- In addition to any alarms, atypical sounds from the motor controller area like buzzing or clicking is cause for concern.
Motor Controller Alarm Issues on Genie Lifts
Periodically, motor controller troubleshooting may be needed to restore your Genie scissor lift. To help, the following steps highlight how a trained and qualified aerial lift technician may need to perform in order to address a down alarm sound when the down function is activated, despite the unit having no other functionality.
DISCLAIMER: Death and serious injury are risks of lift maintenance, even when completed by approved specialists. Both the appropriate Operator’s Manual and Service Manual for each machine include specific instructions and safety rules that need to be followed, as well as the hazards of operation which are also safety hazards during maintenance and repair. Again, the only individual who should perform maintenance should be trained and qualified to work on a specific machine. In a suitable workshop, this same individual must have the appropriate tools and lifting equipment for the work and have read, understood and prepared to follow the relevant governmental and worksite regulations, employer safety rules and manufacturer’s instructions and safety rules. The information below previews but in no way supersedes or replaces the content of the appropriate service manual.
After locating the motor controller in the hydraulic tray, the maintenance expert will turn the key switch to ground controls and confirm that both red emergency stop buttons are pulled out to the on position. A certified service provider then performs various steps including using a voltmeter to assess voltage, checking for continuity and determining the next steps in solving the issue.
- In some cases, the fix may be to repair or replace the wire.
- In other cases, the ECU may need to be replaced entirely.
- In still other circumstances, the technician may need to replace the motor controller or execute further troubleshooting of the motor itself.
How to Find Aftermarket Replacement Lift Parts
Aerial Equipment Parts offers a range of AWP replacement parts and curated collections of replacement parts that fit Genie lifts, as well as other top aerial lift manufacturers like JLG and Skyjack. In addition to our sizable range of parts, AEP believes that our fast delivery from our US-based warehouse and knowledgeable team of industry experts distinguish our company from our competition. For help on finding quality replacement aerial lift parts, the following our some of our top-selling parts that help our customers keep their Genie lifts in operation:
Electric Motors

Find replacement electric motors, like the 40844 Motor for Genie, in addition to motor controllers, solenoids and other motor components, at Aerial Equipment Parts. While sometimes wiring can be repaired and restore a scissor lift to its intended functionality, other circumstances may require a motor controller or motor replacement.
Battery Chargers

For slab scissor lifts, like the GS-30, GS-46, and GS-32, a battery charger like the 96211 Charger for Genie is 24V and 19A and has a 6-month warranty. If you have any questions about this replacement charger or want to confirm its fit for your lift, contact our sales team for support.
Tires

Alarms and error codes can halt scissor lifts in their tracks. Failing motor controllers may further compromise speed, movement and other operational features. To ensure steadiness and stability from the ground up, ensure that you have the necessary replacement tires that fit your Genie lift, including models like the GS-1930, GS-1932, GS 1530 and more. Instead of having tire damage derail the day’s productivity, it’s helpful to have a scissor lift tire like the 105122 that fits your Genie lift on hand, if such an emergency repair need occurs.
To restore your aerial lift to operation whether due to an alarm, error code or other repair need, Aerial Equipment Parts offers an extensive collection of aftermarket replacement parts that fit AWPs. Be sure to check out our new Parts Points program to start earning points towards discounts on future purchases with each order. For knowledgeable product support in Spanish or English, call (303) 704-7000 or simply place your order today!