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OCT 28, 2025

Troubleshooting Guide for Palfinger ILT Liftgate: Common Problems & Fixes

When a liftgate won’t respond, productivity grinds to a halt. This troubleshooting guide provides a systematic, manual-based process for diagnosing common electrical and hydraulic faults on Palfinger ILT series tuck under liftgate systems. Each section outlines what to check first, what readings to expect, and when to escalate to professional service.

• Documentation Resources from Palfinger
• Introduction
• Liftgate Completely Dead (No Power)
• Liftgate Does Not Lower
• Liftgate Does Not Lift Up
• Hydraulic Issues (Sluggish or After Repairs)
• When to Call an Authorized Service Center
• Safety Reminders
• Conclusion

Documentation Resources from Palfinger

Information in this article is sourced directly from Palfinger Liftgates ILT manuals and technical guides as well as our team’s expertise. Always refer to your specific liftgate’s manuals for complete procedures and serial number, model, and year-specific details.

Reference PDFs used:

• Interlift Palfinger ILT Installation Manual, Rev. 1.15 (2016)
• Interlift Palfinger ILT WR/PD Owner’s Manual, Rev. 1.4 (2013)
• Interlift Palfinger ILT Owner’s Manual, Rev. 1.6 (2016)
• Interlift Palfinger ILT Parts Manual, Rev. 1.9 (2021)

Introduction

Troubleshooting begins with a methodical process. By verifying power sources, electrical protection devices, control wiring, and hydraulic conditions in order, operators can avoid unnecessary part replacements and downtime. Palfinger manuals emphasize starting with power and protection devices, then working through controls before hydraulic repairs (2016 Owner’s Manual, p. 26).

This approach ensures faults are located safely and efficiently, minimizing guesswork and protecting the liftgate from further damage.

Liftgate Completely Dead (No Power)

If the liftgate shows no response—no clicks, no motor sound—the cause is often in the power supply chain.

Checklist to restore power:

• Shutoff Switch – Confirm the ON/OFF switch is turned on: cab-mounted for trucks, dock-bumper strut or rear post for trailers (2016 Owner’s Manual, p. 28; 2013 Owner’s Manual, p. 22–23).
• Circuit Breaker Reset – Check the breaker on the main batteries. If the reset tab/arm is exposed, push it back in (2016 Owner’s Manual, p. 28; 2013 Owner’s Manual, p. 22–23).
• Battery Charge – Start the truck at fast idle. If the liftgate only works with the engine running, recharge or load-test the battery. Voltage checks: Flooded = 12.6 V, AGM = 12.8 V (2016 Owner’s Manual, p. 28; Installation Manual, p. 8).
• 15A Fuse – Inspect the in-line fuse mounted on the power pack solenoid. Replace only with a 15A fuse of the same type (2016 Owner’s Manual, p. 28–29).
• Grounds – Verify the ground at the power pack and between liftgate and vehicle chassis (2016 Owner’s Manual, p. 29).
• Correct Breaker Size – Palfinger specifies a resettable 150A breaker minimum; replace only with the same rating (2016 Owner’s Manual, p. 31).

Most “dead” liftgates are restored by confirming shutoff, resetting the breaker, or replacing the 15A fuse. Do not bypass or oversize protection devices—Palfinger explicitly warns against this.

Liftgate Does Not Lower

A liftgate that raises but won’t lower usually points to a fault in the release valve or its electrical controls.

Diagnostic steps:

• Valve Inspection – Check for bent or broken valve components (2016 Owner’s Manual, p. 29–30).
• Bypass Test – Unplug black cable #2 (with fuse) and cable #6 from the toggle switch. Connect female #2 to male #6 to directly energize release valves:
• If the gate lowers → suspect the switch or harness.
• If not → continue testing (2016 Owner’s Manual, p. 29–30).
• Voltage Check – While pressing “Down,” test at valve connectors. A 0 V reading means a damaged cable (2016 Owner’s Manual, p. 30).
• Coil Magnet Test – Keep the coil in place, remove the plastic cap, and hold a screwdriver near the valve stem while pressing “Down.” If there’s no magnetic pull, the coil is bad (2016 Owner’s Manual, p. 30).

These tests help distinguish whether the problem lies in the switch, harness, or valve coil—without opening the hydraulic system.

Liftgate Does Not Lift Up

If the “Up” function fails, the issue may be with the solenoid, motor, or their connections.

Diagnostic steps:

• Visual Check – Inspect solenoid and wiring for damage (2016 Owner’s Manual, p. 30).
• Jump Test – Connect female end #2 to the small positive solenoid connector. Stand clear of the platform; it may raise (2016 Owner’s Manual, p. 30).
• Harness Inspection – If the gate raises during the jump, inspect the toggle switch harness or gray harness (2016 Owner’s Manual, p. 30).
• Solenoid Click Test – Listen for a click:
• No click → solenoid or thermal switch fault.
• Click present → check voltage on both large studs; if only one is powered, the solenoid is bad (2016 Owner’s Manual, p. 30–31).
• Motor Brushes – If solenoid tests OK but motor stud has no power, suspect worn brushes or a bad motor (2016 Owner’s Manual, p. 31).

Checking for solenoid click and voltage confirms whether the fault is in the control wiring, solenoid, or motor itself.

Hydraulic Issues (Sluggish or After Repairs)

Sluggish operation or spongy response usually indicates low oil, leaks, or air in the hydraulic system.

Checks:

• Oil Level – Reservoir oil should be 1.0–1.5 in. below the top (2016 Owner’s Manual, p. 29).
• Leaks – Inspect hoses, cylinders, and fittings for leaks or wear (2013 Owner’s Manual, p. 12–14).
• Bleeding Air – After hydraulic work, change oil and bleed the system by fully cycling the liftgate several times (2016 Owner’s Manual, p. 25–26; 2013 Owner’s Manual, p. 12–13).

Most hydraulic issues resolve with the correct oil level, leak repairs, and thorough bleeding after service.

When to Call an Authorized Service Center

Some issues must be handled by certified technicians.

• Manuals state: “Repairs should be performed by a Palfinger Authorized Service Center” (Installation Manual, p. 8).
• If defects are found during daily checks, stop operation and have the liftgate serviced immediately (2013 Owner’s Manual, p. 14).
• Structural, hydraulic, or electrical repairs beyond checks require trained professionals.

For advanced issues, contact our Team at LiftGateMe for assistance or find a liftgate repair service near your location.

Safety Reminders

Palfinger manuals emphasize safety when working on electrical and hydraulic systems.

• Short Circuit Hazard – Jewelry or tools can short connections (2016 Owner’s Manual, p. 26).
• Fuse Integrity – Replace only with identical 15A fuses; never bypass or oversize (2016 Owner’s Manual, p. 28).
• Breaker Rating – Always use a 150A breaker minimum (2016 Owner’s Manual, p. 31).

Following electrical protection rules is critical for safe liftgate troubleshooting and liftgate repair.

Conclusion

Troubleshooting Palfinger ILT series tuckaway liftgate systems requires a methodical approach:

• Confirm shutoff switch and breaker status.
• Verify battery voltage, fuse, and grounds.
• Test harnesses, solenoid, and motor operation.
• Check hydraulic oil and bleed after repairs.

By working step by step with Palfinger’s manuals, operators can restore uptime quickly and safely. For OEM parts or additional support, Contact our Team at LiftGateMe.