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The MOBILITY Center
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« on: December 13, 2008, 02:38:23 AM: GMT-2 » |
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Your sophisticated power chair, like any motorized vehicle, it requires routine maintenance checks. You can perform some of these checks, but others require a trained professional, such as The MOBILITY Center. Preventive maintenance is very important.
If you follow the maintenance checks as scheduled, you can help ensure that your power chair gives you years of trouble-free operation. If you have any doubt as to your power chair’s care or operation, contact The MOBILITY Center at 800-708-6399.
WARNING! Do not service the power chair when the seat is occupied.
Your power chair, like most electrical equipment, is susceptible to damage from the elements. Avoid damp areas of any kind.
WARNING! Direct or prolonged exposure to water or dampness could cause the power chair to malfunction electronically and mechanically. Water can cause electrical components to corrode and the chair's frame to rust. Power chairs should be examined periodically for signs of corrosion caused by water exposure, bodily fluid exposure, or incontinence. Damaged components should be replaced or treated immediately.
Should your power chair come in contact with water: 1. Dry your power chair as thoroughly as possible with a towel. 2. Allow your power chair to sit in a warm, dry place for 12 hours to allow unseen water to evaporate. 3. Check the joystick operation and the brakes before using your power chair again. 4. If any inconsistencies are found, take your power chair to The MOBILITY Center. Power chairs that are frequently exposed to sources of water, such as incontinence, should be inspected often for corrosion and electronic components may need to be replaced frequently.
Temperature ·Some of the parts of your power chair are susceptible to extreme changes in temperature. Always keep your power chair between the temperatures of 18°F (-8°C) and 122°F (50°C). ·In extremely cold temperatures the batteries may freeze. The specific temperature at which they freeze depends on a number of factors, such as battery charge, usage, and composition of the batteries (e.g., AGM or Gel-Cell). ·Temperatures above 122°F (50°C) may cause your power chair to operate at a reduced speed. This reduced speed is a safety feature built into the controller that helps prevent damage to the motor and other electrical components.
General Guidelines · Avoid knocking or bumping the controller, especially the joystick. · Avoid prolonged exposure of your power chair to extreme conditions, such as heat, cold, or moisture. · Keep the controller clean. · Check all connectors to ensure that they are all tight and secured properly. · Make sure pneumatic drive tires are inflated to 35 psi, if applicable.
WARNING! Make sure your tires are inflated to 35 psi. Do not underinflate or overinflate your tires. Low pressure may result in loss of control, and overinflated tires may burst. Overinflating tires can cause them to explode.
WARNING! Do not use a high pressure hose to inflate your tires. Use a rubber conditioner on the tire sidewalls to help preserve them.
WARNING! Never use a rubber conditioner on the tread area of the tires; doing so may make the tires slippery and cause your power chair to skid. All wheel bearings are prelubricated and sealed. They require no subsequent lubrication.
The body shroud has been sprayed with a clear sealant coating. You can apply a light coat of car wax to help it retain its high-gloss appearance.
Check all electrical connections. Make sure they are tight and are not corroded. Batteries must sit flat within the battery tray, refer to your owners manual for the correct wiring layout.
WARNING! Even though the power chair has passed the necessary testing requirements for ingress of liquids, you should keep electrical connections away from sources of dampness, including direct exposure to water or bodily fluids and incontinence. Check electrical components frequently for signs of corrosion and replace as necessary.
Daily Checks ·With the controller turned off, check the joystick. Make sure it is not bent or damaged and that it returns to the neutral position when you release it. Check the rubber boot around the base of the joystick for damage. Visually inspect the boot. Do not handle or try to repair it. Contact The MOBILITY Center at 800-708-6399 if there is a problem. ·Visually inspect the controller cable. Make sure that it is not frayed, cut, or has any wires exposed. Contact The MOBILITY Center at 800-708-6399 if there is a problem. ·Check for flat spots on solid tires. Flat spots could adversely affect stability. ·Inspect the armrests for loose hardware, stress points, or damage. Contact The MOBILITY Center at 800-708-6399 if there is a problem.
Weekly Checks ·Disconnect and inspect the controller from the power base. Look for corrosion. Contact The MOBILITY Center at 800-708-6399 if there is a problem. ·Ensure that all parts of the controller system are securely fastened to your power chair. Do not overtighten any screws. ·Check for proper tire inflation. There should be 35 psi in each tire. If a tire does not hold air, Contact The MOBILITY Center at 800-708-6399 if there is a problem. ·Calibrate the joystick if a noticeable difference in performance is detected or if the joystick does not operate properly. To calibrate the joystick, power off the unit, place the joystick in the neutral position, and power the unit back on. If a problem still exists with your joystick’s performance, Contact The MOBILITY Center at 800-708-6399. ·Check the brakes. This test should be carried out on a level surface with at least three feet (1 meter) of clearance around your power chair.
To check the brakes: 1. Turn on the controller and turn down the speed level of your power chair. 2. After one second, check the battery condition meter. Make sure that it remains on. 3. Slowly push the joystick forward until you hear the electric brakes click. Immediately release the joystick. You must be able to hear each electrical brake operating within a few seconds of joystick movement. Repeat this test three times, pushing the joystick backwards, then left, and then right.
Monthly Checks ·Check for drive tire wear. Contact The MOBILITY Center at 800-708-6399 if there is a problem.. ·Check the caster wheels for wear. Replace them as necessary. ·Check the caster forks for damage or fluttering which indicates that they may need to be adjusted or have the bearings replaced. Contact The MOBILITY Center at 800-708-6399 if there is a problem.. ·Keep your power chair clean and free of foreign material, such as mud, dirt, hair, food, drink, etc.
Yearly Checks Take your power chair to The MOBILITY Center for yearly maintenance, especially if you use your power chair on a daily basis. This helps ensure that your power chair is functioning properly and helps prevent future complications.
Storage Your power chair should be stored in a dry place, free from temperature extremes. When storing, disconnect the batteries from the power chair.
WARNING! If you fail to store the unit properly, the frame can rust and the electronics can be damaged.
Batteries that are regularly and deeply discharged, infrequently charged, stored in extreme temperatures, or stored without a full charge may be permanently damaged, causing unreliable performance and limited service life. It is recommended that you charge the batteries periodically throughout periods of prolonged storage to ensure proper performance. You may wish to place several boards under the frame of your power chair to raise it off of the ground during periods of prolonged storage. This takes the weight off the tires and reduces the possibility of flat spots developing on the areas of the tires contacting the ground.
Disposal of Your Power Chair Your power chair must be disposed of according to applicable local and national statutory regulations. Contact your local waste disposal agency or The MOBILITY Center at 800-708-6399 for information on proper disposal of power chair packaging, metal frame components, plastic components, electronics, and batteries.
Cleaning and Disinfection Use a damp cloth and mild, non abrasive cleanser to clean the plastic and metal parts of your power chair. Avoid using products that may scratch the surface of your power chair.
If necessary, clean your product with an approved disinfectant. Make sure the disinfectant is safe for use on your product before application.
WARNING! Follow all safety instructions for the proper use of the disinfectant and/or cleaning agent before applying it to your product. Failure to comply may result in skin irritation or premature deterioration of upholstery and/or power chair finishes.
WARNING! Never hose off your power chair or place it in direct contact with water. Your power chair has a painted, ABS plastic body shroud that allows it to be easily wiped clean with a damp cloth.
WARNING! Never use any chemicals to clean a vinyl seat, as they may cause the seat to become slippery or dry out and crack. Use soapy water and dry the seat thoroughly.
Wheel Replacement If you have pneumatic tires and you have a flat tire, you can replace the tube. If your chair is equipped with a solid tire insert, then you must replace the entire wheel assembly. Replacement tires, tubes, and wheel assemblies are readily available through The MOBILITY Center at 800-708-6399.
WARNING! The wheels on your power chair should only be serviced or replaced by a qualified technician.
WARNING! Be sure that the controller’s power is turned off and the power chair is not in freewheel mode before performing this procedure.
WARNING! When changing a tire, remove only the center lug nut and washer, then remove the wheel. If any further disassembly is required, deflate the tire completely or it may explode.
Battery Replacement MANDATORY! Battery posts, terminals, and related accessories contain lead and lead compounds. Wear goggles and gloves when handling batteries and wash hands after handling.
WARNING! The batteries in your power chair should only be serviced or replaced by a qualified technician.
WARNING! Do not replace battery when seat is occupied.
WARNING! Do not mix or match new and old batteries. If you encounter a situation where one battery needs to be replaced, then replace both batteries.
When to contact The MOBILITY Center for Service The following symptoms could indicate a serious problem with your power chair. If necessary, The MOBILITY Center at 800-708-6399. When calling, have the model number, serial number, nature of the problem, and the error code if available.
! Motor noise ! Frayed harnesses ! Cracked or broken connectors ! Uneven wear on any of the tires ! Jerky motion ! Pulling to one side ! Bent or broken wheel assemblies ! Does not power up ! Powers up, but does not move
Corrective Maintenance ! If the battery condition meter does not light up when you turn on the power: ! Check the harness connections. Make sure they are tight. ! Check the circuit breaker. Reset it if necessary. ! Check the battery connections.
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