Parts & Service for Your Wheelchair Van or Wheelchair Lift
Posted by Karl on Tuesday, May 19th, 2009
In the past few months I’ve noticed several trends while talking to our BraunAbility dealers in my limited role as a product support person.
In the past we would quote part numbers and prices and the dealer would ask us to ship the parts as soon as possible. Now we do the quotation and the dealer doesn’t place the order, but instead quotes the customer. If they get approval the dealer calls back with the order, or uses our electronic service on Dealer Depot to place the order.
The other trend I’ve noticed is dealers repairing older BraunAbility products. We regularly get calls for parts for 15- and 20-year-old lifts. Providing parts for a 1993 Dodge Entervan or a 1994 Rampvan is not unusual. Many of our dealers are surprised that not only do we have the parts, but often we have them in stock for immediate ship out.
These two trends tell me that people are watching their expenditures closely in this difficult economy and using their resources to fix up their older vehicles.
AbilityExpress ensures that our dealers can get most replacement parts the next day
We are proud to be able to provide parts and product support for our older products. BraunAbility is known for service after the sale. That service and on-going parts support is part of what you purchase when buying a BraunAbility product.
But we also have some concerns to pass along to our customers. Like all older equipment, older lifts, Entervan and Rampvan conversions, Chair Toppers, and Companion Seats need regular and frequent service by a factory-trained technician. You get the old body checked up by a physician and get the old van inspected by your mechanic, so why not get your mobility equipment inspected and maintained by a trained technician?
A guide to this maintenance and proper use of our equipment is provided in your owner’s manual. If you haven’t looked at it for awhile, please review everything. You may have used your BraunAbility mobility equipment for many years, but I guarantee that you will find new or different and often safer ways to use your equipment.
If you can’t find your owner’s manual, we will be happy to provide one. You can order owner’s manuals through our BraunAbility dealers, or you can contact us by commenting below.
Above all, be safe, and we hope you will get good use of your BraunAbility mobility equipment for many years.
Tags: dealers
May 31st, 2009 at 12:38 pm
I need Ground effects parts for the passenger side of my 2000 Dodge canavan sport were can I buy them.
June 1st, 2009 at 12:18 pm
Millennium-2 Series Wheelchair Lifts
I will start of saying you provide a wonderful product till we get to the remote…
The remote has to be the worst we have ever dealt with in the decade we have been using your products. We have had the new vans for 6 months and have had to purchase 3 remotes to date and the 4th is going bad as we speak and we have to purchase them. No warranty and no durability to them what so ever. The last vans had never had an issue and we never had to replace a remote.
June 1st, 2009 at 12:34 pm
Hello William - you can purchase the ground effects at your nearest dealer, which you can find at the link below. Let me know if you need anything else! - Jack
http://www.braunability.com/find-a-dealer.cfm
June 1st, 2009 at 1:10 pm
Hello Charles,
Thank you for your post.
Your experience is highly unusual. The remote on my lift is 5 years old and has never failed except one when the battery went dead. The warranty on the transmitter is 90 days, with one year on the receiver. Please send me the lift model-Series-Serial number, Part # on the bottom of the face plate of the transmitter, and the name of the dealer who provided the lift and each of the remotes. I would like to look into this further.
Thanks,
Burnie
June 10th, 2009 at 1:49 pm
This is in regards to comments by Karl on his pride of providing support to older lift products. I have a Vangator II going on 10 years. Absolutely marvelous product with minor operational anomalies throughout the years. Although built by Crow River [before Braun] I finally experienced my first large repair - a circuit board. After installation attempts of two different electronic boards it was determined that Braun no longer supported the electronics necessary for proper lift operation.
My dealer got the lift to operate on one of the “newer” circuit boards. The only problem is there is no adjustment to platform height as it stows and deploys with the lowered conversion. I am literally “dropping off” the edge of the lift by 4 inches to enter the van. It took one fall onto my backside to now require assistance for every entry and egress. It appears the otherwise sound operation of a very good lift now needs to be replaced.
Unless you find fault in the education of professional technicians supporting your product, you need to set a disclaimer to your pride and realize that everybody is a case-by-case scenario. Chris
June 15th, 2009 at 6:37 am
Chris,
let me try to address your comment. It is true that when replacing an older style Vangeter circuit board, we are using the type of board that is being installed on current production, but you should notice no difference in operation. All of the adjustments should be the same. We do however have two types of boards for Vangater lifts, one for a dropped floor application (refered to as “flat floor”) and one for a standard floor (or stepwell application). It sounds like they may have installed the wrong board. Please contact me either via email, this blog, or by calling 1-800-THE LIFT and ask for Justin in Product Support. It sounds like it may be dangerous the way you are currently having to operate your lift.
June 15th, 2009 at 10:17 am
Hello Chris,
I concur with Justin’s assessment. After speaking to another tech that also specializes in the Vangater lift I am convinced that the lift, barring other issues, should operate properly using one of the current boards. A motor brake replacement (PN 97100-000KS) should also help. It might also be helpful if you could supply the Model and Serial # from your lift as well as, the Dealer and your contact, where the repair was performed.
Burnie
August 27th, 2009 at 12:03 pm
We have a Crow River “Vangater II” that was installed in our 1997 Chevrolet Express Conversion Van in 1998 (model# 9684PS / serial# 9708149). We can no longer find the owners manual for it, long since misplaced, and is there a way or place on the unit to tell what year it was produced in? It has received very lite use over the years, mostly to take our son to his doctor visits, hospital, and family affairs, and has worked well, with only a few anomalies which seem to come and go unpredictably. The only on-going defect is that the rear roll guard does not function automatically any longer, so we operate that manually. I suppose my main question is how do I find out what year it was produced in? Thank you. Robert
August 27th, 2009 at 12:46 pm
Hello Robert;
Your lift was built 08/1997. If you need a Owner’s Manual, please send me your email address or USPS address, and I will send it to you. You may prefer to send personal information to my email addres: burnie.blackmon@braunlift.com. Please let me know if I can be of further assistance.
Burnie
August 27th, 2009 at 4:26 pm
Hello Burnie,
I thank you for your help and answer to our question, I have emailed our USPS address to you for the Owner’s Manual, which is greatly appreciated. You folks at Braun have provided a wonderful product line and support service to those of us who need this type of equipment.
Thank you again.
Robert
August 29th, 2009 at 10:56 am
i own a 1999 Dodge Grand Caravan EnterVan, lowered floor manual ramp. I took it to our local dodge,chrysler dealer for a strong gas smell. He said the pipe leading to the gas tank has a leak. He can not order the part since the conversion was not done by the manufacture. Where can I get this part? I am planning a trip in 4 weeks and would like to get it fixed. I live in Vestal NY 13850.
August 30th, 2009 at 6:35 am
Hello Marsha,
Penn York Mobility is your closest dealer and will be able to help you out. Please let me know if you need anything else! Jack
Penn York Mobility
69 Main Street
Binghamton, NY 13905
Tel: (607) 773-3622
Distance: 8.55 miles
September 30th, 2009 at 12:49 am
I am positive that all your write-ups in here are helpful to someone. However I am in need of “LIFT ROD” for my roommates “Vangater II” I need one NOW!
Please respond A.S.A.P….Thanks
September 30th, 2009 at 9:44 am
Hi Charley,
I’m not sure exactly what part you are referring to, but since we do not sell direct, the quickest way for you to get the part you need is to contact your local dealer. If you don’t know who that is, you can find them here: http://www.braunability.com/find-a-dealer.cfm
Please let me know if I can offer any other assistance!
Jack
October 5th, 2009 at 3:17 pm
I own a 1992 plymouth voyager with a lowered floor and hydrolic ramp, I need to find rear shocks. I have been told they don’t make them anymore. How can I fix the van. Can another kind of shock be used? Thank you
October 6th, 2009 at 10:37 am
Hello Diana,
On the 1992 BraunAbility Entervan the OEM shocks were replaced with an airbag system. The part number for the airbag is 51240AS. You can purchase these from any BraunAbility Entervan Dealer. You can locate a dealer near you by going to http://www.braunability.com, or by calling 1-800-THE-LIFT. Please let me know if I can be of futher assistance. Burnie
October 8th, 2009 at 1:22 pm
In need manual model L100u series 5 9/96 and or motor hyd. out needed to bring lift up from ground have not money need to be done myself can you help get stats.?
Thanks Bruce
vollmanbruce@yahoo.com
October 9th, 2009 at 9:34 am
Hello Bruce,
Please send me your mailing address and I’ll send a manual for your lift. Please send to my email address, burnie.blackmon@braunlift.com.
Burnie
October 30th, 2009 at 3:55 pm
I have a Braun Chair Topper 700X and it suddenly wont let my chair down. it will pick it up and open but wont lower it. I’ve been in contact with my dealer who informs me that the motor my lift needs is no longer made. How is this possible when there is still so many chair toppers on the road? How can I go about getting the motors I need?
October 31st, 2009 at 9:54 am
Hi Thomas,
I’ll make sure to pass your note on to the appropriate people when we’re back in the office on Monday. In the meantime, if you can provide the serial number of your Chair Topper that will help us get a head start.
Thanks, Jack
November 2nd, 2009 at 7:59 am
Thank you the serial number is 05-05-902. My dealer Art Lange at Captain Vantastic’s in Esopus NY was also supposed to be ordering a wire harness. Would you have any idea how long that would take for delivery? My lift has been broke down for 12 days.
November 2nd, 2009 at 3:05 pm
Hello Thomas;
We shipped a harness 11/29/09. I don’t know for sure that is for you but I suspect that it is. The dealer is correct to a point. We no longer have exact replacements, however we have an upgrade kit for L700X-05….. & newer, which yours appears to be. This would allow you to use the motor that we use in current production. Ask the dealer to contact BraunAbility Product Support for lifts. A tech can direct him to the correct upgrade kit and motor. If it turns out that your unit is older than Series 05 then we do not have an upgrade kit but you should be able to get a rebuilt used motor from a NAPA Auto Parts store. Let me know if you need further assistance.
November 3rd, 2009 at 8:32 am
Thank you for all your help.
November 3rd, 2009 at 8:56 am
Thomas, You are very welcome.
November 12th, 2009 at 10:36 pm
I have a 2001 Dodge Grand Caravan Sport RampVan. My battery has consistantly only lasted approximately a year. Do I need to get a special battery for my RampVan? And what would that be?
Thanks
Kathleen
November 13th, 2009 at 11:00 am
Hello Kathleen:
I prefer a heavy duty battery, especially if you live in a cold climate. A heavy duty battery can be obtained from any auto parts supplier. In my opinion, even a standard conventional automotive battery, if not subjected to deep discharge, should last longer than a year.
The life of a conventional automotive battery, even a heavy duty battery, will be significantly diminished after only one incident of deep discharge. After about three or four incidents it is generally damaged beyond recovery, even if that happens in the first week.
In standard operation, assuming your alternator is operating properly, deep discharge should never occur. Things that can cause a deep discharge include but are not limited to: An engine that is difficult to start, a long period of non use, a constant drain on the battery when the engine is not running, or a combination.
If your vehicle starts easily, and is not out of service for longs periods, I would look for a constant drain on the battery, when the engine is not running. It could be as simple as leaving the headlights on, or leaving a door ajar, but you would probably know when that happens. It could also be more complicated having to do with the electrical system of either the vehicle or the conversion. Any Braun dealer should be able to test for a constant drain, when the engine is not running, and should be able to determine if it is coming from the vehicle or the conversion.
If none of these things are an issue I am at a loss. Perhaps the local Braun dealer would have additional ideas. Burnie
November 20th, 2009 at 3:44 pm
I have a 1995 Dodge Entervan and need a replacement key for the outside door/ramp operation. The number on the lock is #A296. When I contacted the dealer, they said they could not provide a key to fit the current lock, but I had to purchase a new lock and key set and have it installed. Surely I can get a replacement key for a lost key vs. having to spend $ for replacement of whole lock/key set plus installation.
Also, my remote for door/ramp is not working. My local mechanic cannot locate the location of the “two touch remote control receiver”. Where are these normally located in a 1995 Dodge Entervan? He located all the fuses, wiring etc behind the panel on the passenger side rear of the van. Nothing in located behind the panel on the drivers side rear of the van. Where is it hiding???
November 21st, 2009 at 11:10 am
Hi Andrea,
I have passed you comment on to the appropriate people and we will be in touch when we’re back in the office on Monday.
Thanks, Jack
November 23rd, 2009 at 1:54 pm
Hello Andrea.
When we buy the locks, they come with only two keys, and we send those with the vehicle. If you still have a key you can have a locksmith duplicates the key. Most place that make keys will not be able to duplicate, but a good locksmith should be able to. If the first two keys are lost, then a good locksmith may still be able to make a key from the lock. If that fails the only option is to replace the Lock which will come with two new keys.
The remote receiver is located in the box that forms the mount for the spare tire.
Please let me know if I can be of further assistance.
Burnie
December 19th, 2009 at 12:47 pm
okay I’m not sure how this is done because this is probably the second time I have ever entered a blog. Here goes, I have a 1999 Dodge Caravan Braun conversion with the gray keyfob remote controls. The remote controls (I have two) are pretty hammered and won’t stay on the key rings anymore. Can I get another one somewhere? Also I was wondering can I purchase a ramp motor and have a local shop install it? I have a local shop that has a mechanic who is certified that used to work in a mass transit shop, he was dedicated to the wheelchair vehicles. Thanks for your help on these matters
December 21st, 2009 at 12:51 pm
Hello Mr Roller;
I do not believe there are any previously built Entervans for which we do not have replacement remote control transmitters. To be certain I need the VIN (vehicle identification number). We only sell part to authorized Braun dealer. It is up to the dealer to determine whether or not your local shop can successfully install replacement parts. You can find a list of Braun dealers at our web site, or by calling 1-800-THE LIFT or by sending me your zip code. Thank you, Burnie
January 27th, 2010 at 5:47 pm
I own a 2001 Dodge Grand Caravan with a Braun Entervan conversion, which also includes a swivel power seat base. I am unsure whether the power seat base was installed during the conversion, or whether it was installed later, as I bought it with both already completed. Here is my dilemma: the power seat base stopped working in mid-swivel, so I am now unable to use the van. Therefore, I am unable to take it to an authorized Braun dealer for service. At this point, I only see two options for repairing the power seat base. I could get someone to come out to my house to fix it. I tried the guy who fixes my power wheelchair, but although he used to fix these types of vans, he is no longer licensed due to liability concerns. Are you aware of any Braun dealers in the DC area that make house calls? Towing my car to the dealer would be very expensive. Another option is to have my father-in-law, who is licensed as an electrician, fix it. However, in order for him to do it, he would need a wiring diagram and/or user’s manual for the power seat base (I have one for the Entervan conversion). Would it be possible to obtain that from you? A product ID sticker on the base reads “IMS - New Mexico 007405″. Another reads “Lear Corp. - Walker CICS-57501-RE, Date Man. - 06/26/01 GA”. I contacted Lear, and they told me that they do not deal with the consumers, only their suppliers. And I believe IMS was taken over by Braun, so I assume you have the parts and/or service contacts that could help me in that respect. I see that currently, Braun only sells power seat bases internationally. Please help.
January 29th, 2010 at 9:34 am
Hello Eddie;
Since we do not factory install transfer seats it would have been installed by the selling dealer. If you will email me your VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) I can look up the selling dealer and send it to you. We no longer have Transfer Seat manuals or wiring diagrams, however the electrical system is very simple. Each motor/switch is wired individually. Forward and reverse is obtained by reversing polarity. Each dealer makes their own decision regarding road/home service. I will email you a list of dealers in your area. You will need to contact each for their policy. Burnie
January 29th, 2010 at 7:36 pm
Hello - I have just purchased a 2009 Entervan XT. It is configured so the front passenger seat easily removes and I maneuver my Invacare Storm series power chair into the Passenger Front Position. I came up with a random thought to my dealer how ideal it would be to have aesthetic removable covers for the passenger seat lockdown pins on the floor. It would be nice to have my front casters on my chair glide over the exposed pins.
At that moment a nice vinyl cover with clips that snap into the pins were retrieved. Unfortunately, it was for an early model conversion and would not fit. Further investigation with correspondence to Braun disclosed that this part is not available for my $40,000 plus vehicle. Is this really true? The van has undergone an amazing conversion process and I really do find this hard to believe, especially when it appears to have been conceived in earlier models. Chris
January 29th, 2010 at 7:49 pm
Hello Chris,
I believe you are correct - we do not have covers available as you describe them. Further, I don’t believe we ever have offered them - it’s possible the ones you saw were from a different manufacturer. I will do some checking when we’re back in the office on Monday. Also, I will pass your suggestion on to engineering as it certainly seems like a good idea. Thanks for writing!
Jack
February 1st, 2010 at 2:19 pm
Dear Chris;
Striker Covers were available for some earlier models, but have not been developed for current production. It is possible that at some time they will be developed for current models. If they become available in the future we will make them available to our dealers.
Burnie
February 2nd, 2010 at 11:39 am
Chris.
I have found a Striker Cover for an older conversion that will work on your 2009 XT. There are only two colors available (E50878KMS medium slate & E5087KDS dark khaki). Each kit contains two covers. Please contact your dealer for pricing and availability.
Burnie
February 2nd, 2010 at 11:42 am
Chris,
Sorry for the misinformation above, and thanks for setting me straight Burnie!
Jack
March 15th, 2010 at 8:55 pm
I have a 2004 Dodge Caravan/Entervan which was purchased in early 2005. I have had absolutely no problems with it, and (usually) cannot sing high enough praises for this vehicle. However, recently I am having a problem where the automatic door will open, the van will kneel, but the ramp will not unfold. I have to raise and lower the ramp manually. After I raise it manually, the door will close and secure automatically.
Also, I’m having an issue about the door locks. When the lock button is depressed on the remote, the alarm sets but the doors do not lock. This problem is resolved by unhooking and rehooking the negative cable on the battery, but not possible when I’m away from my home…. Not a huge issue, just very annoying.
I live about 2 hours away from the dealership where I bought the van, so maintenance is not an easy issue. Could the ramp issues be a problem with a fuse or something, or am is it something that will require a visit to a dealer? And if I have to take it in for repair, is there one closer than Pasadena, TX? I’m in Lufkin, TX, zip code 75901. Thanks!!
March 16th, 2010 at 11:31 am
Dear Cynthia;
Thanks for your contribution to the AbilityVoice.
Could be an issue with the Schlep harness loosing the ajar or full open signal. It will need to go to a Braun dealer for inspection. The Schlep harness is in the step well of each sliding door. It is a black plastic material in the form of a track. You can locate your nearest dealer from our web site: http://www.braunability.com, or by calling 1-800 THE LIFT.
Burnie
May 1st, 2010 at 7:42 am
Trying to locate an operator manual for a braun enterramp and kneeling system installed in a 1995 dodge grand caravan when it was new. What specific model information do I need and where do I find it? Can I purchase the manual direct from Braun or do I need to go through a dealer? I am following instructions from web info below. Any information will be grealy appreciated. Thanks
http://www.braunability.com/abilityvoice/2009/05/parts/
If you can’t find your owner’s manual, we will be happy to provide one. You can order owner’s manuals through our BraunAbility dealers, or you can contact us by commenting below.
May 4th, 2010 at 12:48 pm
Please send me your VIN. I should be able to supply a manual. Is your van a Braun Entervan or a IMS Rampvan? burnie.blackmon@braunlift.com
May 17th, 2010 at 12:52 pm
I loved my vangater until I added the remote which has shorted out 3 circuit boards. The $500 it cost to add the remote was a big mistake! And the cost of repairs since (adding up over $600 in 2-years) as a result of the remots is crazy!
I love the vangater….but another circuit board is blown….and the cost should sit with the dealer since it is the remote causing the problem
May 17th, 2010 at 2:24 pm
Hi Teryl;
I would be happy to look into this situation for you, but first I need a little background. What is Model-Series-Serial # of the lift? Which dealer has been doing the repairs? Is that the same dealer you purchased the lift from? Contact person at the dealer? Is the remote a Braun or some other manufacturer? How was the determination made, that the remote is causing the problem? What’s your phone #? You may prefer to email personal info rather than putting it on the blog…burnie.blackmon@braunlift.com
Thanks,
Burnie
July 3rd, 2010 at 7:03 pm
In July 2009, I purchased a 2007 Chrysler Entervan that went into service in June 2008. At the time it was modified by the original selling dealer to fit my wheelchair. Everything has worked perfectly until yesterday. Now the ramp system has stopped working completely. The only way to open or close the ramp and door is maunually. When any of the door buttons or remote are pressed, you can hear the door latch solenoid activate but nothing else happens. The van should still be under warranty but it was never transferred from the original owner since the need to transfer the warranty was never brought up by the dealer. I have routinely maintained the ramp based on the owners manual information but yesterday was the first time I had need to read the warranty and found out about the transfer requirement. Can I still transfer the warranty and have the van serviced under the terms of the warranty? I would have gladly transferred the warranty at the time of purchase had I known but I assumed the Braun warranty worked the same as the Chrysler warranty and no “official” transfer was required. Thanks for your help.
July 6th, 2010 at 10:17 am
Rick;
If you are the second owner the warranty transfers automatically with no action required on your part. The warranty does not extend to the third owner. However if you would like me to enter your name as the current owner, I can do so if you will supply name address & VIN.
If you are the second owner the current issue is probably covered by the warranty. The local dealer will need to inspect to make the determination.