How it works?!? The CAR WIZARD shows how to operate a two-post car lift.

Summary

In this detailed tutorial, the host walks viewers through the proper use of vehicle lifts, covering both frame-based trucks and unibody cars. The video explains essential safety measures, including positioning the vehicle, using neutral gear, and transferring weight to safety latches. Viewers learn how to adjust lift arms, use spacers for uneven frames, and operate hydraulic systems safely. Special attention is given to modern cars with active or air suspension, highlighting steps to prevent damage to sensitive computer-controlled systems. The tutorial is both informative and practical, offering clear, step-by-step guidance for anyone learning to operate lifts safely and effectively.

Takeaways

• 😀 Always position a vehicle past the lift, turn off the engine, and keep it in neutral until it’s properly aligned.
• 😀 Push the vehicle using the tires instead of the body to avoid damaging paint or structural components.
• 😀 Lift pillars are the main weight-bearing parts and must be securely anchored into concrete for safety.
• 😀 The power unit contains hydraulic fluid and controls for raising, lowering, and releasing the lift.
• 😀 Safety latches transfer the vehicle’s weight off the hydraulic system once lifted; never rely solely on hydraulic pressure.
• 😀 Lift arms are extendable and often asymmetrical, allowing easier access to doors and providing proper balance.
• 😀 Use spacers on frame vehicles to adjust for uneven frames and ensure the vehicle is level when lifted.
• 😀 Always test the stability of the vehicle by gently bouncing it after initial lifting to prevent tipping.
• 😀 Modern vehicles with active or air suspension must be put in 'lift mode' to prevent computer or suspension damage.
• 😀 Lower vehicles carefully by transferring weight back to the hydraulic system and holding the safety release until fully lowered.
• 😀 For frame vehicles, lift under the frame; for unibody vehicles, lift under pinch welds or structural members.
• 😀 Always check that lift arms are not resting on exhausts, fuel lines, or other sensitive parts to avoid damage.

Q & A

Why should a vehicle be left in neutral when positioning it on a lift?

Leaving the vehicle in neutral allows it to be manually rolled into the exact position needed. If put in park, the vehicle becomes immovable, making it impossible to adjust its placement on the lift.

What are the main components of a hydraulic vehicle lift?

The main components include the weight-bearing pillars, the power unit (hydraulic reservoir and motor), lift arms (extendable and often asymmetrical), control buttons for operating the lift, and safety release levers that engage the safety latches.

How do the safety latches work on a lift?

As the vehicle is raised, the safety latches click into place at increments. Once engaged, they support the vehicle’s weight so it no longer rests on hydraulic pressure. To lower the vehicle, the safety release lever must be engaged before releasing hydraulic pressure.

What is the purpose of asymmetrical lift arms?

Asymmetrical lift arms have one longer arm to position the vehicle slightly back, allowing doors to open without hitting the lift pillars. This design prevents damage and improves accessibility while working on the vehicle.

How should lift arms be positioned on a frame vehicle like a Dodge Ram?

Lift arms should be placed under the vehicle’s true frame, adjusting spacers as necessary to accommodate uneven frame sections. The arms should be centered so the vehicle remains level during lifting.

Why is it important to bounce the vehicle slightly after raising it a few inches?

Bouncing the vehicle checks for stability, ensuring that uneven loads or heavy cargo in trucks do not cause the vehicle to tip or become unsafe when raised higher.

What precautions should be taken when lifting modern vehicles with active or air suspension?

Active or air suspension systems must be disabled before lifting, as lifting without this step can damage the vehicle’s computer-controlled suspension. The specific procedure varies by manufacturer, so research for the particular model is essential.

Where should lift pads be placed on a unibody vehicle?

Lift pads should be positioned under the structural pinch welds of the unibody, which run along the vehicle's sides. This ensures proper support since the body itself functions as the frame.

Why should vehicles not be pushed by the body when positioning on a lift?

Pushing by the body can crack or damage panels, plastic, or fiberglass. Always push by the tires to protect the vehicle’s exterior and maintain safety.

What is the proper sequence for lowering a vehicle from the lift?

First, transfer the vehicle’s weight from the safety latches to the hydraulic system by raising it slightly. Hold the safety release lever while slowly operating the hydraulic pressure release. The vehicle should lower carefully, and the lift arms should be removed once fully down.

Why is it recommended to remove the ignition key and put a frame vehicle in park once lifted?

Removing the key and putting the vehicle in park prevents battery drain and ensures that the vehicle remains completely stationary, adding an extra layer of safety when working under it.

How do you ensure a vehicle remains level on a lift?

Adjust lift arm heights using threaded spacers and position the arms under the correct structural points. Check distances from the arms to the frame and balance the vehicle by verifying all four corners are even before raising it to full height.