Craftsman 3 1/2 Ton Floor Jack Won’t Lift: A Comprehensive Guide

Are you struggling with your Craftsman 3 1/2 ton floor jack that won’t lift? Don’t worry; you’re not alone. Many users have reported this issue, and there are several potential causes and solutions. In this article, we’ll explore the possible reasons why your floor jack might not be lifting and provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to fix it. Let’s dive in!

Understanding the Problem

Your Craftsman 3 1/2 ton floor jack is designed to lift heavy vehicles, but sometimes it may fail to do so. Before we delve into the solutions, it’s essential to understand the potential causes of this problem.

Low Battery Voltage: If your floor jack is battery-powered, a low battery voltage could be the culprit.
Stuck Jack Pumps: The pumps inside the floor jack might get stuck, preventing it from lifting.
Improper Jack Positioning: If the jack is not positioned correctly under the vehicle, it won’t lift.
Worn-out Jack Pads: Worn-out pads can cause the jack to slip, making it difficult to lift the vehicle.
Defective Jack Mechanism: A faulty mechanism could be the reason your jack won’t lift.

Diagnosing the Issue

Before attempting to fix the problem, it’s crucial to diagnose the issue correctly. Here are some steps you can follow:

Check the Battery Voltage: If your floor jack is battery-powered, use a multimeter to check the battery voltage. Ensure it’s within the recommended range.
Inspect the Jack Pumps: Look for any signs of damage or obstruction in the pumps. If you find any, it may be time to replace them.
Check the Jack Position: Make sure the jack is positioned correctly under the vehicle. If it’s not, adjust the position and try lifting again.
Inspect the Jack Pads: Look for any signs of wear or damage on the pads. If they’re worn out, replace them with new ones.
Examine the Jack Mechanism: Check for any visible signs of damage or wear. If you find any, it may be time to replace the entire mechanism.

Fixing the Problem

Once you’ve diagnosed the issue, it’s time to fix it. Here are the steps to follow for each potential cause:

Problem	Solution
Low Battery Voltage	Charge the battery or replace it with a new one.
Stuck Jack Pumps	Disassemble the pump and clean any debris. If necessary, replace the pump.
Improper Jack Positioning	Position the jack correctly under the vehicle and try lifting again.
Worn-out Jack Pads	Replace the worn-out pads with new ones.
Defective Jack Mechanism	Replace the entire mechanism with a new one.

Preventing Future Issues

Now that you’ve fixed the problem, it’s essential to prevent it from happening again. Here are some tips to help you maintain your Craftsman 3 1/2 ton floor jack: