863 Tilt and Lift not working

[Axel]

Hi all, F-series 863 manufactured December 1998. A.H.C. controls. related Bobcat 863 service manual(serial number 514425001 & above) New battery and timing belt installed in the past few weeks. SYMPTOMS: *Tilt & lift stops functioning unpredictably. *BICS valve lock light turns off, all other lights stay on including seat bar *moves forward, backward, and turns great *Shutting engine off and starting back up gets Tilt & Lift to work again and BICS valve lock light on(for an unpredictable amount of time). Where should I start looking?

 

[OldMachinist]

It doesn't have a seat switch anymore right?
If the BICS valve light is just going off and not flashing I'd suspect that the seat bar sensor maybe the culprit. The BICS box only needs to think the seat bar was lifted for a split second for it to lock the control valve. The sensor is magnetic so it may have some metal particles accumulated in it or it just may be getting worn out.
Try cleaning it first if that doesn't work I'd replace it.

 

[Axel]

It doesn't have a seat switch anymore right?
If the BICS valve light is just going off and not flashing I'd suspect that the seat bar sensor maybe the culprit. The BICS box only needs to think the seat bar was lifted for a split second for it to lock the control valve. The sensor is magnetic so it may have some metal particles accumulated in it or it just may be getting worn out.
Try cleaning it first if that doesn't work I'd replace it.

Thanks for the lead! As soon as the rain stops I'll probably be on it. when you say "It doesn't have a seat switch anymore right?", does that mean this model originally had a seat switch?

 

[OldMachinist]

Thanks for the lead! As soon as the rain stops I'll probably be on it. when you say "It doesn't have a seat switch anymore right?", does that mean this model originally had a seat switch?

Yes, some machines in your serial number range had seat sensors but by now they should have had the "push to operate button" kit installed. Machines with seat sensors did what your machine is doing when the sensors got dirty or debris built up under the seat.

 

[Axel]

Yes, some machines in your serial number range had seat sensors but by now they should have had the "push to operate button" kit installed. Machines with seat sensors did what your machine is doing when the sensors got dirty or debris built up under the seat.

I see, my machine does have the "push to per ate button". I have been told that there are usually lights in the LH AHC/ACS handle for diagnosing problems. Mine seems to just have two round openings which are larger than the LED bulbs on the photo in the manual. how can I tell if my machine was originally equipped with these lights?

 

[Axel]

I see, my machine does have the "push to per ate button". I have been told that there are usually lights in the LH AHC/ACS handle for diagnosing problems. Mine seems to just have two round openings which are larger than the LED bulbs on the photo in the manual. how can I tell if my machine was originally equipped with these lights?

So I'm planning to take apart the left side of the seat bar where the sensor is tomorrow. (I've read the pages in the manual about it) I'm really hoping that this is the problem...

 

[Axel]

So I'm planning to take apart the left side of the seat bar where the sensor is tomorrow. (I've read the pages in the manual about it) I'm really hoping that this is the problem...

Ok, here's some new info: LIFT seems to work with no problems. but the moment I use TILT both become locked out. today I did some more harness cleaning and checking wiring(looks good), fired her up, and started by using JUST LIFT for a bit. As soon as I moved the TILT I lost both this time BEFORE the TILT even had a chance to move. (usually the tilt would move a little before locking out) Then I turned on BUCKET LEVELING and used the LIFT It worked fine(the tilt adjusted accordingly as I lifted the arms every time) got locked out the moment I tried to JUST TILT I'm hoping this narrows things down? I have noticed that the mounting bolts(round head hex) for the tilt hand controller(right side) are sticking out about an eighth inch from both sides(allowing the controller to have some play) but they will not budge in or out. looks like they've been this way for a very long time since the threads on the bolts are well worn down. the wire sheath that goes past the controller into the handle has some tares in it but the wires seem fine. can I test the controller somehow without taking it out?

 

[everest enterprises]

did you ever find the solution