You hook up the plow for the first time of the season, hit the controller, and nothing happens. Maybe the motor runs but the blade won’t move. Maybe the plow raises but refuses to angle. Or you hear a click and get no movement at all.
A snow plow that won’t raise or angle doesn’t automatically mean the hydraulic pump has failed. Electrical connections, hydraulic fluid, solenoids, hoses and several other components can produce similar symptoms.
Before the first storm arrives, here are some common areas to check when troubleshooting a snow plow.
1. Start With the Battery and Electrical Connections
Snow plow hydraulic systems can place a significant electrical demand on the vehicle.
If the snow plow won’t move, start by checking the battery condition and electrical connections. Look for loose terminals, damaged cables, corrosion and poor connections at the plow and vehicle.
Pay particular attention to grounds. A connection can look fine from the outside while corrosion or a loose mounting point creates electrical problems.
2. Check the Plow Connections
If your plow is removed during the off-season, inspect the connectors when hooking it back up.
Look for bent pins, corrosion, dirt, moisture or damaged wiring. Make sure each connector is fully seated.
This is an especially useful check when the plow worked correctly last winter but develops an electrical problem immediately after being reinstalled.
3. Snow Plow Clicks but Won’t Move
If you press the controller and hear a click but the snow plow motor doesn’t run, there are several possible causes.
The battery, cables, grounds, motor relay or solenoid, electric motor and related wiring may all be worth checking.
A clicking sound by itself doesn't confirm that the snow plow solenoid is bad. Testing the electrical circuit can help determine whether the solenoid is actually the problem before you replace it.
4. Check the Hydraulic Fluid
Low or contaminated hydraulic fluid can affect plow operation.
Check the snow plow hydraulic fluid according to the manufacturer's instructions. The blade may need to be positioned a certain way to obtain an accurate fluid-level reading.
Also look at the fluid itself. If it appears contaminated, milky or unusually dirty, the hydraulic system may need additional attention.
Always use the hydraulic fluid specified for your particular plow system.
5. Plow Motor Runs but the Blade Won’t Raise
This symptom helps narrow things down.
If you can hear the electric motor running but the snow plow won't raise, the problem may be on the hydraulic side of the system rather than simply a loss of electrical power.
Possible areas to inspect include hydraulic fluid level, the pump, valves, filters or screens, hoses and hydraulic cylinders.
The exact troubleshooting procedure varies by plow manufacturer and model, so use the appropriate service information before replacing components.
6. Snow Plow Won’t Angle Left or Right
If the blade raises and lowers normally but won’t angle, pay attention to whether the problem occurs in one direction or both.
Angle cylinders, hydraulic hoses, valves, coils and electrical connections may be involved depending on the plow design.
Inspect the hoses for obvious damage or restrictions and check the electrical connections associated with the angle function. If the plow moves in one direction but not the other, that information can be useful when narrowing down the issue.
7. Inspect Hydraulic Hoses and Fittings
Snow plow hoses operate in a tough environment. They are exposed to cold temperatures, road salt, moisture and repeated movement.
Before winter, inspect snow plow hydraulic hoses for cracking, abrasion, leaks, damaged fittings and other signs of wear.
Pay attention to areas where a hose can rub against the plow frame or another component as the blade moves.
Replacing a questionable hose before the season starts is considerably easier than dealing with a hydraulic failure during a storm.
8. Check the Cylinders for Leaks or Damage
Inspect the lift and angle cylinders for visible leaks, corrosion or damage.
Hydraulic fluid around the cylinder rod or seals may indicate that the component needs attention. Also inspect the rod itself for damage that could affect the seal.
Keep in mind that hydraulic problems aren't always visible externally. Internal leakage can sometimes affect operation without leaving a puddle underneath the plow.
Test Your Snow Plow Before the First Storm
The best time to discover a plow problem is not when six inches of snow are already on the ground.
Hook up the plow before winter and operate all of its functions. Raise and lower the blade, angle it in both directions and inspect the lights, controller, electrical connections and hydraulic system.
If you find a worn or damaged component, identify your snow plow make, model and OEM part number before ordering a replacement. Plows that look similar can use different motors, solenoids, cylinders, hoses and hydraulic components.
Reliable Aftermarket Parts carries aftermarket snow plow parts and replacement components for a variety of snow-removal equipment, including hydraulic parts, hoses, cylinders, electrical components and other common wear items.
A quick inspection now can give you time to make repairs and find the parts you need before the first winter storm puts your equipment to work.