Bobcat W3255 (32-55) Fault Code: ACS Lift Handle/Pedal Short to Battery
Also shown on the panel as 32-55 · Also called ACS (AHC) Lift Handle/Pedal Short to Battery
ACS Lift Handle/Pedal Short to Battery · ai-assisted, editor-reviewed · Last updated 2026-07-13
TL;DR
Bobcat code W3255, shown on the panel as 32-55, means the ACS controller has detected a voltage above 4.85 volts on the lift handle/pedal signal wire 4650/4660. When this code is active, lift and tilt functions are disabled until the fault clears.
High severity. Lift and tilt are disabled the moment this code sets, which stops loader work entirely. It is not a machine-damage code, but it is an operational stoppage that needs prompt diagnosis since the ACS system controls basic hydraulic function control.
What does Bobcat error code W3255 mean?
W3255 is an Advanced Control System (ACS) fault tied to the lift handle or lift pedal position sensor circuit. The ACS controller sends 5 volts out on a supply wire (labeled 1510/5650 or 1520/5660 depending on model and harness version) to power the handle or pedal sensor, and reads the return signal on wire 4650 (hand mode) or 4660 (foot mode). If that signal wire reads above 4.85 volts, the controller assumes the circuit is shorted to a voltage source it should not see, and it shuts down lift and tilt as a protective measure.
This is an electrical circuit fault, not a mechanical or hydraulic pump problem. The sensor itself, the wiring between the controller and the handle/pedal assembly, or the controller can all be responsible.
Because lift and tilt stop working, the machine is effectively unusable for loader work until the fault is found and cleared, even though there is no risk of sudden uncontrolled movement from this specific code.
Common causes of W3255
- Signal wire 4650 shorted to supply voltage (this only affects hand mode operation).
- Signal wire 4660 shorted to supply voltage (this only affects foot mode/pedal operation).
- The 5-volt supply wire to the sensor (labeled 1510/5650 or 1520/5660 depending on machine and harness) shorted to battery voltage.
- Ground wire 2650/2660 open (loss of ground return for the sensor circuit).
- A failed handle/pedal position sensor.
- A failed ACS controller.
- Moisture, corrosion, or pushed-back pins in the ACS controller connector, the lift handle or pedal connector, or anywhere along the ACS wiring harness.
- An intermittent fault: if the code is not active at the time of testing, the root cause may not be found right away. Likely culprits in intermittent cases are loose connections, corrosion, pushed-back pins, the controller itself, the harness, or some combination of these.
How to troubleshoot Bobcat W3255: first checks
- Confirm the code is active: key switch/run-enter must be on and PTOL enabled for the code to be set, so verify these conditions before testing.
- Inspect the ACS controller connector, lift handle connector, and pedal connector for moisture, corrosion, or pins that have been pushed back out of their terminals. This is one of the most common and easiest-to-find causes.
- Backprobe the signal wire (4650 for hand mode, 4660 for foot mode) with the key on and check for voltage above 4.85 volts, which confirms the short-to-supply condition the controller is seeing.
- Check the 5-volt supply wire (1510/5650 or 1520/5660 depending on your model) for a short to battery voltage, since this can feed back into the signal circuit and cause the same symptom.
- Check ground wire 2650/2660 for continuity to ground; an open ground on this circuit is a listed cause.
- If no fault is found and the code was intermittent, wiggle-test the harness and connectors near the handle/pedal and controller while watching for the code to reappear, since loose connections and pushed-back pins often only fault under vibration or movement.
- Test or substitute the handle/pedal sensor if wiring and grounds check out, then suspect the ACS controller last.
How the code clears
Once the repair is complete, cycle the key power off and back on. No separate clearing step is listed beyond this power cycle.
Affected models and serial ranges
W3255 appears in our records across 16 Bobcat models. Match your machine by model and serial number.
| Model | Serial ranges |
|---|---|
| S510 | SN A3NJ11001-99999, SN A3NK11001-99999, SN ATZC11001-99999 |
| S530 | SN A7TV11001-99999, SN ATZD11001-99999 |
| S550 | SN A3NK11001-A3NL99999, SN A3NM11001-99999 |
| S570 | SN A7U711001-799999, SN A7U811001-899999 |
| S590 | SN ANMN11001-99999, SN ANMP11001-99999 |
| S630 | SN A3NT12370-99999, SN A3NU11001-11111, SN A3NU11112-99999 |
| S650 | SN A3NV11001-13098, SN A3NV13099-99999, SN A3NW11001-11248, SN A3NW11249-99999 |
| S750 | SN A3P211001-299999 |
| S770 | SN A39511001-99999, SN A3P411001-99999 |
| T550 | SN A7UJ11001-AJZV12276 |
| T590 | SN ALJU11001-999999, SN B37811001-999999, SN B3Z711001-999999 |
| T630 | SN A7PU11001-11663, SN A7PU11664-99999 |
| T650 | SN A3P012214-099999, SN A3P111242-199999 |
| T750 | SN ANKA11001-A99999 |
| T770 | SN A3P811001-899999, SN A3P911001-999999 |
| T870 | SN A3PG11001-99999, SN A3PH11001-99999 |
Frequently asked questions
What does Bobcat code W3255 mean?
It means the ACS controller detected a voltage above 4.85 volts on the lift handle or pedal signal wire (4650 for hand mode, 4660 for foot mode), which it interprets as a short to a supply voltage. Lift and tilt functions are disabled while this code is active.
Why did my loader's lift and tilt suddenly stop working?
If W3255 is active, the ACS controller disables lift and tilt automatically as a protective response to the detected signal fault. This is expected behavior for this code, not a separate mechanical failure.
Is W3255 the same as the panel code 32-55?
Yes. 32-55 is the numeric panel display form of W3255 on affected Bobcat loader models.
What usually causes this code?
The most common real-world causes are moisture, corrosion, or pushed-back pins in the ACS controller, handle, or pedal connectors. Wiring shorts to supply voltage or battery voltage, an open ground wire, a failed sensor, or a failed ACS controller are also listed causes.
How do I clear W3255 after I fix it?
Cycle the key power off and back on. That is the only clearing step listed for this code.
The code only shows up sometimes. Why can't I find the cause?
Intermittent faults are common with this code. If it is not active when you test, the cause may be a loose connection, corrosion, or a pushed-back pin that only creates a fault under certain conditions like vibration or wire movement. A wiggle test on the harness and connectors while monitoring for the code can help catch it.
Which Bobcat models can show this code?
It appears on S510, S530, S550, S570, S590, S630, S650, S750, S770, T550, T590, T630, T650, T750, and T770/T870 skid-steer and track loader models equipped with the ACS control system.