JLG Scissor Lift 44 Fault Code: Battery Low
Also called Battery Too High - System Shutdown, Battery Too Low - System Shutdown, Battery Voltage, Coolant Level Switch Off, Indicates a Battery Supply Problem - Battery Voltage Too High - System Shutdown, Indicates a Battery Supply Problem - Battery Voltage Too Low - System Shutdown, Indicates a Battery Supply Problem - LSS Battery Voltage Too High, Indicates a Battery Supply Problem - LSS Battery Voltage Too Low, LSS Battery Voltage High, LSS Battery Voltage Low, Problems with the Battery Supply
Battery Low · ai-assisted, editor-reviewed · Last updated 2026-07-13
TL;DR
Code 44 (SPN 111 / FMI 1) on JLG scissor lifts covers a group of battery voltage problems, plus a low coolant level switch fault on machines with that circuit. It can mean battery voltage momentarily spiked above 37.0 volts, dropped below 14.5 volts, or the load sensing system saw voltage outside 9.0 to 34.0 volts. Any of these can shut down drive, steer, and lift functions until the issue is cleared.
High severity. Code 44 stops drive, steer, and lift functions on the machine and can trigger emergency stop and start lock conditions. It should be diagnosed before returning the lift to service, not worked around.
What does JLG Scissor Lift error code 44 mean?
Fault code 44 is tied to SPN 111 / FMI 1 in the JLG controller system and groups together several related battery voltage and coolant level problems that all get reported under the same code. The exact cause depends on which specific fault text and module (power module, ground module, or load sensing system module) triggered it.
On the battery voltage side, the power module and load sensing system module both watch the machine's battery voltage. If voltage spikes too high, drops too low, or drifts outside the range the load sensing system needs to accurately predict weight, the controller assumes something is wrong with the power supply or that the machine may be overloaded, and it locks out drive, steer, and lift to protect the system and the operator.
On machines equipped with a coolant level switch, the same code number can also indicate that the switch is reporting a low coolant condition. This is treated as a functional fault that forces an emergency stop and prevents startup (start lock) until the coolant level is corrected.
What triggers a JLG Scissor Lift 44 code?
The controller sets this code under several distinct conditions: battery voltage momentarily exceeding 37.0 volts (power module high battery fault), battery voltage dropping below 14.5 volts (power module low battery fault), load sensing system module measuring battery voltage below 9.0 volts while the load sensing system is enabled, load sensing system module measuring battery voltage above 34.0 volts while enabled, or the low coolant level switch input becoming active.
Common causes of 44
- Power module detects battery voltage momentarily above 37.0 volts, causing the ground module to deenergize the ignition relay to protect system devices. This fault latches until the next power cycle.
- Power module reports a high battery fault (coded 8d) or a high battery without line fault (coded 10d), which also deenergizes the ignition relay.
- Battery voltage momentarily drops below 14.5 volts, often during heavy current draw from drive, steer, or lift-up operation, triggering a low battery fault (coded 7d) on the power module.
- Load sensing system module measures battery voltage below 9.0 volts while the load sensing system is enabled, which can compromise the system's ability to predict load weight, especially under heavy current demand.
- Load sensing system module measures battery voltage above 34.0 volts while the load sensing system is enabled, again threatening accurate weight prediction.
- Load sensing system status message reports 'batt too low' or 'batt too high' while machine setup load cutout is configured to CUTOUT PLT or CUTOUT ALL, causing the vehicle to be treated as overloaded.
- Low coolant level switch input becomes active, triggering an emergency stop and start lock on machines with that circuit.
- Improper battery charging practices or use of incorrect voltage batteries for the machine.
How to troubleshoot JLG Scissor Lift 44: first checks
- Check battery state of charge and overall condition. Look for damaged, weak, or mismatched batteries, since incorrect voltage batteries are a listed cause.
- Inspect battery charging equipment and charging habits. Improper charging is specifically called out as a possible cause for both high and low voltage faults.
- With a multimeter, check actual battery voltage at rest and under load (drive, steer, lift-up) to see if it dips below 14.5 volts or spikes above 37.0 volts.
- Check machine setup configuration for the load cutout setting (CUTOUT PLT or CUTOUT ALL) if the load sensing system is reporting a battery fault.
- On machines with a coolant level switch, check the coolant level in the reservoir first.
- Inspect the coolant level sensor and its cable/connector for damage, corrosion, or a poor connection if coolant level appears normal but the fault persists.
How the code clears
For the high battery voltage fault, the fault is latched until the next power cycle, so cycling the key/power may be required after the underlying voltage issue is corrected. No separate clearing step is listed for the low battery, load sensing system high/low battery, or coolant level faults beyond correcting the root cause (recharging or replacing batteries, fixing the coolant level or sensor). No reset procedure beyond these is listed for this code.
Frequently asked questions
What does JLG fault code 44 mean?
It is a grouped code (SPN 111 / FMI 1) covering multiple battery voltage problems detected by the power module or load sensing system module, and on some machines it also covers a low coolant level switch fault. The specific cause depends on which fault text is active.
Why does code 44 shut down drive, steer, and lift?
The controller treats abnormal battery voltage or a low coolant condition as a safety issue. Drive, steer, and lift up are deliberately prevented until the voltage returns to a safe range or the coolant level is corrected, protecting both the machine's electronics and the operator.
Can a weak or dying battery cause fault code 44?
Yes. Battery voltage dropping below 14.5 volts during heavy current demand, such as during drive, steer, or lift-up, is a listed cause. Low battery charge under load is one of the most common triggers.
Does code 44 always mean a coolant problem?
No. On many machines it is strictly a battery voltage fault. The coolant level switch fault is only relevant on machines equipped with that circuit, and it is listed as a separate functional fault under the same code number.
Will fixing the battery clear the fault automatically?
For the high battery voltage condition, the fault latches and is only cleared by a power cycle after the voltage issue is fixed. For the other battery and coolant faults, no separate clearing step is listed beyond correcting the underlying cause.
What voltage range does the load sensing system need to work correctly?
The load sensing system module expects battery voltage to stay between 9.0 volts and 34.0 volts. Outside that range, its ability to predict load weight is considered compromised, and the vehicle may be treated as overloaded.
Is it safe to keep operating the lift with code 44 active?
No. This fault actively prevents drive, steer, and lift functions, and on coolant-related versions it can force an emergency stop and start lock. Diagnose and resolve the root cause before returning the machine to service.