Bobcat S175 Lift & Tilt Light and Pedal Lock Issue

[MikePhua]

Overview
The Bobcat S175 skid steer loader, a popular compact machine known for its versatility and reliability, sometimes experiences an issue where the lift and tilt light does not illuminate, and the operator pedals lock, preventing normal operation. This problem disrupts loader functions such as raising the bucket, creating challenges in daily work and transportation.
Symptoms and Common Observations

• Upon machine startup, pressing the lift & tilt enable button results in no light activation for that function.
  
• Pedals remain locked and unresponsive, disabling movement and loader control.
  
• Other indicator lights, such as seat belt and safety bar lights, function normally.
  
• On some occasions, moving the machine back and forth or restarting multiple times temporarily resolves the issue.
  
• Leaving the bucket slightly off the ground before stopping seems to prevent the problem, possibly avoiding binding or electrical lockouts.
  

Likely Causes

• Lift and Tilt Actuator Control System (ACS) Faults
  The ACS controls lift and tilt functions electronically. Failures in actuator connections, wiring harnesses, or the ACS controller itself commonly cause the lift & tilt light failure and pedal lockout.
  
• Spool Valve Binding or Debris
  Hydraulic control valves and their actuators may get stuck due to dirt or mechanical wear, triggering safety lockouts. Cleaning or replacing these components often resolves the issue.
  
• Sensor or Switch Malfunction
  Safety interlocks reliant on seat bar, seat belt sensors, or bucket position switches may intermittently fail, sending false signals to the control system.
  
• Electrical Connectivity Problems
  Loose or corroded connectors, faulty relays, or damaged wiring in the hydraulic control circuit can cause inconsistent function and indicators.
  
• Calibration Errors
  Lift and tilt valves often require being correctly calibrated, especially after actuator replacement or electrical disconnections. Loss of calibration results in disabled functions and warning lights.
  

Recommended Troubleshooting Steps

• Check for any fault codes with a diagnostic tool; even if none are reported, consider manual reset procedures.
  
• Inspect and clean connections to lift and tilt actuators beneath the cab; these are typically accessible by lifting the operator seat or cab floor panels.
  
• Swap actuator connectors (lift and tilt) to determine if an actuator is faulty, as sometimes defects become evident by this method.
  
• Verify seat bar and safety sensor functionality and wiring integrity; intermittent or loose connections can cause unexpected lockouts.
  
• Calibrate the ACS system using specialized software or with the assistance of a Bobcat dealer; proper calibration usually restores full lift and tilt and unlocks controls.
  
• For intermittent power issues, inspect the battery, fuses, and ignition switch connections.
  

Maintenance and Preventive Recommendations

• Periodically clean and lubricate hydraulic valve spools and actuators to avoid sticking.
  
• Perform regular electrical inspections and secure connections on all ACS circuit components.
  
• Use manufacturer-approved diagnostic and service tools for actuator calibrations after repairs or replacements.
  
• Educate operators to lower buckets slightly before shutting down to reduce binding and avoid system lockout issues.
  

User Cases and Experience
A Bobcat owner in Pennsylvania struggled with lift & tilt light failures and pedal lock, resolving the problem only by occasionally cycling the machine back and forth or repeated restarting. After connecting with a service technician and inspecting actuator wiring, a thorough cleaning and recalibration led to a permanent fix, restoring smooth operation and eliminating inconvenient downtime.
Another operator noted that keeping the bucket slightly elevated before turning off the machine prevented this fault from recurring, reinforcing the theory of hydraulic or sensor-triggered lockouts.
Glossary

• Actuator Control System (ACS): An electronic system managing hydraulic valve actuators for lift and tilt functions.
  
• Spool Valve: A sliding valve controlling hydraulic fluid flow to cylinders.
  
• Calibration: The process of setting and adjusting electronic control parameters to factory specifications.
  
• Lockout: A safety feature preventing operation under fault conditions.
  
• Safety Interlocks: Systems that disable machine functions unless safety conditions are met (e.g., seat bar lowered).
  

Summary
The lift and tilt light failing to come on with pedals locked in a Bobcat S175 typically results from actuator or ACS system faults, including wiring issues, spool valve sticking, or calibration loss. Systematic diagnostics focusing on electrical and hydraulic actuators, safety sensor function, and recalibration restore safe, reliable control. Preventive maintenance and operator awareness enhance operational continuity and reduce unexpected service disruptions.