Performance Tool W1625

Robert WarnerJul 28, 2025

How to fix a Performance Tool Jack that will not lift to full height?

W
wgarciaJul 28, 2025
If your Performance Tool Jack isn't reaching its full height, it could be due to a few reasons. First, the power unit might be low on fluid. To fix this, make sure the jack is on a level surface and in the down position. Then, remove the filler plug and add clean hydraulic jack fluid until it reaches the filler level. Another possibility is that the power unit is air bound. In that case, open the release valve at least two full turns and pump the handle at least 20 times to purge the air. Finally, the valve may not be closing completely. To seat the valves, close the release valve, manually raise the lifting arm as high as possible with the jack in the fully lowered position, and then open the release valve to let the jack descend.

Summary

Safety Guidelines and Definitions

Safety Signal Words Definition

Defines signal words like DANGER, WARNING, CAUTION, and NOTICE used in the manual.

General Safety Manual Guidance

Emphasizes reading the entire manual and following all warnings before operating the jack.

Unpacking and Inspection

Unpacking and Damage Inspection

Inspect for transit damage, check parts against carton photo, and contact service for missing items.

Important Safety Information

Jack as Lifting Device Only

Use only as a lifting device; load must be supported immediately by jack stands.

Safe Operating Procedures

Follow instructions, avoid overloading, use hard level surface, wear safety gear, keep clear of load.

Safe Storage and Servicing

Store jacks out of reach of children; service only by qualified personnel using correct parts.

Vehicle Lifting and Support

Read vehicle manual, support load with jack stands, do not work under vehicle without support.

Before Use

Pre-Operation Hydraulic Check

Check release valve, oil filler plug, and pump handle to ensure fluid distribution.

Operation

Raising the Load

Park safely, turn off engine, engage brake, block wheels, center load, close release valve, and pump.

Lowering the Load

Remove tools, close release valve, slightly raise to remove jack stands, then slowly lower vehicle.

Care & Maintenance

Pre-Use Inspection and Parts

Inspect for damage, use correct replacement parts, test operation before each use.

Fluid Maintenance

Check fluid level, use SAE 20 fluid, change oil every three years as instructed.

Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Addresses problems like not lifting, not holding, or spongy pump with causes and solutions.

The 6 Ton Hydraulic Bottle Jack, item number W1625, is a robust lifting device designed for various applications, primarily in automotive and industrial settings. This owner's manual provides comprehensive instructions for its safe operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting, emphasizing the importance of understanding all warnings and procedures to prevent personal injury or property damage.

Function Description

The hydraulic bottle jack is a lifting device that uses hydraulic pressure to raise heavy loads. It is designed to lift vehicles or other objects to a desired height, allowing for maintenance, repair, or other tasks. A critical safety note is that this device is for lifting only; once a load is lifted, it must be immediately supported by appropriate jack stands. The jack operates by pumping a handle, which builds hydraulic pressure to extend a ram, thereby lifting the saddle and the load. Lowering is achieved by slowly turning a release valve counter-clockwise, allowing controlled descent of the load.

Important Technical Specifications

Capacity: 12,000 lbs. (6 tons)
Minimum Lift Height: 8 1/2 in.
Maximum Lift Height: 16 1/4 in.
Base Length: 4 3/8 in.
Base Width: 3 7/8 in.

These specifications highlight the jack's capability to handle substantial weight and its lifting range, making it suitable for a variety of heavy-duty tasks. The compact base dimensions contribute to its stability when placed on a hard, level surface.

Usage Features

The manual outlines several key usage features and safety protocols:

Pre-Operation Check: Before each use, the jack must be inspected for any damage, loose parts, or malfunctions. If damaged, it must be removed from service and repaired by qualified personnel.
Bleeding the Hydraulic System: Air can become trapped in the hydraulic system during shipment or handling, causing malfunction. To address this, the user must open the release valve, slowly loosen the oil filler plug, pump the jack about 6 full strokes to distribute hydraulic fluid, and then retighten the oil filler plug. This process may need to be repeated.
Lifting Procedure:
1. Park the vehicle on a hard, level surface away from traffic.
2. Turn off the vehicle's engine.
3. Place the vehicle's transmission in PARK (automatic) or its lowest gear (manual).
4. Set the emergency brake and chock wheels not being lifted.
5. Consult the vehicle owner's manual for recommended lifting points.
6. Ensure the load is centered on the jack's saddle.
7. Place the pump handle over the release valve and turn clockwise to close it.
8. Insert the handle into the handle socket and pump to raise the load.
9. Crucially, always support the load with jack stands immediately after lifting.
Lowering Procedure:
1. Remove all tools and equipment from under the vehicle.
2. Position the saddle under the lifting point.
3. Turn the handle firmly clockwise to close the valve release screw, and pump the handle to raise the vehicle slightly above the jack stands. Then, collapse and remove the jack stands.
4. Slowly turn the release valve counter-clockwise (no more than two full turns) with the handle to allow controlled descent of the vehicle onto the ground.
5. Lower the jack completely and store it in a safe, dry location out of reach of children.
Safety Warnings: The manual emphasizes numerous safety warnings, including:
- Never exceed the rated capacity.
- Use only on hard, level surfaces.
- Do not adjust the safety valve.
- Wear ANSI approved safety goggles and heavy-duty work gloves.
- Keep clear of the load while lifting and lowering.
- Do not use for aircraft purposes.
- Do not work under a vehicle without proper jack stand support.
- Do not allow anyone inside the vehicle while using the jack.
- Do not support both ends of the vehicle at the same time.
- Do not operate the jack while tired or under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or medication.
- This product contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.

Maintenance Features

Monthly maintenance is recommended to ensure the jack's longevity and proper function, as lubrication is critical.

Regular Inspection: Before each use, inspect the jack for broken, cracked, or bent parts, loose or missing components, or any condition affecting proper operation. Damaged equipment must be removed from service.
Part Replacement: Replace worn or damaged parts with genuine Performance Tool replacement parts. Repairs should only be performed by qualified personnel.
Ram and Pump Piston Position: When not in use, the ram and pump piston should be in the fully down position to prevent corrosion of machined surfaces.
Cleaning and Lubrication: Keep the jack clean and well-lubricated at designated points (illustrated in Figure 3 of the manual).
Hydraulic Fluid:
- Use only hydraulic fluid with an SAE 20 rating for refills.
- Check the fluid level with the jack in the fully down position; the fluid level should be up to the bottom of the oil fill port (Figure 5).
- Change the hydraulic oil at least once every three years. To do this, lower the jack completely, remove the oil filler plug, tip the jack to drain old oil, dispose of it properly, then fill the housing with new high-quality hydraulic oil until it just begins to run out of the oil fill hole. Reinstall the oil filler plug.
Storage: Store the jack in a safe, dry location with the ram and pump piston in the fully down position, out of reach of children and non-authorized people.

Troubleshooting

The manual includes a troubleshooting guide for common issues:

Will not lift load / Will not hold load / Will not lift to full height / Pump feels "spongy" under load / Handle raises under load / Handle lowers under load: These issues often stem from low hydraulic fluid, air trapped in the system, or the release valve not closing completely.
- Low Fluid: If the power unit is low in fluid, with the jack on a level surface and in the down position, remove the filler plug and add clean hydraulic jack fluid to the level of the filler port.
- Air Bound: If the power unit is air bound, open the release valve a minimum of 2 full turns and pump the handle a minimum of 20 full strokes to purge air from the system.
- Valve Not Closing: If the valve is not closing completely, close the release valve, manually raise the lifting arm as high as possible with the jack in the fully lowered position, then open the release valve and allow the jack to descend to the lowered position to seat the valves.

The troubleshooting section emphasizes that problems with multiple solutions may have a combination of causes, and all listed solutions should be checked. Solutions may need to be repeated for best results.

The 6 Ton Hydraulic Bottle Jack (W1625) is a powerful and essential tool when used correctly and maintained diligently, adhering to all safety guidelines provided in its owner's manual.