Bobcat T86 Dynamic Ride Control valve system Diagnostic

Symptoms

• Severe bucket bounce when driving over rough ground
• Pressing the in-cab ride control switch does not change ride quality
• The lift arms drop slightly when the ride control system is turned on

Possible Causes

• Internal gas pressure loss in the hydraulic accumulator receiver
• Burnt out or stickiness ride control block valve solenoid coil
• Failing control relay or broken wiring harness to the main lift arm cylinder manifold

Diagnostic Procedure

1. 1
   Locate Ride Control Accumulator Blocks

   Lift the cab to access the main engine and system hydraulic bay. Locate the steel ride control nitrogen-charged accumulator bottle and its integrated control solenoid valve block (usually mounted near the left rear chassis box).
2. 2
   Test Ride Control Solenoid Solenoid Coil

   Unplug the harness terminal connector on the solenoid. Measure coil resistance using a digital multimeter. A normal coil should read between 9 and 11 Ohms. If the meter displays an open circuit, replace the solenoid coil.
3. 3
   Verify Ride Control Signal Controls

   Turn the key to the RUN position (engine off). Have an assistant toggle the in-cab Ride Control switch. Verify that 12 volts is delivered to the harness plug. If no voltage is measured, trace the harness up to the fuse box and auxiliary controller.
4. 4
   Evaluate Gas Accumulator Pre-charge Pressure

   Relieve all system hydraulic pressure. Connect an accumulator charge test rig to the accumulator valve port. Measure nitrogen gas pre-charge pressure. If pressure has dropped below the manufacturer's specification, replace the accumulator capsule.

Common Repairs

• Replacing the nitrogen-charged ride control accumulator capsule
• Replacing the ride control electrical solenoid valve assembly
• Repairing damaged harness wiring under the cab deck

Safety Precautions

• Always lower the lift arms fully to the ground and discharge all hydraulic pressure before servicing accumulator components.
• Never attempt to service or charge an accumulator bottles using oxygen or compressed air; use only pure nitrogen gas.

Required Tools

• Digital Multimeter (DMM)
• Nitrogen Pressure Charging Tester Set
• Specific accumulator wrench kit

Related Fault Codes

People Also Ask

• How do I test the ride control solenoid on a Bobcat T86?
• Why does my Bobcat loader bounce even when ride control is turned on?
• What causes the Bobcat M0238 open circuit fault code?
• How do you recharge or test the ride control accumulator on a Bobcat?
• Why do Bobcat lift arms sag or drop when enabling ride control?
• Where is the Dynamic Ride Control valve located on a Bobcat T86?

Related Guides

Suggested Follow-Up Guides

• Bobcat T86 Hydraulic Accumulator Pressure Testing and Discharge Guide
• How to Rebuild a Bobcat Dynamic Ride Control Valve Block
• Diagnosing Main Controller Solenoid Outputs on Bobcat M-Series and R-Series Loaders
• Bobcat T86 Lift and Tilt Valve Solenoid Diagnostic Procedures
• Step-by-Step Harness Repair for Bobcat Auxiliary and Ride Control Circuits

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