Anyone any good at the inner workings of these things?

Not only did the new house have a tire machine and lift... but there is an engine hoist inside as well. I was told that it didn't work at all but I was messing around with it the other night and found that the chains come down OK.. but do not go back up (can't even hear the motor engage when the "up" button is pressed.. so it just might be a wire or something along those lines). I know my luck with Electrical stuff and if I start screwing with it, I'll end up frying the damn thing (and likely myself in the process).