You might not know this, but the first power recliner was invented in 1928. They were initially drafted for people with disabilities but have grown in popularity in recent years, offering users comfort and convenience.
However, like any tool that uses electricity, power recliners can sometimes stop working for many reasons. Telling with experience, this can be a frustrating problem; I have faced this situation once in my life, and I won’t forget it.
Luckily, I was able to find some reasons behind it and their solution to cure my power recliner. And in this guide, I’ll share my personal experience to troubleshoot the issue. Be with me to make your recliner work again!
Key Takeaways
[su_note note_color=”#fff3ad”]
- Ensure proper power cord and wall outlet connection; replace damaged cords as necessary.
- Test the recliner by bypassing the surge protector; replace it if it’s causing issues.
- Confirm the ON position of the power switch on the recliner’s back.
- Inspect and secure wiring connections at the back of the recliner; consider using tape for added stability.
- Check the transformer box for a normal green light; replace it if red or no light.
- For motor malfunction, unplug the recliner for 2 minutes to discharge stored electricity; follow the manual for reset instructions if needed.[/su_note]
Why Is My Recliner Stopped Working Suddenly?
If your recliner stops reclining or working suddenly, it could be due to a problem with the power supply, a transformer, the motor, the wires inside, etc. To determine the exact reason and fix the problem, try the following troubleshooting guidelines.
Electric Recliner Stopped Working – Fixes Here
Like any issue, there can always be multiple protagonists, and the same applies to an electric recliner if it stops working. Therefore, start looking for these issues in your recliner. If found, implement the fix I have provided below.
[su_note note_color=”#f8d3d2″]NOTE: Before troubleshooting your power recliner, ensure there is power in your home, running the other power appliances. If not, check the main circuit breaker or find the cause behind no electricity at your premise—your recliner may be fine.[/su_note]
1. Faulty Power Source or Power Cord
Once you have discovered that your power recliner is not working, check if your furniture’s cord is properly connected to the wall plug. Sometimes, the recliner might have come unplugged without you realizing it.
Inspect the plug in the wall and the cord on your furniture to ensure they are connected correctly. If your furniture still doesn’t work, plug in another device to the same wall plug for testing purposes and see if it’s the plug that’s not working.
If it’s the plug that isn’t working, replace it with a new one. Or, if you can’t immediately replace it, plug your recliner into another plug nearby. Ultimately, you need your power recliner to work fine, and it’ll work this way.
However, sometimes, you can see some metal wires coming out of the cord of the recliner. If this is the scenario, replace the cord with a new, compatible one. Simply buy a new cable from your nearby electronic store and install it on the recliner.
2. Surge Protector Problems
If your recliner is connected to a surge protector to protect it against sudden power bursts, the surge protector might have gone out of order.
To check this, take the recliner’s plug out of that special plug and put it right into the regular wall outlet. If the recliner starts working fine when it’s directly connected to the wall, then the surge protector is sourcing the issue.
The solution is simple; buy another surge protector from the nearby local store or order online and use it to replace the older, faulty one.
3. Power Switch Is Turned Off
[su_note note_color=”#dcf8d2″]TIP: If your recliner is still not working, disconnect it from the power as we are going to inspect its wiring next. Turn your furniture upside down for easy access.[/su_note]
Examine your recliner’s back to find a power switch. Usually, power recliners have a switch at the back that lets you easily turn the power on. See if the switch is in the “ON” position. It might also have a light indicator to show you that it’s getting power.
If it’s turned off, then the quick fix is simple—turn it back “ON”, and your comfort companion, the power recliner, will start working again.
4. Loose Wiring Connections
If the power switch wasn’t the issue, move on to the back of the recliner. If you spot a piece that’s held on by Velcro, go ahead and remove it—DO NOT mess with anything sewn onto the back, or you could end up damaging your furniture.
Give the back of your furniture a good look to evaluate cords, electrical gizmos, batteries, or those parts responsible for making your recliner do its thing. While different recliners have different setups, take a moment to see if all those power cords are snugly connected.
If you notice any loose ones, go ahead and plug them back in. All you need to do is to unplug those cords and then plug them back in. If the cords are hanging on tight, you can use a flathead screwdriver or even your keys to help you unplug them.
Don’t stop yet until you have seen the battery pack. A properly-connected battery provides enough power. Therefore, give that battery pack a good once-over to ensure it’s properly connected and the power cord is nicely plugged into the other side.
[su_note note_color=”#dcf8d2″]TIP: To ensure everything goes well in the future, secure the connectors with black-colored electrical tape to avoid disconnections.[/su_note]
5. Defective Transformer
There’s one more thing to look for at the back of your electric recliner: the transformer box. This transformer is used to alter the voltage and current level to make the power suitable for the recliner. Normally, it will have a green light showing it’s working fine.
But if you check the transformer and see a red light or no light at all, that’s usually a sign that something’s wrong with it. In that case, get a new transformer and plug it in where the old one was. It’s like swapping out a part to get your recliner back in action.
6. Malfunctioning Motor
Electric recliners have a common issue: the motor inside them can break. When this happens, the chair might be unable to recline or only leans on one side. Sometimes, this motor might stop working while you’re reclining and can get stuck in the up position.
If the motor isn’t working, resetting the recliner is a good idea, even though everything seems connected right. It can also help if one side of your power recliner is not working. To reset the recliner
- Unplug and disconnect the power cord and reconnect it for 2 minutes to completely discharge the electricity stored in the transformer.
- After waiting for 2 minutes, plug the recliner back in and test for efficient operation.
[su_note note_color=”#f8d3d2″]NOTE: You can also see the manual for reset info. Older recliners could have a small hole in the button when the paperclip is reinstalled.[/su_note]
Why Is My Electric Recliner Making Strange Noises?
Sometimes, when your recliner moves or reclines, it might make weird sounds. The main reasons for these sounds are usually screws getting loose or recliner’s parts rubbing against each other.
- Look at the recliner’s frame and see if any bolts or screws are loose. If they are, just tighten them up.
- Lubricate the parts of the recliner that are crunching by adding lubricating oil. This can help stop those strange noises.
[su_note note_color=”#f8d3d2″]NOTE: If the footrest part of the recliner is producing the noises, you can easily fix it as well. Check my detailed guide for fixing a recliner footrest to learn the right techniques.[/su_note]
What Is The Lifespan Of An Electric Recliner?
The lifespan of an electric recliner is typically 5 to 10 years, depending on factors such as type, maintenance, and use. A well-maintained recliner can not only provide effective comfort but can also last for a long time.
Regular maintenance, including prompt troubleshooting and repair, helps extend its life. Mechanical and other electronic components, such as motors, may have a different life than the frame as a whole. Keep in mind that individual experiences vary.
Tips To Maintain Electric Recliner For The Future
Regular maintenance can go a long way in avoiding problems with your electricity in the future. Here are some tips and tricks to retain a high level of comfort:
- Keep It Clean. Clean your comfort room and frame regularly to prevent the growth of dust and debris. Any dirt that has lodged in the cracks can be removed with a brush or a soft vacuum cleaner.
- Lubricate The Moving Parts. Apply silicone-based lubricant to the moving parts of your comfort, such as hinges and joints, to ensure proper function.
- Checking Electrical Connections. Periodically check your comfort power cords to ensure they are safe and not damaged. If you notice loose or damaged lines, seek professional help for repair.
- Avoid Overloading. Avoid putting heavy objects on your comforter, which can unnecessarily stress appliances and other components.
Conclusion
There are a variety of problems that electric recliners may experience, such as severed or loose wiring. Many typical issues can be fixed by following troubleshooting procedures, including verifying connections, doing resets, and taking care of mechanical issues.
Regular maintenance procedures like cleaning, lubricating moving parts, and inspecting electrical connections are essential to guarantee long-term operation. Electric recliners can offer comfort and convenience for many years to come with the right.
FAQs
What To Do If Electric Recliner Stops Working?
Check the electrical cords, outlets, and breaker box if your electric recliner stops working. If they all work, try unplugging the wiring, motor’s wiring, and other circuitry given on the recliner’s back and then plug it back in. If that doesn’t work, you may need to call a mechanic.
How Do I Reset My Electric Recliner?
To reset your electric recliner, unplug and disconnect the power cord for 2 minutes to let the transformer’s electricity go away. Then plug it in again and check if the recliner works.
[su_note note_color=”#dcf8d2″]TIP: Check the manual for the specific reset instructions. Older recliners might need a paperclip in a small hole on the button. To reset these power chairs, unplug them and press and hold the reset button.[/su_note]
Do Electric Recliners Work Manually?
Yes, most of the recliners that work on electricity can be reclined manually but not all. If your power recliner has the option to recline it manually, start by finding the release lever or button, usually on the side or back.
- Find the button or lever, sometimes hidden under a cover or flap.
- Use your hands to lift the footrest while pressing the release.
- As you hold the release, lean back in the recliner to start reclining.
- Once the desired angle is reached, let go of the release. You can also adjust the angle by gently pushing or pulling the backrest with your hands.
Can Electric Recliners Be Fixed?
In most cases, areas of the recliner that depend on electricity can be repaired—this way, an electric recliner couch can be fixed. The problem is usually a loose wire or a faulty switch.
