Power lift chairs are great, valuable accessories, providing comfort and support for people with limited mobility to easily get in and out of chairs. However, I have faced an inconvenience recently; my power lift chair gets stuck in the up position.
First of all, I started by determining the cause of the stuck lift chair. It was a faulty motor, but it could be a malfunctioning remote control, a mechanical issue, an obstruction, or an electrical problem. If you’re facing this issue, you should also find the cause first.
To make things easier for you, I will share my experience in this guide. I’ll tell you about the causes that can make a power lift chair might get stuck and the possible fixes for each cause. I’ll also provide prevention tips for the future. Read on!
Key Takeaways
[su_note note_color=”#fff3ad”]
- Check the power cord connection and switch position; ensure both are working fine. Test remote and hand controls for proper functioning.
- Inspect wiring for damage from the control boards and fasten connectors using electrical tape. Handle wires carefully when accessing them.
- Remove the obstacles if they are hindering chair movement to ensure smooth operation.
- Verify connections, and examine motor wiring for damage. Investigate further if the motor operates but the chair remains stuck in up position.[/su_note]
Power Lift Chair Stuck In Up Position – [Causes & Solutions]
Just like any issue, there can be many culprits why an electric recliner chair stops working. So, I’ll tell you all the possible reasons why a power lift chair is stuck in the open position. Simply keep doing the things I’ll advise you to do to troubleshoot the problem.
[su_note note_color=”#f8d3d2″]NOTE: Before fixing the recliner, ensure your house has electricity and that other devices are working. If not, check the main circuit breaker or discover why there’s no electricity. It might not be the recliner’s fault. [/su_note]
Power Supply Problems
Sometimes, the main power cord of the recliner isn’t properly plugged into the wall socket. And I always suggest my readers start troubleshooting the issue by inspecting the power cord and wall plug.
Make sure both are connected properly. You can also use another device to test the wall plug if the power recliner still does not work. Or, plug the recliner into another socket to see whether it functions or not.
Suppose it’s the wall socket causing the issue. In such a case, replace it or use the other socket. However, if you discover that the power cord is damaged or see metal wires coming out, simply replace it.
Power Switch Is Turned Off
Today’s power lift chairs come with a power switch that allows the user to switch it on or off easily. This switch can be connected with the cord or situated on the back or side of the recliner.
Examine the power switch, and ensure it’s set at the “ON” position. If it’s turned off, turn it back on. For your information, there may be a light indicator with the switch—it will light up when you turn the button on.
Hand Control Issues
There are two ways to control your power recliner: remote control, which is a wireless device, and hand control, a device connected through wires and used to supervise the recliner’s functions.
The remote control is easy to troubleshoot—use all its buttons to see whether it brings some changes to your recliner. If not, change the battery to see if it works. If it still doesn’t work, purchase a new one from your nearby local store or online.
However, hand control is a bit tricky to evaluate. Typically, recliners have hand control connections on the side; however, a few may have under the recliner that is only accessible when it’s flipped over.
My recliner had hand control on the side. I found a trick you can try to lower the footrest if the hand control isn’t working. If this trick works, it means the hand control is the problem and needs to be replaced. The following is what you need to do:
- Unplug the hand control’s 5-pin connector.
- Get a paperclip and twist it into a “U” shape that’s about 2 inches long.
- Keep the chair turned on and insert each end of the paperclip into slots 1 and 2 (or 1 and 4) of the plug the hand control is connected to.
Once you have done with the above steps, the footrest of the power recliner will start lowering itself. If this happens, it indicates that the hand control is defective. Replace it to bring your power recliner back to its working state.
Wiring Issues
Many times, the wiring inside or on the back of the power recliner isn’t connected properly, is damaged, or has other issues. You must evaluate the wired connectivity of your recliner if it’s stuck in the open position. But remember
- Ensure the chair is turned off and no wires are stuck under the chair.
- Always use the zipper or velcro covering to access the wires. DO NOT unsew or cut the fabric.
After that, look for any zip ties. Make sure they’re not squeezing or tugging on the wires too hard, which could make things go wrong. Check the batteries or battery pack connections. To do this, unplug and then plug back in the wires.
Take a good look at the wires connected to the power supply, junction box, or motor. Make sure they’re not broken or pulled out. The thinner wires can break more easily if they’re bumped or moved around.
Unclip and separate the connections to see the pins inside. Check if any of the pins are broken or bent. When you put the connections back together, be careful to line up the pins and connections the right way. Then, clip the retaining clip to hold them in place.
[su_note note_color=”#dcf8d2″]TIP: To ensure things work smoothly in the future, use black electrical tape to firmly secure the connectors. This will prevent them from coming apart accidentally.[/su_note]
Overloading
If the chair is overloaded, the motor may not be able to power the chair, and it may get stuck in the up position. It can also cause one side of the power recliner not to work. Reset your lift chair to resolve the issue if this happens due to the overloaded motor. To reset your recliner
- Unplug it from its power source and wait for 1-2 minutes.
- Plug the recliner back into the wall socket.
- Press and hold the chair’s power button from the hand control for 5-10 seconds.
[su_note note_color=”#f8d3d2″]NOTE: Some recliners have a dedicated “Reset” button on the control panel for resetting purposes. Unplug the recliner from the power outlet and press the “Reset” button for 10-20 seconds to complete the resetting process. [/su_note]
Mechanical Obstruction
This is like when something is blocking a path. Imagine you have a toy car that you can move forward and backward. If you put a big rock in front of the car, it won’t be able to move anymore.
Similarly, in a power lift chair, there might be objects or pieces of stuff that get in the way of the chair’s moving parts. These things can stop the couch from reclining or going up or down as it should.
In the end, if the issue still persists, take a closer look inside the reclining mechanism of the power recliner. Remove anything that you might think is stopping your recliner from operating.
For troubleshooting your electric recliner power recliner, watch the following video guide:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qyC5or1YfcM&ab_channel=ReclinerRepairGuy
Troubleshooting Faulty Motor
If nothing works that I have discussed so far, the last thing left unchecked is the motor—it’s the most important part of your power recliner. Although a motor can last longer, it is one of the most common causes of a stuck chair lift if it’s faulty.
You may not be aware of the fact, but a faulty motor can also be a reason if your recliner leans to one side. The following is the process of troubleshooting a faulty motor in different situations.
When The Motor Does Not Start.
The first case is when the motor doesn’t start at all. If you do not hear the motor running when you press the appropriate button, there are a few things you can do to troubleshoot the issue.
1. Check Electrical Connections:
Ensure your lift chair is properly connected to an outlet, and check the connections on both ends. In addition, confirm that the chair and the outlet are securely linked if the chair has a separate power wire.
To prevent confusion, turn on the wall switch if the lift chair is powered by one. Try plugging the lift chair into another working outlet to see if that fixes the problem or can manage the lift chair’s power needs.
2. Check The Motor’s Wiring.
Motors in lift chairs are used to control movement. A motor or electrical issue could lead to malfunction. Check the wire for switches and motors for fraying, damage, or breakage.
Sort out any issues as soon as possible, and fix or replace any damaged components. If uncomfortable, get help from a professional. Exercise caution when working with electrical components.
When The Motor Runs, But Chair Is Stuck or Moves Slightly.
If you hear the motor running and the power recliner making noise, but it fails to move or only moves partially, the following issues may be causing the problem.
1. Inspect The Lift Frame.
Carefully examine the lift frame for any signs of breakage. If you pinpoint any damage, it may be preventing the chair from moving correctly.
2. Check The Gear Casing or Push Tube.
Inspect the push tube and gear casing for any breakage. These components are essential for the proper functioning of the lift chair. If they are damaged, they require to be replaced or repaired.
3. Stripped Gears In The Motor Assembly.
If the gears in the gear casing of the motor assembly are stripped, they will need to be replaced. Stripped gears can hinder the movement of the lift chair.
4. Stripped Push Tube or Broken Fork Head.
Examine the push tube for any signs of stripping, and check if the forkhead is broken. If either of these components is damaged, they will need to be replaced or repaired.
What To Do If Lift Chair Is Making Unusual Sound?
If your power recliner works fine, but you hear unusual noises like clicking or grinding, lubricate the different recliner’s components properly. Over time, the components will age and may need some lubrication.
However, if the sound persists even after lubricating the component, these unusual sounds can also be a sign of something broken, so you will need to investigate further. Replace or repair them to sort out the issue.
Tips For Preventing Future Issues With a Lift Chair
Maintain It Regularly.
Like any piece of equipment, chair lifts require regular maintenance to keep them in excellent working order. Do the following regularly:
- Clean and lubricate the moving parts
- Check the cables and gears
- Tighten and regularly clean loose screws and screws
Doing all these things on a regular basis will help identify any potential problems before major problems arise.
Keep The Area Clear.
Ensure that the area around the chair lift is free of loose clothing, blankets, or objects that could become lodged in the system If a clutter-free environment. It will keep the seat moving smoothly.
Avoid Excessive Weight.
Lift chairs have weight limits, so make sure they are maintained. Placing too much weight on the seat can put a strain on the mechanism and lifting mechanisms, causing premature failure. Stay focused on your healthy weight and avoid going over it to prevent future issues.
Use The Remote Control Correctly.
Incorrect use of the remote control can also cause lift chair issues. Avoid dropping or misusing the remote control, which can damage the internal components. Handle the remote control with care and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use.
Protect Against Electrical Problems.
Electrical problems can keep the chair lifted up. To prevent this, use an electric shock insulator to avoid overloading the seat with built-in electricity. Check the power cords regularly for any signal damage and repair or replace any problems immediately.
FAQs
Why Is My Lift Chair Stuck In The Up Position?
A chair lift that is stuck in a high position can be caused by the motor, remote control faults, mechanical obstruction, or electrical problems.
How Do You Reset a Power Lift Chair?
Several things might be the cause If your lift chair is not working. It may happen if no power reaches the control unit due to an improperly plugged-in power cord. If this is not the reason, it might happen due to faulty hand control, wiring, or motor.
Why Won’t My Electric Chair Go Down?
Your electric chair might not be going down due to issues with the faulty motor, remote control malfunction, mechanical obstructions, or mechanism issues.
Why Won’t My Lift Chair Move?
Several things might be the cause If your lift chair is not working. The primary culprits can be faulty wiring, remote control or hand control, motor, or jammed reclining mechanism.
