My Electric Recliner Won’t Go Down

Imagine saving up for months and eventually investing in an electric recliner only to realize that the recliner gets stuck every time you use it and will not go down no matter how hard you try. An electric recliner not going down can be an extremely frustrating problem, especially when you do not understand what you are doing wrong.

Sometimes reading the user manual does not help because you can not figure out the root cause of the problem. Does this sound like your situation right now? Are you questioning your decision to buy an electric recliner in the first place?

Worry not! There is no need to doubt your decision to invest in an electric recliner because the solution to your problem is easier than you think. This step-by-step guide will help you understand why your electric recliner won’t go down and give you the solution you are looking for.

Fixing your electric recliner

There are numerous ways to fix your electric recliner if it doesn’t go down. Not every solution applies to every situation, so read them all and see which one works best for your situation.

Check the power cables and supply

The first thing you need to take care of is the power cable. Before you start fixing your recliner mechanism from within, it is best to check if you can solve the problem by working with the outer parts. Ensure that your power cable is plugged in properly and does not become loose inside the switch because a locking mechanism holds the footrest, allowing it to fold in or open whenever there is a power supply.

Make sure that the power supply is not interrupted, and check whether the locking mechanism for your footrest is turned off or not. If either of the situations mentioned above applies to you, then you have just found the cause of your electric recliner not going down.

If you believe that the power supply is interrupted, you can do a few things to resolve your issue. Inspect your socket to see if anything is stuck inside and ensure that the power cable is plugged tightly into it. You can also check if your socket supplies enough electricity voltage to power your recliner. Sometimes the power supply unit can trip, cutting down power to all power sources in the house. If you fear a similar problem has occurred, you will have to reset the unit supplying the recliner with power.

However, if none of the problems above have occurred for you and everything seems to be working fine, then the reason your electric recliner won’t go down has to do with another issue that we will solve for you in one of the methods below.

Switching the power cable sides

Sometimes connecting the power cable/cord to a faulty power socket or outlet can result in your recliner getting stuck and other common problems with the recliner’s mechanism. Switching the sides at which you were plugging your power cord helps restore the functionality of your electric recliner. The motor of your recliner’s seat runs on a steady current, so switching the power cable/cord sides might help, and your recliner may start to function normally.

However, if this does not help either, worry not because we have more solutions that will help fix your problem.

Inspect the seat switch

Another root cause of your recliner not going down could be the seat switch. The seat switch is responsible for controlling the reclining mechanism and your seat’s motion, and if it is not doing its job or becomes faulty, then the footrest will most likely not function properly and will be unable to fold automatically.

Wear and tear in the seat switch could be caused by prolonged use of the recliner, resulting in problems in its functionality. You can find out if your seat switch is causing problems in a few simple steps. Firstly, please switch off the power to your recliner and look for the electrical box. Once you have located it, attempt to open it with the help of the tools available in your house.

 Next, inspect all the wires connecting to your seat switch and check if they are burnt. If you have found even one of them to be burnt, they would have to be replaced immediately.

Replace the locking mechanism

Another reason why your electric recliner will not go down is due to the fact that your recliner’s locking mechanism has become faulty. To fix your recliner mechanism and help it resume its functionality, it will have to be reset. Reset the locking mechanism in the following simple steps. First, remove the power supply to the electric recliner and then look for the locked position of the footrest. Now carefully pull the footrest towards yourself. Once you have pulled the locked position of the footrest toward yourself, you will have to release it gradually so it can lock in its original place. 

If you still feel that your locking mechanism is not working even after you have performed the steps above, you might have to perform them again. If you feel that performing the procedure above is not helping your recliner go down, you might have to move on to another solution.

Reset the recliner’s motor

If none of the above solutions have worked for you so far, another solution could be resetting your recliner’s motor. The recliner’s motor is responsible for the proper functionality of the recliner. All electrical devices are prone to damage because of prolonged use and may cause frequent problems if you do not fix them immediately. In this solution, you will have to locate the motor section so you can reset it.

The first step is to turn off the power to your recliner, so you do not cause any electrical hazard. Now look for the recliner’s circuit box and open it with the help of the tools available in your house. Find your recliner’s motor section and switch off its power. Once you have switched off the power supply, locate the wires connected to the motor and disconnect them from the recliner’s circuit box.

To reset your recliner’s motor assembly, you will have to connect the wires you just disconnected in the previous step. If resetting the motor assembly does not solve your issue, you will have to replace it because it probably has been damaged. If you do not like the sound of that, worry not because, in the next step, we will guide you on how to replace a damaged motor.

Replacing the motor

If, after testing the above solutions, you have concluded that both your motor and seat switch are functioning accurately, but they are still not allowing your recliner to close, you have a damaged motor that needs to be replaced. A damaged motor can prevent your recliner from going down.

You will need to turn off the power to your recliner and locate the circuit box in which the motor section is present. After locating your faulty motor section, you will remove the wires connected to it and replace them with new ones. After replacing your damaged wires with new wires, switch on the power supply to test your recliner and check if your footrest can move from its locked position. If none of the solutions above have worked for you so far, this solution should solve your problem.

Tips for Maintaining Your Electric Recliner For The Long Run

Like any piece of furniture, electric recliners require some maintenance to keep them looking and working their best. Here are some tips for maintaining your electric recliner:

• Dust and vacuum regularly to remove any dirt or debris that may have accumulated on the recliner.
• Use a mild soap and water solution to clean the fabric of the recliner if it becomes stained.
• Avoid placing the recliner in direct sunlight, which can cause the fabric to fade over time.
• If you notice loose screws or bolts, tighten them to keep the recliner sturdy.
• Periodically check the electrical cords and connections to ensure they are secure and free of any damage.
• If you have pets, keep their nails trimmed to avoid scratching the recliner’s fabric.
• Lubricate moving parts at least once a month to keep them working smoothly.
• Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for using and caring for your electric recliner.

Do electric recliners break down easily?

No, electric recliners are not particularly prone to breaking down. However, it also depends on the quality of the recliner and how well you take care of it. Generally speaking, electric recliners are quite durable and will last for many years with proper care.

How long do electric recliners last?

Again, this varies depending on several factors. However, most electric recliners should last for around 10 years without major problems.

Can you manually push down an electric recliner?

No, you should not attempt to manually push down an electric recliner. This can damage the mechanism and void any warranty that may be in place. Always use the remote control to operate the recliner.

What do you do if your electric lift chair gets stuck in the up position?

First, check the buttons on the control panel to make sure they aren’t stuck. If you find that the buttons are not the problem, hit the reset button. If nothing works, you may have to reach out to the manufacturing team.

Frequently asked questions

How can I use my power recliner during a power outage?

Most power recliners are equipped with a backup battery system that temporarily helps you use your recliner during a power outage.

Where can I order replacement parts for my electric recliner?

Replacement parts for your electric recliner should be ordered from the manufacturer that designed your model. If you cannot order it from your recliner’s manufacturer, you may be able to find replacement parts at your nearby hardware store.

How long do electric recliners last?

Every piece of furniture requires proper maintenance to maintain its longevity. Your electric recliner can last for up to 10 to 20 years if you maintain it properly and care for any faulty parts by replacing and fixing them.

Who should I contact if my electric recliner needs to be repaired?

If the warranty on your electric recliner is valid, it would be best to contact your manufacturer so they can send in a team to repair your electric recliner. If the warranty is invalid, you can repair some of the faulty recliner parts yourself if you are confident enough to do it; otherwise, you can contact a local repair technician.

Conclusion

You may get annoyed if your electric recliner won’t go down and stays locked in its position, but there is a solution to every problem. As mentioned before, electric appliances and devices are prone to damage due to prolonged use.

However, with proper care and maintenance, there is no issue that you cannot solve. Before you spend your money getting a local repair technician to fix an electric recliner that won’t go down, try to follow our guidelines to repair the faulty recliner parts because the solutions are easier than you might have thought.