Electric recliners rely on motors, transformers, wiring harnesses and control switches to move smoothly. When one component stops functioning, the recliner may refuse to close, lose power entirely or get stuck mid-motion. The positive news is that most failures can be diagnosed at home using simple checks.
Below are the eight most common fixes that technicians and manufacturers use when an electric recliner stops working.
1. Check the Power Path and Transformer
If the recliner suddenly seems completely dead with no signs of life, the issue often occurs somewhere along the power delivery path. Outlets, power cords and transformers are responsible for supplying low-voltage power to the motor, so any disruption can instantly disable the recliner.
How to Fix
- Test the wall outlet using another device
- Temporarily bypass power strips and plug directly into the wall
- Locate the transformer brick and check the LED indicator status
- Reseat all power plugs firmly until they click
- Inspect cables for frays, crushed sections or loose fitment
Tip: A green LED usually means power is reaching the chair. No LED typically points to a transformer or outlet problem, not a motor failure.
2. Test the Remote or Button Control System
If the recliner has power but won’t move when you press the buttons, the control system may be failing or unable to send signals to the motor. This is one of the most common user-facing issues.
Common Signs:
- Chair has power but no movement
- Remote buttons feel stuck or loose
- USB port works but controls don’t
- Clicking heard near control board but no motion
How to Fix
- Replace batteries if using a handheld remote
- Check for jammed or sunken buttons on side controls
- Unplug and reconnect the DIN control connector
- Inspect wiring for kinks or sharp bends near the armrest
- Press the button and listen for a faint “relay click”
Tip: Hearing a click suggests the control is communicating but the actuator isn’t moving. No click suggests control failure or wiring interruption.
3. Reset the Recliner Electronics
Electronic recliners can freeze due to software glitches, sensor faults, or power flickers. Resetting clears the fault state and reinitializes the control module.
Common Signs:
- Recliner stopped mid-motion
- Recliner works intermittently
- Buttons light up but nothing moves
- After a storm, recliner stopped responding
How to Fix
- Unplug the recliner from the wall for 20 minutes
- Reconnect all visible plugs and harness connectors
- Plug the recliner back in and test again
Tip: Resets are especially effective for chairs that appear “dead” despite having confirmed power.
4. Inspect the Motor and Actuator for Stall or Obstruction
Actuators drive the recliner mechanism. They can stall under load or become jammed by foreign objects or misalignment within the linkage.
Common Signs:
- Humming sound but no movement
- Motor attempts to move but stalls under weight
- Recliner stops halfway and won’t continue
- Grinding noise during operation
How to Fix
- Gently tilt the recliner onto its side for visibility
- Inspect the actuator rod for foreign objects or fabric
- Remove toys, upholstery, debris, etc. from linkage
- Press the “close” button while gently pushing the footrest
- Check if reclining only works when no one is sitting
Tip: A humming sound means the actuator has power but is blocked. Grinding indicates mechanical damage inside the actuator.
5. Check Wiring Harnesses and Connectors
Recliners are full of wiring harnesses linking the transformer, sensors, digital buttons, USB modules, and motors. These connectors can loosen from vibration, cleaning, or moving furniture.
Common Signs:
- Recliner works sometimes and stops randomly
- Motion only works in one direction (open but not close)
- Movement cuts out when shifting weight
- Control lights flicker during operation
How to Fix
- Tilt the chair for internal visibility
- Trace the wiring harness from transformer to motor
- Push connectors firmly into their sockets
- Check for frayed, chewed, or crushed cables
- Look for loose zip ties allowing wires to drag in linkage
Tip: Intermittent recliner behavior is almost always wiring-related. Motors rarely work “halfway” as a failure mode.
6. Test USB Ports and Internal Fuses
Newer recliners include USB charging ports and some include secondary power rails. These introduce fuse protection that can blow during overload.
Common Signs:
- USB port stopped charging devices
- Controls stopped after using USB charger
- Recliner works until charging is attempted
- System shut down after unplugging tablet or phone
How to Fix
- Plug a phone into the recliner USB port
- Inspect USB board for burns or loose connectors
- Look for inline fuses between USB module and control
- Replace blown fuses with same amperage rating
- If USB works but recliner doesn’t move, check control module
Tip: Blown fuses save the recliner from deeper electrical damage. If fuses blow repeatedly, suspect the USB module or transformer.
7. Verify Transformer and Power Module Compatibility
Incorrect power modules cause stalling, slow response, or weak movement. Electric actuators require specific voltage and sufficient amperage.
Common Signs:
- Recliner moves slowly under load
- Recliner only moves without the user sitting
- Travel stops midway and resumes after a pause
- Transformer gets unusually warm
How to Fix
- Check output voltage on transformer label (most: 24V DC)
- Check current rating (most motors: 2.0A – 6.0A)
- Replace underpowered adapters with correct rating
Transformers with inadequate amperage allow movement under low load but stall under body weight.
Tip: Voltage must match exactly. Amperage must meet or exceed specification for full motion strength.
8. Inspect the Mechanical Frame and Linkage
Mechanical issues are less common but more severe. When linkage fails, the recliner may twist, lean, pop, or bind during movement.
Common Signs:
- Popping or snapping noises during motion
- Recliner leans to one side
- Footrest angle appears crooked
- Recliner feels unstable under weight
- Travel stops at specific positions
How to Fix
- Tilt recliner and inspect scissor arms and pivot points
- Look for bent metal arms or broken rivets
- Check actuator mounting brackets for alignment
- Tighten loose bolts on linkage and frame
- Replace damaged pivot rivets or worn scissor arms
Tip: Popping noises indicate mechanical strain. Ignoring them accelerates metal fatigue and can eventually damage the motor from increased resistance.
Back in Action
Most Recliner Chairs that stop working do not suffer catastrophic electrical failure. Power interruptions, frozen control modules, wiring issues, and actuator stalls represent the bulk of cases and can often be addressed at home in minutes.If you’re unsure whether a power model is right for you long term, it helps to understand the key differences in reliability, maintenance, and convenience when comparing a manual recliner vs electric recliner.
FAQs
1. Why is my recliner moving slowly or only when I’m not sitting in it?
Check the transformer’s output voltage and amperage. An underpowered transformer could cause slow movement under load or intermittent operation when sitting. Ensure the transformer matches the recliner’s requirements to restore full functionality.
2. How do I fix a recliner pull handle that’s not working?
If the pull handle won’t release the recliner, inspect the handle for any jams or misalignments. Sometimes, cleaning or lubricating the mechanism can help. If that doesn’t work, the internal cables may need to be re-adjusted.
3. Why won’t my recliner chair close properly?
If your recliner won’t close, check for obstructions in the mechanism, such as debris or upholstery caught in the linkage. Ensure the motor is functioning properly and check the actuator for any stalls or mechanical jams.
4. Why is only one side of my power recliner not working?
If only one side of your power recliner isn’t moving, check the motor, wiring, and control system on that side. The issue might be a loose connection, faulty wiring, or a broken actuator on the affected side.