Why Is My Electric Recliner Not Working?
An electric recliner or lift chair that stops responding is one of the most common repair questions we receive at CouchGuard. In most cases the fault is a failed power supply, a faulty handset or a damaged cable — not the motor itself. This guide walks through the most likely causes in order, from the simplest to check first. If you are unsure which system is fitted to your chair, start with our guide to identifying Okin, Kaidi, Limoss and Dewert recliner systems.
Step 1: Check the Power Supply
The power supply is the most common cause of a completely unresponsive recliner. Start here before checking anything else.
- Confirm the power supply is plugged into the wall outlet and the outlet is switched on.
- Test the wall outlet with another device to confirm mains power is present.
- Check the power supply cable for visible damage, kinks or cuts, particularly near the plug ends.
- If the power supply has an indicator light, confirm it is on. No light usually means the supply has failed.
- Feel the power supply body — if it is unusually hot or has a burnt smell, it has likely failed.
- Try a known working power supply if one is available to confirm or rule out the supply as the fault.
If the power supply is confirmed faulty, follow our step-by-step recliner power-supply replacement guide.
Step 2: Check the Handset or Switch
If the power supply appears to be working but the chair does not respond, check the handset or switch next. Our connector and plug identification guide can help if you are unsure which plug is fitted.
- Inspect the handset cable for damage, particularly where it enters the handset body and where it plugs into the chair.
- Wiggle the cable near the plug while pressing a button — if the chair responds intermittently, the cable or connector is the fault.
- Check the connector pins for corrosion or bent pins.
- Try pressing each button firmly — a button that feels different from the others may have failed internally.
- If a second handset is available, swap it in to confirm whether the handset is the fault.
If the handset is the problem, see our guide to replacing an electric recliner handset.
Step 3: Check the Cables and Connections
Loose or damaged internal cables are a common cause of intermittent or partial faults.
- Check all cable connections at the control box, motor and handset socket.
- Look for cables that have been pinched by the chair mechanism during operation.
- Inspect the cable that runs from the power supply to the control box for damage.
- On lift chairs, check the cables that run through the lift mechanism — these can wear through over time.
Step 4: Check the Motor or Actuator
If the power supply, handset and cables all appear to be working correctly, the motor or actuator may have failed. Read our recliner motor-label guide before ordering a replacement.
- Listen for any sound from the motor when a button is pressed — a humming sound with no movement may indicate a mechanical jam or a failed actuator.
- Check that the chair mechanism is not physically obstructed — objects caught in the mechanism can prevent movement.
- A motor that moves in one direction only may have a failed internal component or a wiring fault at the control box.
- A motor that makes a grinding or clicking noise during operation is likely worn and should be replaced.
Once the actuator is confirmed faulty, use our step-by-step recliner actuator replacement guide.
Step 5: Check the Control Box
The control box manages the signals between the handset and the motors. Control box faults are less common but can cause unusual behaviour such as the chair moving without input or failing to stop at the correct position.
- Check all cable connections at the control box.
- Look for visible damage, burn marks or corrosion on the control box body or connectors.
- A control box fault usually requires replacement of the complete unit.
Step 6: Contact CouchGuard
If you have checked the power supply, handset, cables, motor and control box but still need help, call 1300 268 244 or email info@couchguard.com.au to discuss replacement-part availability.
Common Fault Symptoms and Likely Causes
- Chair does not respond at all: Power supply, wall outlet or main cable fault.
- Chair responds intermittently: Handset cable, connector or internal handset fault.
- Chair moves in one direction only: Motor fault, control box fault or handset button fault.
- Chair moves slowly or stops mid-cycle: Power supply undersized, motor worn or mechanical obstruction.
- Chair moves without input: Control box fault or handset button stuck.
- Grinding or clicking noise: Motor or actuator worn, mechanical obstruction.
- Burning smell: Power supply or motor overheating — disconnect immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
My recliner stopped working after a power outage. What should I check first?
Check the power supply first. Power surges during outages can damage the power supply even if a surge protector is in use. Test the wall outlet, then try a replacement power supply before checking other components. If you need backup power, see our recliner battery-pack installation guide.
My lift chair goes up but won’t come down. What is wrong?
This usually indicates a motor fault, a handset button fault or a control box issue. Check the handset cable and connector first. If the handset appears to be working, the motor or control box may need replacement.
My recliner handset makes a clicking sound but the chair doesn’t move. Is the motor broken?
Not necessarily. The clicking sound is often the relay in the control box activating. If the relay clicks but the motor does not move, the fault is likely in the motor, actuator or the cable between the control box and the motor.
Can I repair a recliner myself or do I need a technician?
Most recliner faults — power supply, handset, cable and actuator replacement — can be completed at home with basic tools. CouchGuard supplies replacement parts Australia-wide with fitting guides available on the website.
Shop CouchGuard’s range of recliner replacement parts with fast Australia-wide shipping.