Why Is My Lift Chair Not Lifting or Lowering?
A lift chair that won’t lift or lower can be frustrating and, for some users, a safety concern. In most cases the fault is a power supply, handset, battery or motor issue that can be diagnosed and resolved at home. This guide walks through the most common causes in order. 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
A failed power supply is the most common reason a lift chair stops responding entirely.
- 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, particularly near both plug ends.
- If the power supply has an indicator light, confirm it is illuminated.
- A power supply that is unusually hot or has a burnt smell should be replaced immediately.
If the power supply is faulty, follow our recliner power-supply replacement guide.
Step 2: Check the Handset
If the power supply appears to be working, check the handset 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 at the connector end.
- Wiggle the cable near the connector while pressing the lift button — intermittent response indicates a cable or connector fault.
- Check the connector pins for corrosion or damage.
- Try pressing the lift and lower buttons firmly — a button that feels different from the others may have failed.
- If a replacement handset is available, swap it in to confirm or rule out the handset as the fault.
If the handset is the problem, see our guide to replacing an electric recliner handset.
Step 3: Check the Battery Backup (If Fitted)
Many lift chairs have a battery backup system. A flat or faulty battery can interfere with normal operation even when mains power is connected. Follow our recliner battery-pack installation guide if you need to check or replace the backup pack.
- Check that the battery is connected and the connector is secure.
- If the battery has not been charged recently, connect the chair to mains power and allow the battery to charge before testing again.
- A battery that no longer holds charge should be replaced — a failing battery can cause the chair to operate erratically or not at all.
- If the chair only fails during power outages, the battery is likely flat or faulty.
Step 4: Check the Motor or Actuator
If the power supply, handset and battery all appear to be working, the lift motor or actuator may have failed. Read our recliner motor-label guide before ordering a replacement.
- Listen for any sound from the motor when the lift button is pressed — a humming sound with no movement may indicate a mechanical jam or a seized actuator.
- Check that the lift mechanism is not physically obstructed — objects under or around the chair can prevent the lift from operating.
- A motor that lifts but will not lower (or vice versa) may have a failed internal component or a wiring fault at the control box.
- A grinding or clicking noise during operation indicates a worn actuator that should be replaced.
Once the actuator is confirmed faulty, use our step-by-step actuator replacement guide.
Step 5: Check the Control Box
The control box manages the signals between the handset and the lift motor. Faults here are less common but can cause the chair to behave unpredictably.
- Check all cable connections at the control box.
- Look for burn marks, corrosion or visible damage 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 worked through all the steps above and the chair still will not lift or lower, call 1300 268 244 or email info@couchguard.com.au to discuss replacement-part availability.
Common Lift Chair Fault Symptoms and Likely Causes
- Chair does not respond at all: Power supply, wall outlet or main cable fault.
- Chair lifts but will not lower: Motor fault, control box fault or handset button fault.
- Chair lowers but will not lift: Motor fault, insufficient power supply amperage or mechanical obstruction.
- Chair only fails during power outages: Battery flat, faulty or not connected.
- Chair responds intermittently: Handset cable, connector or internal handset fault.
- Grinding or clicking noise: Actuator worn or mechanically obstructed.
- Burning smell: Power supply or motor overheating — disconnect immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
My lift chair stopped working during a power outage. What should I do?
Check the battery backup first. If the battery is flat or has not been maintained, the chair will not operate during a power outage. Charge the battery via mains power, or replace it if it no longer holds charge. An inline battery backup is the most reliable solution for power-outage use.
My lift chair goes up but won’t come back down. Is the motor broken?
Not necessarily. This symptom can be caused by a faulty handset button, a control box fault or a motor issue. Check the handset and cable first. If the handset appears to be working correctly, the motor or control box may need replacement.
Can I use my lift chair while waiting for a replacement part?
If the chair is stuck in the lifted position, do not attempt to force it down manually as this can damage the mechanism. Contact CouchGuard on 1300 268 244 or email info@couchguard.com.au for urgent assistance.
How long do lift chair motors last?
Lift chair actuators typically last many years under normal use. Premature failure is often caused by overloading the chair beyond its rated capacity, operating the chair continuously without rest periods, or moisture damage to the motor or cables.
Shop CouchGuard’s range of lift chair replacement parts with fast Australia-wide shipping.