How to Manually Recline an Electric Recliner

Electric recliners are convenient as they allow sitting comfortably without exerting energy. They also offer added comfort by providing backrest adjustments. However, there are times when these chairs malfunction.

Look no further if you desire to know how to manually recline an electric recliner.

Firstly, power recliners work without power if they have backup batteries. That said, there is no way to manually recline a power recliner, and operation failure when connected denotes an issue. You fix an electric recliner that won’t recline by unplugging, checking the mechanism, and lubricating.

Do Power Recliners Work Without Power?

As the name implies, power recliners use electricity. Their motor (single or dual) moves the seat’s adjustable components by an attached controller. So, the ideal relaxed posture is a button press away.

Recliners with many motors provide greater flexibility. You have the ability to move the footrest and backrest independently. This way, it’s a cinch to find a comfy seating stance.

In a power outage, some power recliners include a backup battery. So, they enable the user to restore the recliner to its initial position without power.

Is There a Way to Manually Recline a Power Recliner?

Because power recliners incorporate remote controls and motors, they enable precise movement. Hence, you can achieve a relaxing posture with ease. (Look at these best remote control recliners that you’ll love to add in your living room.)

With power recliners, anyone can achieve their perfect incline while hardly using strength.

Although some power recliners include batteries, you typically need to place most near an outlet. In comparison, you can place manual recliners anywhere because you don’t need electricity.

Manually reclining a powered version is impossible. The motor does all the work and needs electricity or batteries.

Related reads: How to take apart a power recliner chair.

How to Manually Recline an Electric Recliner

Occasionally, your power becomes unreliable. Whether dealing with a power outage or dead batteries, electric recliners don’t operate minus electricity.

That isn’t to say you cannot relish their coziness when they cease to function correctly. So, is there a solution?

To move your power recliner manually, consult the product handbook first. Recliners operate in various ways, and manual overrides may include model-specific guidelines. 

Below are several universally applicable tips.

How Do You Fix an Electrical Recliner That Won’t Recline?

If your electric recliner isn’t functioning correctly, you first need to troubleshoot. Identifying the root of the issue is the first move toward resolving it.

• Unplugging: Unplugging and re-plugging the recliner may assist in ‘rebooting’ the mechanisms.

• Checking for impediments: Occasionally, the cause is as straightforward as an item that found its way to your chair’s mechanism. Dismantle the recliner to check for missing, lodged pieces, or torn cabling.

• Lubrication: Gears can become stiff over time. After consulting the manual and attempting the steps above, you may wish to dismantle the chair and oil any wedged or stubborn sections.

Whether your power recliner needs plugging in, varies with the make. Some require a plug, while others don’t. If your recliner includes only a cord, it must be near an electrical outlet. On the other hand, a battery-operated recliner can provide reclining capabilities.

To sum up, a manual override may be available on your power recliner. If in doubt, consult the manual; forcing your furniture down when it doesn’t support manual reclining may wreck it, so it’s best to be safe than sorry.

Remember that electric recliners contain numerous moving components. Understanding how your chair functions are the best way to avoid mechanical issues.

Want to learn more? Here is a handy guide on Power Vs Manual Recliners.

FAQs

What to Do If Electric Recliner Stops Working?

As discussed, there are three things to do if the electric recliner stops working. Aside from that, you can check its transformer box located behind the recliner.

If the indicator light goes green, the electrical system is functioning normally. On the other hand, if it illuminates a red light, chances are you have an electrical problem.

How Do You Get Out of a Power Recliner When the Power Goes Out?

If your chair has a battery backup, you can use it to get out of a power recliner when the power goes out. But if your recliner only has a cord, consider installing a backup battery pack. Still, you can get a recliner that has one.

Do Power Recliners Have Batteries?

Many power recliners have batteries that are handy during outages. Others have cords and batteries, allowing versatile usage. However, some only have cords which may deny you reclining abilities, especially if your power is unreliable.

Further, don’t forget to look at our collection of the 12 best power recliners with heat and massage.

Closing Remarks

Electric recliners are great additions to any home. They offer comfort, convenience, and ease of operation.

But like anything else, they come with their own set of problems. I hope this piece helped you with how to manually recline an electric recliner with the simple tips above.