Easy Guide: Opening An Electric Recliner Manually

how to manually open an electric recliner

Electric recliners are a convenient way to achieve a comfortable posture at the touch of a button. However, they can malfunction, and you may need to manually recline or close your chair. Before attempting to manually adjust your recliner, it is recommended to reset the device by inserting a paperclip into the reset hole between the close and open buttons. If this does not work, you can test the power recliner motor by disconnecting it from the lever mechanism and testing it separately or keeping it mounted and using small electric motor testing equipment. If you are confident that the motor is broken, you can attempt to manually close your recliner by first laying out an old bed sheet and then, with two people, lifting the chair by the frame and turning it onto its back. You can then identify the bolts or split pin that need to be removed to release the footrest.

Characteristics Values
Reasons to manually open an electric recliner Power outage, motor failure, or recliner getting stuck in a fully reclined position
Steps to manually close an electric recliner Lay out an old bed sheet or dust sheet; get two people to lift the chair by the frame and turn it onto its back; identify whether you need to remove bolts or a split pin; locate the white carrier box on the drive arm and use a ratchet socket set or spanner to unscrew the bolts
Resetting the recliner Insert a paperclip into the reset button hole located between the close and open buttons; unplug the chair for 2-3 minutes and then plug it back in
Testing the motor Disconnect the motor from the lever mechanism; test the motor separately or use small electric motor testing equipment with the motor mounted on the recliner
Power supply Most electric recliners run on DC power and use an AC-to-DC power supply; find the voltage on the DC side and source a DC-to-DC power supply that matches the input and output voltage requirements

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Reset the device using the reset button

Resetting your electric recliner can resolve minor glitches and restore its functionality. Before attempting to reset your recliner, ensure that the chair is unplugged from the power outlet to avoid electrical shock.

The reset button is usually found between the 'open' and 'close' buttons on the recliner's control panel. However, if it's not there, you can try the following locations:

  • The underside of the recliner's armrest
  • The recliner's base, possibly at the back or underside

If you are still unable to locate the reset button, refer to your user manual, check the manufacturer's website or online forums, or contact the retailer or manufacturer's customer support for assistance.

Once you have located the reset button, take a thin tool like a paperclip, unfold it, and gently insert one end into the reset button hole. Apply a small amount of pressure until you feel a click, indicating that the button has been engaged. Then, remove the tool and plug the recliner back into the power outlet.

Finally, test the recliner by using the control buttons to ensure it operates smoothly. If the recliner still isn't working correctly, you may need to troubleshoot further or consult a professional.

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Disconnect the power recliner from the lever mechanism

Disconnecting the power recliner from the lever mechanism is a crucial step in manually opening an electric recliner and diagnosing issues. Here is a detailed guide on how to do it:

Identify the Type of Mechanism

Before beginning any work, it is important to identify the type of mechanism your recliner uses. The two main types are bolts and a split pin. Turn your recliner over and look for the drive arm mechanism, which operates the footrest. If you have a 'carrier' type mechanism, you will see a white carrier box located on the drive arm. This box moves along a metal arm to lock the chair in place when you press the button.

Gather the Necessary Tools

Depending on the type of mechanism, you will need different tools. For a carrier mechanism, you will need a ratchet socket set or a spanner to unscrew the bolts attached to the carrier box. For other mechanisms, you may need a flat-head screwdriver or pliers to remove screws or release levers.

Disconnect the Mechanism

With the necessary tools in hand, you are now ready to disconnect the power recliner from the lever mechanism. If you have a carrier mechanism, use your ratchet socket set or spanner to unscrew the bolts on both sides of the carrier box. For other types of mechanisms, follow the manufacturer's instructions for disassembly. Ensure you turn off the electricity before beginning any work for safety reasons.

Test the Motor (Optional)

Once you have disconnected the lever mechanism, you have the option to test the motor separately or while it is still mounted on the recliner. To test it separately, remove the motor from the recliner and test it like any other electric motor. Alternatively, you can keep the motor mounted and use small electric motor testing equipment to evaluate its condition.

Reassembly and Troubleshooting

After diagnosing and addressing any issues, it is time to reassemble your recliner. Carefully follow the manufacturer's instructions in reverse to put everything back together. Ensure all connections are secure and turn on the electricity to test the recliner. If it is still not functioning properly, you may need to consult a professional for further troubleshooting and repairs.

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Identify bolts or a split pin

To identify whether your electric recliner uses bolts or a split pin, you will need to turn the recliner over. This should be done with the assistance of two other people, who can help to lift the chair by the frame and gently turn it onto its back.

Once the recliner is turned over, you will be able to see whether it has a 'carrier' or 'piston' mechanism. If it is a 'carrier' type mechanism, you will see a white carrier box located on the drive arm of the sofa. This box moves along a metal arm when you press the button to recline, locking the chair in place. Bolts are attached to both sides of this carrier box, which can be unscrewed using a ratchet socket set or a spanner.

If your recliner has a 'piston' mechanism, you will see a metal piston connected to the footrest. This piston extends when you recline to push the footrest out. Towards the tip of the piston, you will see a split pin locked in place. To remove the split pin, you can use a pair of pliers or gently tap it with a hammer to help remove it.

Remember to keep your bolts or split pin safe, as you will need them if you intend to get the chair repaired.

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Find the white carrier box

To manually open an electric recliner, you must first identify the type of drive arm mechanism your recliner has. If your recliner has a 'carrier' type mechanism, you will need to locate the white carrier box. This box is typically located on the drive arm of the sofa. It runs along a metal arm and is responsible for moving and locking the chair in place when you press the button to recline.

To access the white carrier box, you will need to turn the recliner over. Ensure that you have at least one other person to help you lift the chair to avoid any damage or strain. Once the recliner is turned over, you can begin inspecting the drive arm mechanism.

The white carrier box is usually attached to the drive arm, which is a metal arm that extends from the base of the recliner. It may be covered by a fabric flap or tucked away underneath the recliner, so you might need to feel around to locate it.

The white carrier box is an essential component of the 'carrier' type mechanism. It houses the bolts that secure the actuator to the metal carrier arms. By locating this box, you will be able to make the necessary adjustments to manually open or close the electric recliner.

If you are having trouble locating the white carrier box, it may be helpful to refer to the recliner's instruction manual or contact the manufacturer for further guidance.

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Test the motor separately

If your electric recliner is malfunctioning, you can test the motor separately to diagnose the issue.

First, disconnect the power source from the wall and flip your chair on its side. You can then disconnect the cord from the motor. If you want to test the motor outside of the recliner, you can remove it entirely. Otherwise, you can keep it mounted and use small electric motor testing equipment to evaluate its condition.

If you've removed the motor, you can test it separately as you would any other electric motor. You can then replace it with a new transformer plug, plug it into the cord attached to the motor, and plug it back into your power source. Place your chair in the upright position and test it for power.

If you're keeping the motor mounted, you can use small electric motor testing equipment to evaluate its condition without removing it. You can also inspect the motor commutator and brushes to make sure they aren't burned up. Additionally, you can check for continuity between the motor terminal and the PCB, as well as measure resistance with a multimeter.

By testing the motor separately, you can determine if the issue lies within the motor itself or if there's another problem with the recliner's electrical system.

Frequently asked questions

First, check if your recliner has a backup battery that you can use in the case of a power loss. If it does, use this to return your recliner to its original position. If not, try resetting your recliner by inserting a paperclip into the reset button hole located between the close and open buttons. If this doesn't work, you may need to disconnect your recliner from the lever mechanism and test the motor.

To test your recliner's motor, you can either take the motor out of the recliner and test it separately, or keep it mounted on the recliner and use small electric motor testing equipment. If the motor is broken, you may need to call a professional to fix it or get the necessary parts to fix it yourself.

First, lay out an old bed sheet or dust sheet where you intend to repair your chair. Then, with the help of two other people, lift the chair by the frame and gently turn it onto its back. Take care not to lift it by the arms or back, as you might damage it. Once the chair is turned over, identify whether you need to remove bolts or a split pin. If your chair has a 'carrier' type mechanism, find the white carrier box located on the drive arm of the sofa. Get out your ratchet socket set or spanner and unscrew the bolts attached to both sides of the carrier box.

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