Most power recliner problems are smaller than they look. Here is how to troubleshoot at home and when to call in the pros.
A power recliner is one of the best upgrades you can make to a living room. One button and you are leaned back with your feet up, ready for the third period. So when it suddenly refuses to move, it can feel like a much bigger problem than it usually is.
Yaser Alimam, sales consultant at La-Z-Boy Cyrville, says most service calls begin with checking connections. People tend to expect the worst, he explains, when the real culprit is often a loose cable or an interrupted power source.
Why power recliners stop working
Power recliners combine electrical and mechanical systems, so there are a few places where things can go wrong:
- Power supply issues, like an unplugged cord or a dead outlet
- Loose or disconnected wiring
- Motor wear over time
- Something blocking the reclining mechanism
Start with this four-step check
- Test the outlet. Plug in another device to confirm it works.
- Inspect the transformer and cables. If the transformer is damaged or disconnected, the chair gets no power even when the cord is in the wall.
- Look underneath. Wiring can shift over time, especially after the chair has been moved.
- Clear obstructions. A stray toy, a remote or a buildup of dust can stop the mechanism cold.
Six common problems and what to do
It will not move at all. This usually points to a power disruption or a loose internal connection. Confirm the outlet works, then check the connections under the chair. Many La-Z-Boy models have accessible connections you can reseat without tools.
If everything is connected and there is still no response, the transformer or motor may be the issue.
It stops partway. Many models have a built-in safety stop that pauses movement when it senses resistance. Clear anything under or behind the chair, return it to upright and try again.
The footrest will not open or close properly. Check for anything blocking it first. If the path is clear but the motion is uneven or delayed, internal parts may be starting to wear, so have it looked at early.
The buttons or remote do nothing. Replace the batteries first, then make sure the control cables are secure. On many models the control panel is modular and can be replaced on its own.
It hums but will not move. The motor is getting power but struggling. Rule out obstructions, and if nothing is in the way, the motor or internal components likely need service.
It squeaks, clicks or grinds. Check that visible hardware is snug, since a small adjustment can quiet things down. New or worsening noises are worth addressing before they turn into bigger problems.
Repair or replace?
La-Z-Boy builds its power furniture with serviceability in mind, using accessible wiring, modular parts and separate control panels and motors. That means a single faulty component rarely means replacing the whole chair.
Repair is usually the right call when the issue involves wiring, connections or controls, when the motor still responds or works on and off, or when the problem appeared suddenly. Replacement makes more sense when the motor has stopped completely, when several systems are failing at once or when the repair bill approaches the value of the piece.
Alimam says the age of the chair and the pattern of the problem tell you the most. One isolated issue is usually worth fixing, while multiple failures at once point toward a replacement.
When to call for service
Changing batteries and tightening hardware are easy DIY jobs. Call the professionals if the recliner still will not respond after troubleshooting, if you notice a burning smell or suspect an electrical fault, or if the problem involves the control board, transformer or power supply.
Before you call, have your product SKU, purchase date and a clear description of the problem ready. The service team can offer guidance over the phone and arrange in-home service when needed. If you would rather skip the cord altogether, optional rechargeable battery packs are available for La-Z-Boy power furniture.
Visit the La-Z-Boy Warranty and Service Hub for parts, warranty and service support, or find your nearest La-Z-Boy showroom in Kanata, Hunt Club, Cyrville, Gatineau or Kingston to try the latest power recliners in person.
