Recliner Not Working Troubleshooting Guide Uk

Recliner not working, the UK power recliner sofa troubleshooting guide for modern sofas and corner suites

If your recliner is not working, do not force it. In many cases the cause is simple, a power interruption, a loose connector, or a cable trapped in the moving mechanism, often after cleaning, vacuuming, or pushing the sofa back.

This guide is for power recliner sofas and recliner corner suite seating. If you see damaged cables, heat marks, a burning smell, sparking, or a melted transformer, stop immediately, unplug at the wall, and contact your retailer or a qualified technician.

Fix it fast, the 60 second checks that solve most cases

1. Plug directly into a known working wall socket

If you are using an extension lead, remove it for testing. Confirm the wall socket works by plugging in a lamp or charger you trust.

2. Find the transformer box and check the indicator light

Most power recliners use a transformer brick and when it is working it often shows a green light to indicate power is reaching the system.

3. Do a safe reset

Unplug the sofa from the wall, wait 60 seconds, plug it back in, then test the recliner again.

4. Reseat the low voltage connectors

Unplug first. Push the connector from the transformer into the furniture firmly. Loose connectors are a common cause.

If it still does not work after these steps, use the deeper checks below.

Step by step diagnosis, in the safest order

Step 1, confirm what type of recliner you have

Power recliner, plugs into the mains and uses a transformer, controlled by buttons or a handset.

Manual recliner, uses a lever or mechanical release.

If yours is manual and it is stuck, do not force it. That is usually a mechanical issue rather than an electrical one, and a service visit is often the sensible route.

Step 2, use the transformer light to narrow down the fault

Transformer has no light

This usually points to the socket, the extension lead, the plug, the fuse, a loose power connection, or a failed transformer.

What to do

Try a different wall socket, directly into the wall.

Check the plug and cable for visible damage or overheating signs.

If your brand specifies a fuse rating, follow the instructions in the manual. If you are not competent to check or change a plug fuse, do not guess, ask a competent person or electrician.

Transformer light is on but the recliner does nothing

This often indicates a loose connection under the sofa, a cable trapped in the mechanism, a faulty switch or handset, or an internal fault that needs a technician.

What to do

Unplug first, then check every visible connector you can access without opening electrical components.

Look for a cable that is stretched tight or pinched under the frame, especially if the sofa was moved.

If your system uses a wireless handset, check the handset batteries, some manufacturers explicitly call this out for RF handsets.

Step 3, check for thermal cutout, if it stopped suddenly

Some transformer systems include thermal protection. If it overheats it may shut down temporarily.

What to do

Switch off at the mains and leave the transformer to cool for around 30 minutes, then restore power and test again. If the overheating repeats, stop using it and arrange a service inspection.

Step 4, only one seat works on a recliner sofa or corner suite

If one powered seat works and the other does not, the wall socket is less likely to be the cause. The fault is often local to the non working seat, such as its switch, wiring harness, or actuator.

What to do

Unplug first, then inspect cable routing on the affected seat for pinching or strain.

If reconnecting the affected seat causes the system to cut out or stop, that can indicate an overload on that branch and it needs a technician rather than repeated testing.

Step 5, it moves one way only, or stops mid travel

Do not keep pressing the button. A repeated stop can indicate an obstruction, a binding linkage, or a struggling actuator.

What to do

Unplug first, then check under and around the footrest and seat for obstructions.

If the issue repeats, arrange service.

What not to do

Do not force a power recliner footrest down by hand.

Do not repeatedly press buttons if nothing happens.

Do not dismantle electrical components unless you are competent and it is safe to do so.

When to stop and call for support

Contact your retailer or service team if

The transformer light is on but there is no movement after the checks above.