How to Manually Recline an Electric Recliner
Do you have an electric recliner that isn’t working properly? Have you tried to manually adjust it, but can’t seem to get the desired result? One of the most common problems people encounter with their electric recliners is a lack of understanding when it comes to successfully reconditioning them.
If this sounds familiar, then don’t worry — we’ve got you covered! In this post, we’ll walk you through how to manually recline an electric recliner so that your favorite comfy chair can return back in action quickly and efficiently. Keep reading for a step-by-step guide on manual reclining techniques that will have your furniture looking as good as new in no time.
Can Power Recliners Recline Manually?
Yes, power recliners can be manually reclined. Many electric recliner chairs have an emergency manual release mechanism or cable which allows you to override the motor and move the chair into any desired position. This is especially useful in situations where there is a power outage or if your electric recliner has stopped working for any reason.
To manually recline a power recliner, first, locate the manual override handle or lever in the back of the chair. This will usually be located near the top of the backrest and may also be labeled with instructions on how to use it. Once you’ve found it, simply pull down on it to disconnect the motor from its power source and allow you to move the chair into whatever angle you desire.
Remember to always keep your hands and feet clear of the moving parts when manually reclining a power recliner to avoid any potential injuries. Once you’ve finished reclining the chair, make sure to reconnect the manual override handle or lever back into its original position to re-engage the motor before attempting to use it again. If you are unsure how to do this, consult your user manual for further instructions.
8 Methods How to Manually Recline an Electric Recliner
1. Checking the Manual
The first step in manually reclining an electric recliner is to check the manual. The manual will have specific instructions on how to do this, as well as any safety precautions that need to be taken.
If you do not have the manual, you may be able to find it online or contact the manufacturer for assistance. To manually recline an electric recliner, you will typically need to locate the metal tabs on either side of the chair. Once you have located the tabs, press and hold them down simultaneously until the chair is in the desired position.
2. Finding the Recline Lever
Once you have read the manual and are familiar with the process, you will need to locate the recline lever. This is typically located on the side of the chair near the armrest. Some chairs may have a different location for the lever, so be sure to check the manual if you cannot find it.
Once you have located the lever, press down on it to activate the reclining function. To adjust the angle of the chair, use the lever to move it into your desired position. However, be careful not to move the lever too quickly, as this can cause damage to the mechanism.
3. Disengaging the Motor
Once you have found the recline lever, you will need to disengage the motor. This can usually be done by pulling on the lever or pressing a button. Again, refer to your specific chair’s manual for instructions on how to do this.
Once the motor is disengaged, you should be able to manually recline the chair. While the motor is disengaged, the chair can still be raised and lowered using the recline lever. To fully recline the chair, you may need to use some force. This is perfectly normal and should not cause any damage to the chair.
4. Locating the Release Mechanism
With the motor disengaged, you will now need to locate the release mechanism. This is typically a small lever or knob that is located near where the back of the chair meets the seat.
While the exact location of the release mechanism may vary from one recliner to another, it is usually located in a similar spot. After you have located the release mechanism, you should be able to manually recline the chair by sliding the lever or turning the knob.
To recline the chair, you will need to turn or slide the release mechanism in the direction indicated. Once the lever or knob is pushed, pull on the back of the chair until it is fully reclined.
5. Releasing the Backrest
Once you have found and disengaged the motor and located the release mechanism, you are now ready to release the backrest. To do this, simply push or pull on the lever or knob until you hear a clicking sound.
This indicates that the backrest has been released and can now be moved into position manually. Be careful not to force the backrest, as you will risk damaging the recliner. When done correctly, the backrest should be able to be reclined with minimal effort.
Although, if the backrest does not move easily, you may need to adjust the tension of the release mechanism. To do this, first, locate the tension adjuster and turn it clockwise to increase the tension or counterclockwise to decrease it. Once you have adjusted the tension to your liking, you can now recline the backrest manually.
6. Moving the Backrest Into Position
With the backrest released, you can now move it into position manually. Simply push or pull on it until it is in the desired position. Once you are satisfied with its position, you can proceed to step seven.
Although it may be difficult to get it perfectly positioned, you should be able to get it close enough. Just remember that the further back you push or pull the backrest, the more strain it will put on the motor and mechanisms.
So, if you find that it is difficult to move into a position, you may want to try a different approach. Try to move it in smaller increments until you get the desired position. This will help put less strain on the motor and mechanisms and should make moving it into the desired position much easier.
7. Lockingthe Backrest Into Position
Once you have moved the backrest into position, you will need to lock it into place so that it does not move when you sit in the chair or get up from it. To do this, simply push or pull on the lever that’s located beneath the armrest.
This will lock the backrest into place and keep it from moving when you use the chair. You can unlock the backrest again by pulling or pushing the lever again. If you have any difficulty locking or unlocking the backrest, refer to your owner’s manual for further instructions. With a few simple steps, you can manually recline your electric recliner and enjoy a more comfortable seating experience.
8. Checking for Stability
Before using the chair, you will want to make sure that it is stable and will not tip over. To do this, simply sit in the chair and then get up from it. If the chair feels stable and does not tip over, then it is safe to use. However, if it does tip over or feel unstable in any way, then you should not use it and should contact the manufacturerfor further assistance. Recliners are heavy pieces of furniture, so it is important to make sure that they are properly secured and stable before using them.
Things to Keep in Mind When Manually Recline an Electric Recliner
1. Make sure that the recliner has power and is plugged in before attempting to recline it manually. This will help ensure that the recliner works properly and avoids any potential risk of electric shock.
2. Measure the clearance space behind the chair before manually reclining it. To prevent damage to the wall or furniture behind it, you should make sure that there is sufficient room for the recliner to be fully reclined without obstructing anything.
3. Have a friend help you recline the chair if necessary. Depending on your strength and size, you may find it difficult to recline a heavy electric recliner on your own. If this is the case, recruit someone to assist you in safely moving the chair into its desired position.
4. Always use two hands when adjusting or manually reclining an electric recliner. This will ensure that you have a secure grip on the chair and that it does not become unbalanced or tip over.
Conclusion
From this guide, we learned the basics for how to manually recline an electric recliner. It can be a daunting task if you don’t understand all the steps, but thanks to this guide, we now take confidence in our ability to properly and effectively manually recline any electric recliner.
If you ever find yourself needing to build on your knowledge of electric recliners, always remember that there is plenty of valuable information available online. Try looking up articles or blog posts related to how to care for your furniture and make sure the manual process works correctly each time.
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Angela Ervin
Angela is the executive editor of DIY quickly. She began her career as an interior designer before applying her strategic and creative passion to lifestyle and home. She has close to 15 years of experience in creative writing and online content strategy for housekeeping, home decorations as well as other niche efforts. She loves her job and has the privilege of working with an extraordinary team. She lives with her husband, two sons, and daughter in Petersburg. When she's not busy working she spent time with her family.
