Dealing with a Southern Motion recliner that suddenly gives up on you? Totally annoying, but usually fixable at home with a few parts and basic tools. Let’s walk through the most common issues, easy repairs, and when it makes sense to call in a pro instead of replacing the whole chair.
Fix & Troubleshoot Common Southern Motion Recliner Problems and Issues
Recliner won’t open or close smoothly: If the footrest is jerky or stuck, flip the chair over and look for bent linkages, loose bolts, or obstructions. Tighten hardware and lubricate pivot points. If the handle or cable is frayed or broken, swap it for a new recliner replacement handle or cable.
Broken or slack reclining cable: A loose lever that does nothing usually means a stretched or snapped cable. Remove the side panel, note how the old cable routes, and replace it with a universal recliner cable replacement. Adjust tension so the footrest releases fully without feeling stiff.
Power recliner completely dead: First check the wall outlet, surge protector, and any inline safety fuse. Inspect the power brick and leads for damage. Many Southern Motion power chairs use a standard 29V supply you can swap with a compatible recliner power supply if yours has failed.
Recliner only moves a little, then stops: This often points to a weak motor or low voltage. Unplug for a few minutes to reset the control box, then try again with nothing else on the outlet. If movement is slow, noisy, or intermittent, consider replacing the actuator with a compatible recliner motor replacement.
Hand control or buttons not working: Inspect the handset cable for kinks or crushed sections near the base. Try reseating the plug in the control box. If buttons still fail or only work in one direction, replacing the remote with a similar recliner remote handset is often easier than repairing it.
Footrest won’t stay closed or pops open: Worn springs or a damaged ratchet mechanism are usually to blame. Check for missing or stretched springs and replace with a sturdy recliner spring replacement kit. Make sure the mechanism bolts to the frame tightly so the latch can fully engage.
Clunking, squeaking, or grinding noises: Noise points to loose fasteners or dry joints. Tighten all bolts on the base, arms, and mechanism. Then lightly lubricate pivot pins and joints. A small kit of furniture repair tools and a good silicone lube usually quiets things down.
Seat feels saggy or tilted: Over time, springs and foam soften. Inspect seat springs and webbing; replace broken units with recliner seat springs or zigzag clips. You can also add high-density foam or a support board under the cushion to level and firm up the seat.
USB ports or built-in lights not working: These run off the same power system as the motor. Confirm the outlet and power brick first. If only the USB or lights are out, inspect the small harness from the control box. Replacement recliner USB modules and switch panels are widely available.
Upholstery wear and torn seams: Cuts, worn arms, and failing seams are cosmetic but annoying. Minor issues can be patched with a leather repair kit or heavy-duty upholstery thread. For bigger damage, talk to a local upholsterer or the retailer that sold the recliner about panel replacement.
Buy Parts for Broken Southern Motion Recliner
- Original Southern Motion retailer: Contact the store where you bought the recliner. They can order genuine Southern Motion parts and help you identify the correct mechanism, motor, or control box by serial number.
- Authorized Southern Motion dealers: Use the official Southern Motion site’s retailer finder to locate nearby dealers and service partners who can source OEM parts directly from the factory.
- Online parts and accessories retailers: For generic components like cables, springs, actuators, and power supplies, shop reputable furniture parts sites or browse Amazon for kits such as this recliner replacement parts kit.
- Local furniture repair or upholstery shops: Many independent repair technicians keep common recliner parts in stock and can match your mechanism style even if it’s older.
Before ordering anything, grab your production tag or serial number from under the recliner and take clear photos of the mechanism and wiring. Match dimensions and plug styles carefully, especially on power components, so your new parts bolt up and plug in exactly like the originals.
How much does it cost to repair a Southern Motion recliner?
- Basic inspection and lubrication: Around $50–$100 for a technician to tighten hardware, oil moving parts, and make small adjustments. This is often enough to fix squeaks or minor alignment issues.
- Manual cable, handle, or spring replacement: Expect roughly $75–$200 including parts, depending on labor rates and how buried the mechanism is. DIY with a handle and cable kit can bring this cost down.
- Power supply or control box replacement: Typically $100–$250 installed. The replacement universal recliner power supply itself is often under $75, with the rest going to labor and diagnostics.
- Motor or actuator replacement: Commonly $200–$400+ for parts and labor, depending on motor style and access. Heavy-duty or dual-motor systems will sit at the higher end of that range.
- Frame, spring, or seat rebuild: Structural repairs and re-padding can run $150–$400, especially if upholstery has to be partially removed and reinstalled.
- Full upholstery repair or partial re-cover: For torn arms, cushions, or heavy wear, costs are usually $200–$600+ depending on fabric or leather choice. At that point, compare repair cost to the price of a new Southern Motion recliner.
Southern Motion Recliner Repair & Service Center Near Me
Southern Motion doesn’t run branded repair centers; instead, service is handled through local furniture retailers and dealers. Use the official Southern Motion website’s retailer finder to locate help: visit SouthernMotion.com and use the “Find a Retailer” option, or contact them via the Contact Us page for guidance.
Southern Motion Recliner Warranty Information
Southern Motion offers a limited warranty that’s handled through the retailer where you purchased your recliner. In general, the reclining mechanism, frame components, cushions, motors, and electrical parts are each covered for different periods, and coverage applies to the original purchaser only. To see the current terms and conditions for your model, go to the official Southern Motion Warranty Info page and keep your proof of purchase and serial number handy when filing a claim.
Maintenance Tips to Extend Southern Motion Recliner Life
- Tighten hardware regularly: Every few months, flip the recliner carefully and snug up bolts on the base, arms, and mechanism to prevent wobble and premature wear.
- Keep moving parts clean: Vacuum dust from under the chair and lightly lubricate pivot joints and hinges with a non-staining silicone or PTFE spray, avoiding fabric and leather.
- Avoid overloading and slamming: Don’t drop into the chair or force the footrest closed with your legs. Let the mechanism do its job and discourage kids from using it as a jungle gym.
- Protect the upholstery: Use arm caps, throws, or a fitted recliner slipcover in high-traffic homes. Clean spills quickly with products approved for your specific fabric or leather.
- Use a surge protector: Plug power recliners into a quality surge protector to reduce the risk of damage to motors and control boxes during power spikes or outages.
- Follow the weight and use guidelines: Respect published weight limits and remember that the warranty is for residential use. Heavy commercial use or rentals can void coverage.
- Handle cords carefully: Route power cables where they won’t be pinched by the mechanism or crushed under the base, and check them any time you hear a strange noise.
Conclusion
Fixing a Southern Motion recliner is usually way cheaper than replacing it, especially if you’re willing to swap a few parts yourself. Start with simple checks, grab quality replacement components, and lean on your retailer and Southern Motion support when warranty coverage might still have your back.
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