In this modern age, a massage chair is a powerful way to relax. Play this scenario in your head: You waited all day to get that soothing massage right at the comfort of your own home. You’re looking forward to the gentle kneading and the light tapping of your sore and tired muscles. But just as you are about to slip into relaxing bliss, suddenly, your massage chair stopped working. It’s every massage chair owner’s worst nightmare - something’s wrong with the unit.

You might be wondering, “How to repair a Massage Chair By Yourself?” Well, first, you need to identify the issue. After that, either follow the instructions in the massage chair manual guide or get assistance to fix the problem.

The following tips can help you fix your massage chair.

No Movement

1. Turn off the chair's power switch. Check the power cord for damage and that it is properly installed. Make certain that the wall outlet is working by plugging the chair into an alternate wall plug. If the backrest and foot and calf massaging components don't move when the power to the chair is switched back on, proceed to the next step.
2. Locate the power panel on the chair. Turn the power switch off and unplug the chair from the wall socket. Open the fuse compartment on the power panel and turn the left-hand AC fuse holder knob counterclockwise to remove it.
3. Replace the fuse with a new one of the same value. Reinsert the fuse holder into the power panel and turn it clockwise until it is secure. Plug the chair back into the wall and turn on the power switch. If there is still no power, the chair base and backrest may need to be replaced.
4. Replace the fuse on the right side of the power panel box in the same manner as you did the AC fuse, if the convenience outlet is not working. Make certain that the power is off at both the chair and the wall outlet. If the problem persists, the power panel will need to be replaced.

Check the Massage Chair’s Wiring

1. If the massage chair does turn on, but neither vibrations nor heating takes place, it may have a wiring problem.
2. If so, there might be a wiring issue with your massage chair. First, switch off the chair. Then, open the backup and inspect the wiring and connectors.
3. Keep an eye out for any exposed or frayed wiring. Cover any exposed wires using electrical tape.

Check the Remote of Your Massage Chair

1. When the massage chair vibrates or heats up, you cannot choose the style of massage you want. It indicates that the remote isn’t working. Check the remote’s batteries.
2. The remote’s battery may need charging if your chair is rechargeable. If it is fully charged but doesn’t function, there might be an issue with the chair’s charging system.

Check the Motors of Your Massage Chair

Foot and Calf Massaging Unit

1. Have the foot and calf massaging unit replaced if it is not working or if it works on only one side.
2. Have the foot and calf actuator replaced if it won't raise and lower. If the problem persists, the chair base may need to be replaced.
3. Press and hold the width buttons on the foot and calf massaging unit. These buttons allow for small changes in width and are not always noticed. If the LEDs don't light, press and hold the minus button until it reaches the narrowest setting. Then press and hold the plus button until it reaches the widest setting. Verify that the LEDs are now working. If not, the foot and calf massaging components need replacing. See your authorized dealer for replacement parts.

Bottom Line

1. When your massage chair stops working, it could be caused by any of these three things:
2. The exterior may have been damaged due to shipping, delivery or mishandling.
3. The interior motor and parts may need servicing or replacement.
4. The problem may be electrical in nature.
5. So, what do you do? Get acquainted with how to get warranty coverage and review the terms set in place by the product’s manufacturer and arrange for repair or replacement. Or when that option is no longer available and spending for repair seems impractical, you may need to get a new one.

How to Know if Your Chair Needs to Be Completely Replaced

If you have repeatedly addressed small repairs yourself or have already had a technician service an issue and the problem persists, it may be time to replace your massage chair.

Here are some reasons to replace your massage chair:

1. A part is no longer manufactured

As discussed in the previous section, if a comparable part cannot be found, it’s best to replace your massage chair. “Close-enough” parts found online will not be close enough, and will cost you unnecessary money and time.

2. Issue persists after repeated fixes

If you or a technician has addressed an issue multiple times, it may be unfixable. It’s best to replace the whole massage chair rather than continue to pay for repeat fixes.

3. Permanent wear and tear on upholstery

Small tears in fabric upholstery can be repaired, but issues like large rips, stains, or leather damage are harder to address at home. Damaged upholstery can also expose the internal mechanisms to further wear and tear, so it’s best to replace the whole massage chair to avoid having to pay for costly internal repairs down the line.

4. Overuse

The recommended use time for a massage chair is 15 minutes, though some models allow for up to 40 minutes. Give your massage chair 10-minute breaks between sessions. Overuse could result in irreversible wear and tear on parts.

FAQs

Why does the massage chair appear crooked?

When to call an expert?

There are some issues that even a handy massage chair owner can’t fix. Here’s when to call in backup:

1. Heat isn’t working. Heating issues are best addressed by a professional technician.
2. Frayed or damaged cord. Attempting to repair a damaged cord at home is potentially dangerous, resulting in electrocution or other injury. A technician familiar with electronics can help.
3. Motor isn’t making noise. There could be multiple reasons a massage chair motor has gone silent. An experienced technician can quickly diagnose the issue.
4. Air pump replacement. Replacing a faulty air pump involves acquiring new parts, which is best left to the original manufacturer or a certified massage chair technician.