Decade plus old recliner in my aunt's home. In 2011 she ordered a new mechanism but never installed it. I just took it out of the box, and here's what I found:


Top: new lever mechanism
Left cord: connects motor to lever (?)
Right cord: connects battery pack to outlet
Motor
Battery pack

It seems like most batteries that have sat for 7 years+ without a charge are going to be permanently dead. Thoughts?


Underside of the chair, mechanism visible in the middle


Close up on the mechanism. It seems to be attached only by the large black hex head bolt and the silver one above it.

Two questions:

1. If the new battery is dead, is it worth replacing everything else and trying to continue using the old one? The recline is currently operable but not reliable.

2. If the new battery isn't dead, what can go wrong in replacing the mechanism? E.g. is there a hidden capacitor or anything I should be worried about? I'll obviously unplug everything first, but any precautions necessary beyond that?

Any other advice appreciated.