Troubleshooting Power Seat Won’t Move Forward Or Back
The power seat of a car is equipped with various features to ensure the best comfort for passengers and the driver. Some modern cars have integrated computer memory in the seat so it remembers the favorite positions of the users. So, it becomes a problem when the power seat won’t move forward or back.
The problems could be with the motors, switch, or the wiring and cables of the drive assemblies. You have to focus on the mechanism responsible for lowering or raising the seat when diagnosing the issue.
Understanding System for Controlling a Driver’s Seat
By mastering the operating principles of the car’s power seat control system, you can use it more quickly and effectively.
- Seat position control function
To adjust the position of the seat, the driver only needs to use the control switch cluster to generate an input signal. Then, this signal is transmitted to the ECU (Engine Control Unit) to activate the motors to operate according to the user’s adjustments.
The motor only operates when there is 1 input signal transmitted to the ECU, the chair can be adjusted in many different directions.
- Function to recall previously saved seat positions
ECUs equipped on modern vehicles can remember data about the seat position that the user has previously installed. Therefore, after adjusting the seat as desired, operate to save the position on the control switch cluster. Next time, you just need to use the buttons to choose the appropriate seat shape.
- Function to delete stored seat positions
In addition to the function of recalling previously saved seat positions, users can also delete information about these positions by using the smart key and operating the buttons on the control panel.
How To Troubleshoot The Power Seat Won’t Move Forward Or Back
Fixing the power seat does not require any high level of electrical knowledge. Some basic troubleshooting skills and following these procedures will be enough.
1. Tools required
- Flashlight
- Multimeter
- Test light
- Two jumper wires
2. Process to follow
Follow these steps one by one to find out the source of the problem and fix that.
Step 1: Do a visual check
Check the seat rails and the area under the seat to see if anything is obstructing the seat movement. Use a flashlight for a better visual. If both front power seats show issues, there could be a problem with the circuit breaker or fuse.
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step 2: Use a test light
Turn on the ignition switch without kicking off the engine. Press the power seat switch to see if the motor starts running under the seat. If there is no sound, raise the switch from its spot.
Use a test light to find out if the switch has an incoming voltage. If there is no trace of it, look for an open or short in the wiring between the switch and the fuse panel.
Step 3: Test with a multimeter for continuity
In the next step of troubleshooting the power seat won’t move up and down, you have to unplug the switch and use a multimeter to test it for continuity. Only a closed operation switch has continuity, which indicates the presence of a complete path for current flow. You have to change the switch if there is no continuity.
Step 4: Check the circuit relay
If the circuit has a relay between the switch and the motor, test it too. In that case, you have to check whether the relay is receiving voltage from the switch and transferring voltage to the motor.
Check the wiring if the incoming or outgoing voltage is absent. You may have to change the relay if there is no outgoing voltage. A test light will be handy for scanning the incoming voltage at the motor(s). If it is dead, inspect the wires between the motor and relay or switch for continuity.
Step 5: Examine the motor(s)
If you can detect the failed motor(s), you should examine it after unplugging from its slot. Use jumper wires to connect the motor to the car’s battery. You have to replace the motor if it does not respond.
These are the most common ways to find out the problems behind the power seat won’t move forward or back. Take the help of a service manual for having the wiring diagrams of an automobile’s various electrical systems. You will get it at auto parts stores and public libraries.