If Your Power Seat Is Not Working, Here’s What You Need To Do.

• Causes
• Diagnosis
• Manually Adjusting Seat
• Repairing Power Seat motor
• FAQs

Electric car seats are one of the most convenient features of modern vehicles. They provide comfort and flexibility at the touch of a single button. It can be frustrating to find that your powered seats are stuck.

We’ll explore some of the most common causes and diagnoses for a power seat that isn’t working.

Common causes of a malfunctioning power seat

has evolved over the years to include many new features. The car seat has seen many changes. From child car seats to the power seats that are now in most modern cars, there have been many. We will talk about power seats in this article and the problems they face.

A power seat can malfunction over time, or for other reasons. Diagnosing the issue is a complex process that requires a systematic method. Here are a few common reasons a power chair might malfunction.

Electrical Issues

Below are some electrical issues that can arise with a power seat malfunction.

BLOWN FUSE

A blown fuse can cause the seat to stop working. Fuses are used to protect electrical circuits. They can blow because of a surge in power or a short-circuit.

Faulty Wiring

If the wiring is damaged or disconnected, it can stop the flow of electricity to power seat components.

SWITCH BROKEN

Over time, the buttons and switches of the power seat control can break or wear out. The loss of certain seat adjustments can be caused by a malfunctioning switch.

Faulty or loose switch connector

The connectors between the switches on the power seat and the switch can become damaged or loose, which will affect communication.

Poor Ground Connection

Poor or corroded connections can cause electrical problems, which will affect the performance of your power seat.

MOTOR ISSUES

Your power seat may stop working due to a variety of motor problems.

WORN-OUT MOTOR

Over time, the electric motor that adjusts the seat position may wear out. This can lead to a loss in movement.

BURNED MOTOR WINDSHIELD

The motor windings can burn out due to continuous use or electrical problems. This will result in a power seat that is not functional.

MECHANICAL ISSUES

Mechanical issues that are observed with a power seat in malfunction include:

OBSTRUCTION ON TRACKS

The seat can be obstructed by objects lodged in the tracks of the seat or mechanical components. The issue may be resolved by clearing any obstructions.

Gear Mechanisms Damaged

The gears that translate motor movement into seat adjustments can become damaged or stripped. This prevents proper operation.

Sensor and Memory Module Problems

Sensor or memory module issues could be the cause of a non-working power seat.

Faulty Position Sensors

Some power seats are equipped with position sensors which communicate with the control unit. Sensors that are malfunctioning can cause inaccurate positioning of the seat, which is one of the symptoms a power chair will not work.

MEMORY MODULE ISSUES

The memory module of seats with memory function may be affected by electrical problems that occur after changing the car battery. The memory module may be affected, resulting in the loss or change of seat positions.

With time, the motors, switches, and wiring of the power seats can wear out, affecting their functionality. Let’s now learn how to diagnose issues with power seats.

How to diagnose power seat issues

A systematic approach can be used to diagnose issues with a power seat that is not working properly. Use these steps to identify the problem and find a solution.

STEP 1 – Test the seat’s functions

Start by examining the different functions of your power chair:

• Test the recliner feature.
• Check the forward and reverse movement.
• Look at the up and down commands.

OBSERVATION

• If the switches do not work, the problem may be with the ground or power connection.
• Focus on the circuit that is faulty if only one of its functions does not work.
• Check the circuit breaker or fuse, regardless of how many functions are working.

STEP 2: Test the circuit’s fuse

Find the circuit breaker. It is usually located in the junction box near the brake pedal. Remove the fuse for the power seat. Use a multimeter now to check the fuse’s continuity. A reading of ‘OL indicates that the circuit is open. If the circuit breaker appears to be in good shape, you can reinstall it. The problem may not be solved by replacing the fuse alone if the fuse has blown. Look for wiring problems or excessive current draw.

Note : A circuit that is hot or making clicking noises during installation may indicate wiring issues or excessive electrical loads.

STEP 3: Check the main connector of the seat

If none of your switches work, check the main connector for the seat, which is usually found underneath. Locate the main connector under the seat. Check that the connector is not disconnected or loose.

Examine the wiring for both power and ground. Ground wires usually come in black or brown while power wires can be brighter colors like orange or yellow.

Test the wires with a test light

• Place the one-sided test light on the groundside of the electrical connector.
• Connect the negative side with the positive.
• The motor could be defective if the test light indicates that the electrical connection between the power source and ground is good.
• The switch may have a problem if the light does not come on.

STEP 4: Test a specific switch

Separate the switch panel and seat if necessary to examine the electrical connectors. Verify that the electrical connectors have not developed any green corrosion on the terminals.

Note: An examination of the connectors can help identify any potential problems with individual switches.

Once you have diagnosed the problem, you can either fix it or replace your seats. If you’re stuck out in the middle with a power seat that won’t move, it may be best to manually adjust the seat. Find out how to adjust a car seat manually.

How to manually move a power car seat

It’s important to turn off the engine of your vehicle before you begin any repairs. To prevent electricity from flowing to the seat, disconnect the batteries of the vehicle. This is a step-by-step guide on how to manually move a power seat.

• Remove the negative battery cable from the car seat. Set it aside to ensure safety while the repair is being done.
• Remove all screws from the trim panel on the car seat using a screwdriver. Remove the seat cover and any clips to gain access to the internal components of the seat.
• Slide the connector down and away from the power seat switch. Once disconnected, manually move the seat.
• Unfasten the trim screws, or use a blade or scissors to open the back of the seat. This will reveal the long shafts that control the position of the seat.
• Use pliers to move these poles in the desired direction (Left for forward or right for backward). These poles can be moved in either direction using pliers (left for forward, or right for reverse).
• You can adjust the position of your seat until it is comfortable. Test-drive the car in order to achieve the desired position.

It is important to address the root cause of any problem through troubleshooting. If your car seat cover was damaged, you can get a replacement from one of the vendors listed below.

You can also repair the motor of the power seat to see if it fixes the issue. Let’s now learn how to fix the motor on a power seat.

How to Repair the Seat Motor

Follow these steps to repair your power car seat motor:

• Remove the motor housing, and then the cable. Be careful not to lose any screws. This allows you to access the inner components of the motor.
• Identify the wire propeller and plastic conduit inside the motor housing. Consult the wiring diagram in your car’s manual to ensure that you are using the right components.
• Attach the motor and drill to one side. Connect the wires according to the wiring diagram. Reconnect the motor and test its power functions.

If the problem is beyond your knowledge, it is best to seek professional assistance. This will ensure a quicker and automatic fix but it may cost more depending on the damage. If the problem is beyond repair, you will have to replace the item.

FAQs

CAN AFTERMARKET POWER SEATS BE ADDED TO A VEHICLE?

Power seats aftermarket can be installed in vehicles. Factory-installed seats often fit better with the design of the vehicle.

What controls a power seat?

An electric motor controls a power seat. A power seat can malfunction if there are any electrical or mechanical problems with the motor.

This is all you need to know about a power seat that’s not working properly and how to fix it. Regular maintenance, early identification of problems and timely repairs are all important for the longevity and optimal performance power seats. It is also important to be aware of the lifespans of your car’s parts. You might find it interesting to learn more about power window, a feature that is often overlooked.

If your car has a few issues, you should consider one of these used vehicles for sale in UAE.

Stay tuned to the auto blog for more information on car problems, their solutions and how you can fix them.