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Is there a way to adjust a power seat that isn’t functioning? Possibly by bypassing a seat switch and powering the motors directly by an alternate power source? Maybe that Power Probe tool I’ve seen and read about on here will work.
Here’s a little background: My sister’s ex-husband didn’t want to pay the dealer to replace the original defective seat so he replaced it himself. The problem is he used a salvaged seat with less power functions. Naturally, he adjusted the seat for his comfort but since it is now stuck in that position my sister cannot reach the pedals and steering wheel (she is 5′ and he is 6′). The original seat was a 40/20/40 split bench but he replaced the drivers side with a cloth seat that had only power to move the seat forward/back and the cushion angle. I believe the original had power lumbar and recline, although I’m not certain. I noticed there was one connector routed through the floorboard that was not connected to another connector from the seat. I can only guess that it was for the functions used by the original seat or some sensor.
I couldn’t find any screw, port, etc to manually adjust the seat forward. However, I believe I saw a worm gear to operate the seat cushion angle but I don’t know if it is manually adjustable. Other than a visual inspection of the seat workings and attempting to identify parts, I’m not really sure where to start. I have checked the fuses and the appear fine. Honestly, I don’t know much about trouble shooting electrical problems and have extremely limited use of a multimeter but I’m sure I will need to use one to properly diagnose the failure, ie either the seat motors or switches. I’m guessing the seat might have to be taken apart in pieces just to gain access to remove the broken motor (if that is even the problem).
I’m thinking this will be a much tougher repair job than I expected.
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You probably can do as you suggest however if the motor is pulsed instead of a linear motor it won’t do you any good because the pulsed motors are worked by control units. I think the first step is to find a wiring diagram not only for your vehicle but the one the seat came out of as well so you know if the motors are pulsed or not and what wires you would need to run power and ground to to move the motor. This site might help you with that.
Thank you for taking the time to respond, Eric. Unfortunately, none of the diagrams available on their site were for seats. I actually don’t know the exact trim or year Silverado from which the seat came. My best guess is either a ’99–’02 or a ’03–06. Do you know of any websites with quality diagrams? I will take a look at a service manual and wiring supplement, but I am not be able to understand it. :unsure:
Let’s say I was able to get power to the motor but it is defective; how am I going to remove the seat to gain access to the motor if the seat is blocking the rear left mounting bolt? What does one do in this situation? Tear down the seat in pieces?
The factory manual is at the top of the list for the best information. Good wiring diagrams come with a price so if you buy the factory manual or find an online source you’re probably going to have to pay for it.
I have had to deal with that situation in the past and I’ve had to employ some creative methods to get to those bolts. Often I can sneak in with a wrench or something. If you don’t have that option I’m not sure what to tell you. Keep us posted.
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