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Writer's pictureBarry & Lisa Humrich

Fixing Power Seat Problems: Simple Steps to Save Your Seat!

Updated: Nov 9

If you’ve dealt with a power seat that won’t work properly, you know how frustrating it can be. Power seats are a convenience we often take for granted—until they malfunction, impacting both comfort and safety. And let’s face it, many of us have experienced the struggle of being left with a seat stuck in a position that only suited the last, possibly shorter, driver! But don’t worry; before replacing the entire seat assembly, know that many common power seat issues can be diagnosed and fixed without draining your wallet.

Ford Mustang Seat Upholstery with embossed mustangs

At Two Men One Garage, we specialize in helping DIYers and automotive enthusiasts find simple solutions to seat problems. Let’s walk through some basic troubleshooting steps to help diagnose what’s going wrong with your power seat and how you can get it working again.



Identify the Symptoms

Start by identifying the exact issue. Power seat problems can manifest in various ways, such as:

  • The seat won’t move in any direction

  • The seat moves, but only partially or only in one direction

  • The seat is stuck in one position

  • The seat moves, but very slowly or inconsistently

  • You hear strange noises (grinding, clicking, etc.)

Understanding what the seat is doing (or not doing) will help you narrow down the potential causes.


Check the Basics

Before diving into troubleshooting,  check the basics:


- Ignition: Make sure the car is on or in accessory mode, as power seats often need the

ignition to be engaged.


- Fuses: A blown fuse is a common cause of power seat failure. Locate the fuse box (usually

under the dash or hood) and check for a blown fuse related to the power seat system.


- Seat Switch: Inspect the seat adjustment switch to ensure it’s not physically damaged.


Inspect for Electrical Issues

If the basics check out, the next step is to investigate electrical problems:


- Loose or Damaged Wiring: Power seats rely on wiring that runs underneath the seat. Over

time, wires can become damaged or disconnected, especially if the seat has been moved

frequently. Check for any obvious signs of wear or disconnected wires.


- Test the Seat Motor: Use a multimeter to test whether the seat motor is receiving power. If no

power is reaching the motor, the issue is likely upstream, possibly with the wiring or the seat

switch.


- Relays and Connectors: Inspect the connectors and relays. Corrosion or loose connections

can cause intermittent power failures.


Mechanical Problems

If the electrical system is functioning properly, the issue could be mechanical. Power seats are moved by small motors and gears, which can wear out over time:


- Seat Track Obstruction: Sometimes foreign objects (coins, pens, etc.) can get lodged in the

seat track, blocking movement. Clear any obstructions to see if that resolves the issue.


- Worn or Stripped Gears: Power seat mechanisms often use gears to translate the motor’s

power into seat movement. If these gears are stripped or worn, the seat may move poorly

or not at all. Replacing worn gears or motors is a common fix for this problem.


Motor Failure

If none of the above steps solved the issue, the seat motor itself may have failed. A common sign of a failing motor is not hearing it run and there is no movement at all. Replacing the motor is usually the solution in this case, and it’s something you can do yourself with the right tools and replacement parts.


At Two Men One Garage, we offer aftermarket power seat motors that fit a wide range of vehicles, from classic Ford Mustangs to modern trucks. Rather than replacing the entire seat assembly, you can swap out a faulty motor at a fraction of the cost.


When to Call a Professional

If you’ve gone through all these steps and the issue persists, it may be time to consult a professional. Some power seat issues can stem from more complex problems like a faulty control module or even a failing electrical system that requires advanced diagnostics.


"Bringing Your Seat Back to Life!"

Power seat issues can be annoying, but with some basic troubleshooting, you can often diagnose and fix the problem yourself. At Two Men One Garage, we’re here to support you with high-quality aftermarket parts and expert advice to keep your seats in top shape.


Got a question about diagnosing or fixing your power seat? Drop a comment below or reach out to us directly, and we’ll be happy to help!

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