Power seat help

[magnuskgc]

So I have a power seat in my Targa. I have "bench tested" the seat and when I connect power to the connector under the seat all of the motors work.

The switch appears to be bad.. has anybody had experience changing out these? I am trying to decide between fixing the seat or changing to racing seats? It is a road car so I don't "need" racing seats..

any help would be appreciated.

[IDGAF27]

to what switch you are refering? i do have two seats dismanteled to pieces, might have what you need.

[86 911 Targa]

Originally Posted by magnuskgc

So I have a power seat in my Targa. I have "bench tested" the seat and when I connect power to the connector under the seat all of the motors work.

The switch appears to be bad.. has anybody had experience changing out these? I am trying to decide between fixing the seat or changing to racing seats? It is a road car so I don't "need" racing seats..

any help would be appreciated.

Have you tried cleaning the switch with contact cleaner?

It worked for me.

Lots of posts on cleaning seat switches.

[Flat Six]

Magnus, changing out the power seat switch(es) is not hard; you have most of the difficult work (seat removal and system testing) out of the way already. Couple of suggestions based on my experience:

1) replace the switch(es) with new; I've tried several times and cleaning/repairing old switches has never worked out for me (YMMV)
2) toughest part of R&R is threading the new switch's wiring through the seat frame in the side bolster; patience here is a must
3) if the surrounding trim piece is cracked (many are), now is a great time to replace it. They often crack because they're not properly seated flush against the bolster and switch faces; this is easier w/seat out IMHO
4) of course, clean & lube seat tracks and clean & condition hard to reach leather while you have the seat out
5) fully test function when powered by harness before bolting in seat (yes, I learned the hard way)
6) fully raise seat bottom F&R before bolting in -- much better clearance to access seat bolts
7) critically inspect hex sockets of seat bolts and replace any that look remotely like they're getting rounded and use a little anti-seize when replacing.

Hope this helps, and good luck

Dale

[magnuskgc]

thanks guys.. I am referring to the six way power switch on the side.. I have tried to clean the switch the best I can..
Dale that helps ALLOT... I did replace the seat bolts and actually the mounting blocks underneath too (fabricated new ones).. You don't happen to have pics or anytihing that would assist in routing the wires in to the seat?

[Flat Six]

Originally Posted by magnuskgc

You don't happen to have pics or anytihing that would assist in routing the wires in to the seat?

No pics, but there's no real trick to routing except to position the wire bundle so it doesn't pull sideways against any of the motor connectors. The only hard part about this is that the opening in the seat frame & bolster is small and hard to thread the new switch's wire bundle through. I found that a pair of long foreceps was really helpful. Also forgot to mention that once you get it threaded through properly, zip-tie the wire bundle to the wavy spring on the seat bottom to: a) remove some of the strain on the wires and connector, and b) reduce the likelihood that the wire bundle might get snagged.

Good luck

Dale

[magnuskgc]

Thanks... when I get moving again.. it will be the next probject I tackle.

[86 911 Targa]

Originally Posted by magnuskgc

thanks guys.. I am referring to the six way power switch on the side.. I have tried to clean the switch the best I can..
Dale that helps ALLOT... I did replace the seat bolts and actually the mounting blocks underneath too (fabricated new ones).. You don't happen to have pics or anytihing that would assist in routing the wires in to the seat?

If your remove the switch housing, there are small holes that will accomodate the "straw" from your contact cleaner spray can.

While you are spraying the contact cleaner, rock the switches left to right and up and down.

Do not use WD40.

This will get the cleaner into the contact.

I would not dis-assemble the switch.

Good luck,

Gerry

[kidrock]

There's this thread....

"how-to" fix power seat switches......

Also, there's another thread where a Pelican has a step-by-step procedure with pix on replacing the switches with new. A quick search should yield results.

[magnuskgc]

what do you use to clean?? Is there a specific cleaner? and where does one purchase it? I may try that before I spend the money on new switches... maybe it will buy me some time

[IDGAF27]

.....have this ( Driver Side)


....or you could take from here ( Pass Side)

[Flat Six]

Originally Posted by magnuskgc

what do you use to clean?? Is there a specific cleaner? and where does one purchase it? I may try that before I spend the money on new switches... maybe it will buy me some time

CRC makes a nifty aerosol cleaner for electrical contacts (red can). Available at your FLAPS.

[magnuskgc]

I assume FLAPS is a local auto parts chain in CA? lol.. don't have them out here.. I will try the local stores.

[MH911]

I think he means Favorite Local Auto Parts Store.

[faverymi]

"Friendly" local auto parts store. Like it better.

In my audi had same problem. I tried several times with electric contact cleaner is around 7 bucks and did the job.

[Flat Six]

Originally Posted by magnuskgc

I assume FLAPS is a local auto parts chain in CA?

Sorry, my bad -- got a little lazy at the keyboard

[vulcan300]

Nu-Trol contact cleaner is what I have used to bring my seat switches back to life. Here's a link;

Control Cleaner

[magnuskgc]

OOOOH!..... I get it.. lol... I am lost with the computer lingo without my daughter to help (and he is only 9... God help me)

[magnuskgc]

still trying to located the cleaner.. I was told today that maybe Staples or Office max...

[Flat Six]

Originally Posted by magnuskgc

still trying to located the cleaner.. I was told today that maybe Staples or Office max...

CRC Lectra-Motive should be available at nearly any local auto parts store . . . here's what it looks like in case you haven't seen it before:

NAPA Online

CRC also makes a cleaner specifically for QD (quick-detach) electrical plugs -- harder to find and Lectra-Motive works just as well for this application, I think:

Amazon.com: CRC 05101 QD Electronic Cleaner - 4.5 Wt Oz.: Automotive

HTH

Dale