How to Fix Broken Power Seats

Depending upon the age and make of car or truck you own, it may have power seats. Full power seats typically control seat position in two ways - the recline of the seat back and the position of the entire seat either closer or farther away from the steering wheel. If the power seat controller fails, it means there are one of two problems. The first is a blown fuse. The second is a bad seat switch.

Instructions

1

Locate the fuse box on your vehicle. Location may vary depending on the make of your vehicle, but most fuse boxes are located either inside the engine compartment, on the lower dash to the left of the steering wheel or in both locations. Consult your owner's manual to locate the fuse box, if need be.

2

Pull the fuse box cover off and read the inside of the cover, where the fuse diagram chart will be printed. Locate the fuse that controls the seat. If you cannot locate it on the diagram, consult your vehicle's owners manual.

3

Remove the old fuse with a pair of needle-nose pliers. Insert a new fuse.

4

Turn the vehicle's key to the "on" position and test the seat switch. If it works, the seat has been repaired. If it does not work, move to the next step.

5

Remove the vehicle's negative battery cable with a wrench.

6

Kneel down beside the seat that will not work and look to see if there are screws holding the seat controller in place. If so, remove them with a screwdriver. If not, gently pry the seat switch assembly out using the screwdriver.

7

Pull the assembly from the side of the seat once it is loose. Unscrew the fastening screw holding the seat switch in place with the screwdriver. Unplug the old switch from the plastic wiring harness by hand.

8

Plug the new seat switch into the wiring harness, then fasten it down in place with the screwdriver.

9

Pop the switch back into the side of the seat. Replace the fastening screw if there is one.

10

Replace the vehicle's negative battery cable using the wrench.