Seats: Description and Operation

POWER SEAT SYSTEM
A drivers side power front seat is an available factory-installed option for this vehicle The power seat system option allows the driver to electrically adjust his/her seating position for optimum control and comfort using the power seat switch located on the outboard seat cushion side shield of the drivers front seat.

The power seat system includes the following components:
- Power seat switch
- Power seat track assembly.
- Wire harness

Fig. 1 Airbag Equipped Seat:

WARNING: SOME VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH SEATBACK MOUNTED AIRBAGS. BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO DIAGNOSE OR SERVICE ANY SEAT OR POWER SEAT SYSTEM COMPONENT YOU MUST FIRST DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE CABLE. THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE SYSTEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE FURTHER SYSTEM SERVICE. THIS IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM. FAILURE TO DO SO COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.

Refer to Power Seat in Wiring Diagrams for complete circuit diagrams. Following are general descriptions of the major components in the power seat system.

The power seat system receives battery current through a fuse in the Power Distribution Center (PDC) and a circuit breaker in the junction block so that the power seats remain operational, regardless of the ignition switch position. See the owner's manual in the vehicle glove box for more information on the features, use and operation of the power seat system.

Fig. 2 Power Seat Switch - Typical:

DRIVER SEAT SWITCH
A single two-way momentary power seat switch is located on the outboard seat cushion side shield of the drivers front seat. The power seat switch is secured to the back of the seat cushion side shield with two screws, and the switch paddle protrudes through a hole to the outside of the shield. The switch paddle is located in a shallow depression molded into the outer surface of the seat cushion side shield that helps to shroud it from unintentional actuation when entering or exiting the vehicle.

The power seat switch cannot be adjusted or repaired and, if faulty or damaged, it must be replaced.

When the power seat switch paddle is actuated, a battery feed and a ground path are applied through the switch contacts to the power seat track adjuster motor. The motor operates to move the seat track adjuster through its drive unit in the selected direction until the switch is released, or until the travel limit of the adjuster is reached. When the switch is moved in the opposite direction, the battery feed and ground path to the motor are reversed through the switch contacts. This causes the motor to run in the opposite direction.

The power seat switch should not be held applied in either direction after the adjuster has reached its travel limit. The power seat adjuster motor contains a self-resetting circuit breaker to protect it from overload. However, consecutive or frequent resetting of the circuit breaker must not be allowed to continue, or the motor may be damaged.

Fig. 4 Power Seat Track:

POWER SEAT TRACK
There is one motor that operates the power seat track. The motor is connected to a worm-drive gearbox that moves the seat adjuster accordingly. The drivers front seat can be raised or lowered using the power seat switch, located on the seat cushion side shield. When the seat switch is pushed to the Up or Down position the seat will move up or down.

The motor contains a self-resetting circuit breaker to protect it from overload. Consecutive or frequent resetting of the circuit breakers must not be allowed to continue, or the motors may be damaged.

The power seat track cannot be repaired, and is serviced only as a complete unit. If any component in this unit is faulty or damaged, the entire power seat track unit must be replaced.

One single armature permanent magnet reversible motor is coupled to a worm gear box assembly. It is located in between the seat tracks and upper supports. The one single gear motor assembly attaches to the seat tracks and provide the various seat movements.

The electrical circuit is protected by a 20 amp circuit breaker located in the fuse block.

When a power seat switch is actuated, a battery feed and a ground path are applied through the switch contacts to the appropriate motor. The motor and drive operate to move the seat in the selected direction until the power seat switch is released, or until the travel limit of the power seat track adjuster is reached. When the power seat switch is moved in the opposite direction, the battery feed and ground path to the motor are reversed through the switch contacts. This causes the motor and drive to run in the opposite direction.