Seats: Testing and Inspection

Following are tests that will help to diagnose the hard wired components and circuits of the power seat system.

WARNING: SOME VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH SIDE 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.

Before any testing of the power seat system is attempted, the battery should be fully-charged and all of the power seat system wire harness connections and pins cleaned and tightened to ensure proper circuit continuity and ground paths. For complete circuit diagrams, refer to Wiring Diagrams.

With the dome lamp ON, apply the power seat switch in the direction of the failure. If the dome lamp dims, the seat may be jamming. Check under and behind the seat for binding or obstructions. If the dome lamp does not dim, proceed with testing of the individual components and circuits.

Voltage Test
The following test will determine whether or not voltage is continuous through the body harness to the seat switch.
1. Remove the front seat cushion side shield from the seat to be tested. Refer to Body for the procedure.
2. Using a voltmeter, connect the ground lead to Pin 5 and positive lead to Pin 1 of the seat switch connector. If battery voltage is present circuit is OK. If no voltage is present check circuit breaker and repair as necessary.

Circuit Breaker Test
Find correct circuit breaker on fuse block. Pull out slightly but be sure that circuit breaker terminals still contact terminals in fuse block. Connect ground wire of voltmeter to a good ground. With probe of voltmeter positive wire, check both terminals of circuit breaker for battery voltage. If only one terminal checks at battery voltage, circuit breaker is defective and must be replaced. If neither terminal shows battery voltage, check for open or shorted circuit to circuit breaker.