When you’re driving around Pasadena, you don’t want to be uncomfortable – at least, not in ways that you can control. Most drivers have their seat, steering wheels, & mirrors adjusted for their own comfort & ergonomics, but nowadays many cars are equipped with electric power seats.
When you press the power seat button on your seat or door, the power seat switch triggers a motor which then moves your seat forward or backward on a track. This control allows you to find the optimal placement for your seat, so that the gas and brake pedals are the right distance for your feet, and so that you are comfortable. When the power seat switch fails, the seats won’t move when you press the button, and you won’t be able to control the placement of your seat. While this may not be a serious problem – it certainly won’t affect the safety or function of the vehicle itself, you may not be able to see or operate your vehicle easily if the seat is stuck in a position too far away from what you’re used to.
To repair power seats, the seat must be removed, then the motors, switches, & wiring are inspected. Once the source of the problem is found, it must be repaired or replaced, then everything must be reassembled & tested.
As with all things electronic, power seats and their controls are more likely to fail than simple mechanical levers. Power seat switches are located inside of your vehicle, usually on the seat itself or door panel. The switch sends power to the seat motors, allowing you to move your seat in various directions. If the switch malfunctions, then the seat may no longer move, or its movement may be limited. It is common for debris to get stuck in the tracks, preventing the seat from moving. However, if cleaning the debris does not resolve the problem, your seat or switches may need repair. If the switches are working and there is no debris, but your seat still does not move, you may have a malfunctioning power seat motor.
If your vehicle’s power seat is malfunctioning or moving unusually slowly, come in to your Certified Auto Repair Specialist of Pasadena today, and we will take care of you.