2003 911 Cabriolet Driver seat back not moving but clicking

[uberalles]

I am hoping someone has had this problem or understands the seat system on my 03 Cab. The drivers seat back switch no longer moves the seat. Luckily it is in a drivable position. It was working sometimes but now it is 100% dead. All other seat motors are working on the bas of the seat but the back tilt motor does nothing. There is a clicking noise (like a relay double click) coming from the control box under the front of the seat. (standard leather seats, no lumbar or seat heaters).

Passenger seat works, but the tilt control in that one is sometimes intermittent.

Now on my past 993 and earlier car when the seat stops moving it is the switch. The switch on this 996 seat does seem to be getting a response from the control unit/black box under seat. So it seems the switch is working right? Could it be just the motor in the seatback?

I hate my local Porsche dealer service adviser. If I bring it to him he will most likely charge me for a whole new engine even though it has nothing to do with the seat. If I buy a seat switch for $600 something dollars and it does not work then I loose. Anyone have any advise?

-Mark

Edited September 10, 2008 by uberalles

[Dharn55]

On 996's the seat motors for for/aft and height adjustment drive a plastic encased cable with square ends. One end fits int he motor, and one fits at the "gears." These break pretty easily. However it looks like the backreat adjustment is a direct drive motor. The part number for the backrest motor should be 996.624.321.00. (4$186.xx list price) It is probaly worth taking the seat out and looking at it.

Edited September 10, 2008 by Dharn55

[uberalles]

I noticed there is a seat recall for the 2003 model 911 - I called the number given in the recall notice and a nice voice said "you have called the number of a deaf person who uses a video phone" - I don't think this is a good position for a disabled person to be employed! Number screw up I guess, I checked the number 3 times.

I guess I will go to my Porsche dealer to speak with the service dept about a possible recall where they replace both front seats. That would be cool.

I am worried though, last 911 I brought to them to warranty a seat heater they came back with a bill to replace the shift cables for a mere $1500. Do Porsche shifter cables run through the driver front seat? Doesn't make sense.