2002 996 Power Seat not working forward/back

[bigjonv]

Ladies and Gentlemen.

I recently purchased a 2002 996 Carrera Cabrio with 39,000 miles.

I have struggled with the memory function on the drivers side seat, and could never get it to properly store the seat setting for my key. I thought it a minor annoyance until today. As I was getting into the car this afternoon, the seat was moving forward, and I pressed the #1 memory button to get the seat to move back into my preferred position.

The seat stopped moving.

The recline function still works, as does the height adjustment, but forward/rear movement is not going. When I press the switch to make it move, I hear a click, but no whirring of the motor or anything.

I love the car- it's my first Porsche, but I just had to replace the headlight switch- since the headlights would not come on. My wife (and I) will be pissed if I have to spend more money on this 'creampuff' that I just bought three weeks ago. Any ideas?

Your feedback is appreciated in advance.

Big Jon V

Tampa, FL

[Loren]

:welcome:

I suggest you start by checking the seat fuses E3 and E4. 30A each - check with an ohm meter if possible.

ALos, check under the seat to make sure nothing is jammed under there - that can cause the same issue.

[bigjonv]

Loren,

Thanks for the reply.

I did check the fuses, although not with an ohm meter. Both are ok.

Nothing in the seat tracks or under the seat.

As I was getting into the car to take it to have the problem looked at, the seat worked. I had the shop fix some cosmetic issues with the wheels, and told them not to worry about the seat.

Of course, now that I have the car back home, the seat problem has come back.

[Loren]

Does the seat move manually? (not using the memory)

[bigjonv]

No. Using the levers on the seat, the recline function works, as does the up/down. On the same lever as the up/down is the forward/back, but the <---- or ------> directions don't go.

I am wondering if it may be a humidity issue. Although this sounds overly simplified, It seems that I have noticed this issue on days where it has been a bit more humid.

Your thoughts and feedback are appreciated.

JVN

[Loren]

Well, you are likely going to have to disconnect the battery (so you do not get an airbag light). Then remove the seat and look for damage, binding, or wiring/connector problems - if none, then you will likely need a new motor.

[bigjonv]

I've gone back to the car and the clicking noise is coming from underneath the seat itself. It all looks normal, and the harness with the zip-tie around it seems snug and not loose. All other connections appear to be firm as well. Does anyone know how to remove the plastic shroud at the bottom of the seat, so I can have better access (I have big hands)- without having to take the seat completely out?

[bigjonv]

This continues to puzzle. Last evening, all seat functions worked. Same as this morning. Late this morning, it stopped working, in the same fashion as before. Now it seems it may be a heat and or humidity issue, as in the cooler parts of the day, it operates normally. Could this possibly make sense and point to something?

[RFM]

The question is how the seat adjustment function have tested, with a person in the seat (loaded) or empty (unloaded). If the adjustment does functioning loaded and well unloaded, the motor is worn out.