Power seat problem. No power in the switches. Fuse OK

[mattaebersold]

Both the reclining and the up/down/front/back switches are not working on the driver's side only. Fuse (e4 I think) is OK. All the e row fuses are great actually.

 

The switches themselves have been inspected (internally) and appear to be great. I've looked for some reading with my miltimeter, and there is no power whatsoever in the switch plate.

 

I traced the wires from the plate back to the main circuit board. All looked well there. I hit the connections with contact cleaner. Still nothing. 

 

I don't want to suspect the circuit board because everything else on the car is working great. 

 

Any help would be appreciated.

 

 

[kbrandsma]

Replace fuse anyway or swap with another.  Check power across the fuse to see if it is even hot..

[mattaebersold]

Sorry for the dumb question, but how do you check the power across the fuse? Also, if it isn't, what would be the cause down the line?

[kbrandsma]

Remove fuse and use an Ohm meter and place positive/red on hot side of fuse holder and negative/black to ground.

Edited July 31, 2014 by kbrandsma

[kbrandsma]

E3 is seat left and E4 is seat right. Both are 30 A fuses.

[kbrandsma]

Make sure your seat is fully reclined, the motorized controls won't work if the seat is not fully back.

You could have a faulty switch. That is usually more common. Some take the switch apart and clean everything and then re-assemble. This is usually easier with the seat removed but not required. If you take the seat out, remove the ignition key, disconnect the negative battery cable to avoid triggering the seatbelt error light.

Make sure you place a tray or something when you crack open the switch to catch all the pieces. Some contact parts may need a little cleaning with light sand paper or emery. If you take it apart use a little dielectric grease to hold everything in place.

If your not mechanically inclined, contact cleaner can be used as a first step before trying to remove, taking apart and cleaning the switch. Remove the switch out of the seat enough to see the small holes in the switch housing. Using a spray can of contact cleaner (WD40) with the straw type nozzle, spray contact cleaner into the switch and operate the switch back and forth several times in all directions.

Reinstall the seat and connect the battery if you removed the seat. Then, using your key turn on accessory power on the ignition switch and try the switch to see if you brought it back to life.

Edited July 31, 2014 by kbrandsma