[Ranger]

The right seatback on the '97 Deville I just sold would on rare occassions move to the full forward position by itself with no input. It has not happened in about 6 months so I forgot about it. I just sold the car and wouldn't you know it, it happened again. I feel bad about it and would like to help the guy correct the problem. Has anyone expirienced this before? Off the top of my head I am thinking maybe a relay under the seat (if there is one) or a bad seat switch.

 

[Kdirk]

Does it have memory seats? I'm wondering if it could be a bogus seat memory module and it is generating "phantom" inputs to change the position. Either that or a touchy switch/intermittent wiring problem? Also could be randomly selecting memory 1 or 2 if there is a MSM problem. My brother's 99 sometimes triggers the massaging lumbar on the passenger side for no reason, and we suspect the module.

I wouldn't think it would be a relay itself, probably something triggering the relay. Note that the memory seat module has several integral relays in it, in addition to the others that clip to the bottom seat frame.

Run an OBD check, MSM has its own codes that will pop up on the IPC if it detects a problem with this system this gives you someplace to start.

KDirk

 

[Ranger]

No memory seat and no codes as I recall.

 

[NitroCaddy]

Who ya goin' to call? - Ghostbusters :histeric:

Seriously I have old seats and do not have a clue. Sorry

 

[ocjmakaveli]

most likely the springs inside the button are weak or misplaced causing the switch to get pushed on you can easily check for resistance in the switch, does it take the same amount of force to make the seat go back as it does forward?

if not then just replace the switch

Sometimes bumps in the road can cause a broken spring inside to move around and let the switch itself move enough to activate itself.

relays wouldn't do such an odd thing the module maybe but not too likely

 

[Ranger]

Thanks, I'll tell him or help him look in that direction. I don't recall the switch being weak but then I was never in the passenger seat. It is definately not road related. Happened on smooth roads and as I recall, once in the parking lot. Will concentrate on the switch.

 

[brougham]

I was thinking that it might be something because of the switch too. Maybe even there's just some dirt inside it that holds it so it's almost on and that's why it moves out of nowhere by itself? Usually relays seem to just die and don't work anymore. I never saw one that broke to make it turn on by itself. But you never know.

 

[Ranger]

Thanks. That's vote #3 against the relay. Will rule that out. I'd rather not be digging around under the seat anyway. The switch will be the prime suspect. I just hope it's not a pinched wire but I once did a cursory search for that and turned up nothing.