72 Riviera Four Way Power Seat Problems

OldDrummer55

OldDrummer55

Team Member
My power seat will not move. Luckily, it is stuck about half-way back so I can still get my 6'2, 250 pound Jabba the Hut physique in and out of the car! I cannot remove the seat without moving it to the full rear position. I removed the door armrest mounted switch and cleaned all contacts. It "clicks" when activated, but I don't hear any noise coming from under the seat.
  • The available wiring diagram on this site is for the six way power seat. Does a diagram for the four way exist?
  • Any recommendations on what else I should check?
  • Any recommendations on getting the seat to move back?
Thank you,
 
Is the control for the seat on the door?
If so, the most common place for problems related to switches mounted on the door is the flex area between the door and the body. If the control is mounted on the door, the odds are 95% the problem is there.
 
Just add, I have found that the wires are "usually" broken at the kick panel end. Also, note, they do not appear broken, it is just the copper that is broken, the insulation usually looks good.
Sometimes the break is solid and the switches fail completely, sometimes the wires can touch, like after opening or closing the door and the switch will function. If all functions of the switch are affected, it is probably the power to the switch, if it is only one function then it would be that wire.
Good Luck :)
 
It is rare that the problem isn't in the door, looking at the Power Seat wiring diagram (Linked to at the top of the page), if the power is getting to relay in each of it's positions and out to the motor, then it would indicate the motor. You have to track it one step at a time (with the wiring diagram) until you find where the power fails to make it to it's next connection.
 
With a mirror and or flashlight inspect the bottom of the mechanicals and check for broken or mechanical failure (bends, warped, etc.). There are so many tools available because not all hardware is easy access. Sometimes you can modify a tool to get into special situation. You could unbolt part of the seat and place some 2x4"s to raise it up a bit to take a peek with a mirror. If possible, see if you can remove the motor out of engagement and then you could move the seat frame.

If not possible, see if you can remove the seat upholstery cover and foam, then you have access from the top. The cover I expect it to be held in by hog rings, you can open up and reuse each one. Or if you cut the hog rings, buy new hog rings and special pliers to install them.

You have the other side of the circuit you can use for testing to compare values if you aren't sure. If you have a power probe you could apply 12V to the motor and see if it works. Basic diagnostics start at either the power source or the load (motor in this case), the head or the tail. As it was suggested start somewhere and work your way to the other end.

Disclaimer: I do not own or worked on 72 Riviera.
 
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