ASE G1 Auto Maintenance and Light RepairElectrical/Electronic SystemsMedium
A vehicle's power seat adjusts forward and backward, but will not move up or down. All other power accessories work correctly. What is the MOST likely cause?
- AA faulty power seat motor for the forward/backward function.
- BAn open circuit in the main power feed to the seat.
- CA blown fuse for the power seat circuit.
- DA faulty power seat switch.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. A faulty power seat switch.
If the power seat moves forward and backward, it confirms that the main power feed, ground, and fuse for the seat are functional. The problem is specific to the 'up/down' movement. Power seats have multiple motors, each controlled by specific sections of the power seat switch. If only one function fails, it strongly suggests an issue with that particular part of the switch or the motor dedicated to that function. A switch failure affecting only one direction is very common.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. A faulty power seat motor for the forward/backward function would prevent only forward/backward movement, but these functions are working. The problem is with up/down, which would be a separate motor.
- B. If the main power feed were open, no functions of the power seat would work.
- C. A blown fuse would prevent all power seat functions from operating.
Power Seat Component Failure
Power seats use multiple motors and a complex switch to control various adjustments (forward/back, up/down, recline).
- Each major movement (forward/back, up/down, recline) often has its own motor.
- The power seat switch routes power to these individual motors.
- Failure of only one specific movement points to that motor or its corresponding switch contacts.
Memory trick: Some move, some don't, switch is the hunt.