What is a Power Seat Switch?
The power seats in a car, truck, or SUV can be adjusted to custom positions or shapes for maximum comfort at the push of a button. Power seats may incorporate forward, backward, up, down, tilt, lumbar support, and even headrest adjustments. In many cases, settings for multiple occupants can be memorized by the seat control module (or by the Body Control Module). These functions are adjusted with a number of small motors inside the seat triggered by the power seat switches.
How does a Power Seat Switch work?
The power seat switches communicate with the power seat control module that coordinates the function of the power seat motors. In some vehicles, the adjustments are memorized by the seat control module. These operations, along with dozens of other functions of the vehicle body (power mirrors, locks, windows, airbags, alarm, et. al.) may also be overseen by the Body Control Module.
What are the symptoms of a bad Power Seat Switch?
A power seat is designed to move in many directions, enabled by several seat motors, each of which tracks along a specific axis (up and down, forward and backward, diagonally). If the power seat is operational but does not move in a specific direction when one of the switches is pressed, a power seat motor may be at fault. More likely, a power seat switch is the culprit. A faulty power seat switch may also cause the seat to work intermittently. If a power seat does not move at all, the problem likely originates from somewhere other than a bad seat switch. Occasionally, a blown fuse can be a symptom of a faulty switch.
Can I drive with a bad Power Seat Switch?
If the less-than-likely event that the cause of an inoperative power seat is a short circuit in the switch, immediate attention should be given to the problem. More likely, the problem has to do with worn electrical contacts in the switch that cause it to stop working. While this does not pose an immediate concern, improper seat position (relative to the controls and to the airbags) and improper headrest adjustment are safety concerns for both the driver and the passenger.