1996 Pontiac Firebird Power Seat Switch Replacement Cost

Power seat components are intended to last the lifetime of a vehicle and have no regular replacement interval. The power seat switches are the most likely components to wear out and fail over time.

To check for a bad power seat switch, a technician will first make sure that a fuse has not blown. A blown fuse can be either the cause of an inoperative power seat or a symptom. If all of the seat functions stop working at the same time, it is unlikely to be caused by a bad switch. If the seat will not move along one axis when a switch is pressed, but works in all other directions, the technician will use a diagnostic meter to check for power to the switch. If voltage is present at the switch, the technician will test the switch for continuity - whether or not it is capable of transmitting electrical current when operated - and possibly bypass the switch to make sure the seat motors are operational. If the switch has power but will not operate, the switch is likely to be defective. In some cases, the problem might originate in the seat control module or in the Body Control Module. In these cases, the technician will look for a diagnostic trouble code (a fault code) that can be read with a scan tool.

Once a power seat switch is found to be the cause of a seat malfunction, a technician will disconnect power to the seat (or disconnect the battery) and carefully remove any interior trim around the switch assembly. The power seat switches are most often located on the side of the seat body, but may also be found in another location, such as the door trim panel. With the trim removed, the switch assembly is unplugged from the wiring harness, the switch detached from its housing and replaced with the new switch before reassembly. In most cases, all of the power seat switches are contained in a single assembly that needs to be replaced as a unit, rather than individual switches.

Proper seat alignment is important for safe operation of a vehicle. While a faulty power seat switch does not present an immediate danger, it does affect vehicle safety. It is recommended that a faulty switch be replaced as soon as possible.

It should be noted that some vehicles incorporate Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) features into the seat, such as seat-mounted airbags and/or seatbelt pretensioners. Care is needed to avoid damage to the wires for the SRS and other components located in the seats. The SRS may need to be reset with a special scan tool if, for some reason, the seat is disconnected.

In most cases, a power seat switch can be replaced by someone with intermediate do-it-yourself experience. But, as is the case with most automotive electrical problems, diagnosis can be the biggest challenge. A fault in the seat control module or the Body Control Module can make it look like the switch is to blame. Repairs can be costly if not diagnosed properly. Access to vehicle-specific information (such as a wiring diagram) and procedures are recommended for an effective repair.