Electric seat problem

[JumboBeef]

Hello,

My 1996 Disco ES has electric, heated leather seats (love 'em) and they all work fine, except for the driver's seat forward movement.

When I bought it a year ago, the old owner did tell me 'it sticks' and as long as you moved the switch backwards and forwards a few times, it would kick into life (only forward has the issue, backwards and all other directions are perfect).

Both my wife and I have the seat back as far as it will go, so the forward movement never gets used, so we didn't use it or worry about it.

FF a year on and the problem is worse now.  Again, every other movement is fine, it is just the forwards movement on the driver's seat.  Move the switch and there is nothing (not even a replay clicking).  Once in a blue moon, it will work, and when it does, the motor sounds perfect.

Any ideas please on what is wrong/how it fix it?  It feels like a bad connection to me, could that be the problem?  If so, where should I look?

Cheers.

[auf_wiedersehen_pet]

it would kick into life (only forward has the issue, backwards and all other directions are perfect).

It feels like a bad connection to me, could that be the problem?  If so, where should I look?

It does sound like a connection problem to me. Check the underside of the seat/motor connection but the best bet would be the switch end!

[diggerdog36]

Theres a similar post on another forum,  he fixed most of them with switch conact cleaner, if the seat wasnt moving in either direction, I would suspect the motor, but in this case, either the switch or the relay.  Let us know.

[Range Rover Blues]

The switches are poo, you can strip and clean them but it's a nighmare job.

[JumboBeef]

Thanks,

I've tested the switch and it *seems* to work OK.  Where can I find the relay please?

[auf_wiedersehen_pet]

You really need to test the switch when it is not working........

Intermittent faults are always the worst faults to find.

[JumboBeef]

I have.  The forward movement hardly ever works and when testing the switch using a meter, it (the switch) always makes a contact.

[JumboBeef]

Anyone tell me where the relay is please?

[diggerdog36]

I'll have a look in my book and see if I can find them.

[diggerdog36]

There are some relays under the front seats at the front, if you look from the front there are 4 or 5, the rear ones are for the seat heaters if you have them, the ones at the front are for the motors.  There are some fuses down there too so check them!

[JumboBeef]

There are some relays under the front seats at the front, if you look from the front there are 4 or 5, the rear ones are for the seat heaters if you have them, the ones at the front are for the motors.  There are some fuses down there too so check them!

Er, stupid question now, but where are these little things?  I looked under the seat and couldn't see them, I could only see the motors..........

[beast5680]

the switch could work fine when using a meter but be breaking down under load

[JumboBeef]

Thanks, I will (re)test the switch, but do you know where I can find the relays please?

[JumboBeef]

Anyone, please?

[big tim]

There are some relays under the n/s seat in my truck. Remove the plastic trim and you can get to them easily chap.

[JumboBeef]

OK, thanks.

the switch could work fine when using a meter but be breaking down under load

I thought I should take a look at the switch. It comes apart with just three screws.  Before anyone thinks of doing this.........don't!  It is full of little ball bearings and springs!  :shock: I opened it up and they went everywhere! :-.  I have no hope of finding them and putting it back together. :roll:  So, whatever happens, I will be buying a new switch today (either new, if they don't cost a stupid amount or from a breaker).