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I am posting it for the benefit of future users who may be in same boat as me.
I eventually figured that the problem is the broken plastic gear inside the Vertical Transmission Assembly called VTA.
This assembly has a 12 V motor and multiple gears that eventually lift the seat. All gears are metal except one that broke which is made of plastic. It had its teeth all worn out. I am wondering why on earth would they make it out of plastic. Had it been made of metal, there would be no issue.
I posted some pictures showing the parts and what broke.
I think you should be able to replace it your self but I got mine done by the dealership costing about $1200. Part itself costs less than 400 but rest is labor. VTA assembly view 1 from one side VTA assembly view 2 from other side VTA assembly view 3 VTA assemble view 4 VTA assemble view 5 Removed top cover. step 1. Removed gear assembly. step 2. Removed cover. step 3. Removed plastic gear. step 4. Worn out plastic gear Close view of worn out teeth Good teeth.
Please find attached the manual that shows how to replace VTA unit. I don't think it would be easily do-able at home.
I posted some pictures as well in other reply.
I don't know why it was made of plastic, but I typically assume it is a cost reduction.
It looks like the teeth are melted in just one section. I wonder if the motor overheated and the metal worm gear got hot enough to melt the teeth.
This is a nice write-up with useful information. Thanks for the post.
Hi
I posted another reply with detailed pictures showing what I saw when I disassembed the VTA. That post is not showing up. Is that because the admins have to approve it?
Great info! This is what I needed to help my in-laws. Honda's fix is to replace the entire seat frame for $2700! I can order this part for under $200. My only question is about removing the seat cushion. What is involved in that? My google searches have not turned up anything. Thanks.
The part is available from the Honda dealer. I ended up going to a junk yard and buying a seat out of a '17 Accord. It was a gamble, but for $100 it was worth the risk. It paid off as I was able to get a good motor out of the seat and replaced it last weekend.