Power seat problem on 97 Accord EX

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Jul 6, 2012 | 11:31 AM

tonycolo

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Joined: Jul 2012

Posts: 6

Power seat problem on 97 Accord EX

When I first push power seat switch lever to move seat forward it only moves a little (varies about a couple of inches) and stops. Then must wait about 5- minutes (varies more or less) then it moves the rest of the way when I push lever again. It’s intermittent and varies a lot in the time I have to wait and if it works all the way the first, second or third time.
The rails era clean lubed and clear, no obstructions. I took the operating switch/lever apart and it was fine but cleaned and lubed contacts anyway. So it is not any obstruction or the switch. Also no fuses cause it works sometimes all the way.
I suspect a relay or the motor. Any suggestions? Anyone has had this problem? HELP PLEASE! It’s driving me knotts!

Jul 6, 2012 | 06:29 PM

PAhonda

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Joined: Sep 2006

Posts: 16,337

From: Houston, TX

Is the problem only when sliding forward/backwards? Or does the seat have problems with recline and other functions?

Jul 7, 2012 | 08:40 AM

tonycolo

Thread Starter

Joined: Jul 2012

Posts: 6

The problem is only when sliding forward/back. All other functions work fine. Up/down tilt & recline work fine.
Thanks asking PA honda.

Jul 7, 2012 | 09:25 AM

redbull-1

Super Moderator

Joined: Oct 2010

Posts: 7,101

From: United States

Sounds like a motor problem. There is no relay in the 6-way power seat circuit.

You can test the switch and motor (see attached pics.); but, it sounds like the motor needs replacement.

Attached Thumbnails

Power seat problem on 97 Accord EX-6-way-power-seat.jpg

Power seat problem on 97 Accord EX-6-way-power-seat-circuit.jpg

Power seat problem on 97 Accord EX-switch-motor-test.jpg

Jul 9, 2012 | 08:19 AM

tonycolo

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Joined: Jul 2012

Posts: 6

Thank you RedBull-1. I will use test diagrams and test next Saturday. will update after testing.

Jul 16, 2012 | 07:45 AM

tonycolo

Thread Starter

Joined: Jul 2012

Posts: 6

Power seat problem on 97 Accord EX

I used test diagrams that RedBull-1 provided Saturday. The switch and wiring harness tested fine. The motor cable connector housing has external test contacts on the opposite side of the cable connector. So I put the volt meter on these and when you slide the switch forward or backwards it is getting the correct voltage at the motor but the motor does not work. So obviously it is a bad motor.

I took the motor apart, clean the brushes and armature (had a little grease on them) lube bushings and shaft ends, assemble it back and it is as bad or worst now.
Looks to me that bushings are worn out and armature is touching magnet housing or it is just a bad motor.
Any idea where I can get a motor other than the Junker?