Power Seat Problem

Terrance · Post by **Terrance** » 18 Jul 2011, 05:44

I'm having a problem with the drivers seat in my '01 S80. It does not work all the time. Before I start digging for the cause I thought I would ask if this is a common problem or if I'm just lucky.Any ideas as to the best approach to this issue?
Thanks
Terry

Post by **jimmy57** » 18 Jul 2011, 08:20

Does every function fail to work or just fore-aft or?

Beachbum · Post by **Beachbum** » 18 Jul 2011, 21:27

My power driver's seat would also not work intermittently. Turns out it was the Power Seat Controller, which is the black plastic box mounted under the seat. I found a used one at a junkyard in WI on the internet for $60 plus $10 shipping which was a good price. Most other internet junkyards get $125 for them (Erie VoVo, et al). A new one costs $400 - $500 on the internet and over $500 at the dealer and will require a software download.

If you get a used one, be sure the part number matches yours exactly and it should be "plug and play". The new ones are now designed to be used in many different Volvo models but they require a software download at the dealer to "recognize" your car. A used one with matching part number should not require a software download. (Mine was plug and play)

To remove it, remove the two front seat bolts and loosen (but do not remove) the two rear bolts. Now you can tip the seat backwards to gain access to the controller. Stick a block of wood under the seat rail to hold it up. Now unplug the wiring harnesses and remove the screws holding the controller in place.

Hope this helps.

Terrance · Post by **Terrance** » 19 Jul 2011, 05:16

jimmy57 wrote:Does every function fail to work or just fore-aft or?

When it happens it seems thet all functions stop working. It also seems to affect the passenger seat as well. I have a check engine light on and am waiting for my scanner to see why so I'm not using the car now. I'll check it out again later and get more info.
Thanks

Terrance · Post by **Terrance** » 23 Jul 2011, 17:00

Confirmed
When it stops, all functions stop. Almost like a circuit breaker is tripping. The next time I get in the car and move the seat it works for a few seconds then stops.Any chance this is a common problem? Do you think the control box is bad?

Post by **precopster** » 24 Jul 2011, 00:15

Just something to check if you haven't already. The power connectors that go to the seat can have corrosion on the terminals causing intermittent operation (this happened on my 960 upon purchase)

A disconnect & a quick scrape with a rag over a flat blade screwdriver soaked in WD-40 solved this problem for good. A clean of the rails and relube with a light grease protects the motor and circuit from over-current situations as it struggles to overcome the crud on the rail.

The power seat function on Volvos have used the same controllers and switch sets for many years now and appear to be fairly robust unless they are overcome by a dirty rail so clean this even if you need to replace the controller; it may prevent a re-occurrence.

Post by **yuckuJackD** » 25 Jul 2011, 01:13

Mind when disconnecting connectors NOT to disconnect the ORANGE one! It's for the bomb (air bag).
Why I'm telling that- you may decide to remove the whole seat, so you'll need to disconnect all the connectors. If so you'll need to disconnect the battery first (only the "-") otherwise you'll have a SRS light ON in the dash (DIM).
GOOD LUCK
p.s. I've made a repair of the heater in the seat (and a tutorial with photos), so if you need to have a look from bottom - here it is (it's wrote in Bulgarian but you need just the photos - they are international

)
GOOD LUCK