Sean79 5spd

A friends 87S4 seat is control is broken. Specifically the backrest control. We suspect the switch and are ordering a new one.

In the meantime, the seat back is all the way forward making it very difficult (if not impossible) to drive. I have looked at the switches in an attempt to jumper them and get the seat rest to go back. However, the switches seem to be sealed. Are there any suggestions for a short term fix for this problem.

Thanks

Chris

The switch does come apart, forget how but there are clips in there somewhere, watch out for ball bearings though !!

However, I have seen 2 87's where the problem was not the switch but the relay on the underside of the seat. Gets resistance on the contact.

Interesting on both of them it was the same symptom, would recline backwards but not forwards.

Chris

JE928Sx4.

The only relay under the seat is for the heating unit. If it is a memory seat, and the brain is out, it should still move in all directions. You can pull a switch in place and clean the contacts. I've done it. Tricky. Don't loose the springs or ball bearings or it's toast.

JE

Chris

Nope your wrong JE, there are two black boxes under the seats which contain relays for the motors.

http://www.928s4.com/project/photolibrary/seat8.jpg

Chris

JE928Sx4.

That is part of a memory seat brain correct? Do you see the box on the attached picture? Memory Seats came standard starting in 88 on the driver's side. The seat may not have that function/brain. Most seats don't have that function, and therefore no relay unless it has heat. My memory function is out in my 88 S4, but the seats still work in all directions by the switch. The switch is the first place to start. It's the most common fault. Then you tear into the memory box.

Chris

Nope the seat brain is the PCB you see in the pic below

http://www.928s4.com/project/photolibrary/seat7.jpg

Switch into brain, brain drives relays, relays drive motors.

Thats the way the 87 seats (with memory) are done anyway.

Agreed the switch is the most common, just seen two of these relay failures now, both on the backrest and on 87's.

Chris

JE928Sx4.

I have rebuilt and turned memory seats into non memory seats. I have never seen the relay you showed. Where is it located?

JE

Chris

Here is the link to the page, one of the pics shows the location.

http://www.928s4.com/project/seat.htm

Chris

heinrich

Chris just loves showing pics of his legs ... in sweats yet :P

spikec

I had the same problem with my driver's seat recline button. I couldn't find an interim solution to getting the seat back to a drivable position, so I decided to fix it myself. This same procedure has worked well with the electric window switches too.

I unscrewed the switch cover and took the switch out, cleaned all the contacts, then resoldered it back into place. (Unfortunately the switches on my '87 are soldered directly to the wires rather than attached with those little connector thingies) Heed the advice on the springs and ball bearings, and put the switch in a bag before you disassemble it.

This is really a pretty easy repair because, well, I did it...and I'm kinda new to fixing stuff on cars....

Good luck.

Sean79 5spd

Thanks everyone for your many suggestions.