Power seat problem

WJBertrand

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My 2013 GT premium’s power drivers seat seems to have problem. When I twist the adjustment switch to tilt the seat either direction it does not move, I just hear a grinding noise. The fore/aft movement still works when I push the switch back and forth thankfully. Has anyone had this issue before and can tell me what the fix is? Thanks!


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Top_Notch

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Most likely stripped gears in the gearcase. Stick your head under the seat and try to move it. If you can hear the motor whir but no seat movement, that's the issue. Had the same with mine. Ford sells (sold) a kit to replace the gears. They are plastic and break easily. Not a terribly difficult fix, just a little tricky and time consuming because the seat has to come out. Be sure to follow the instructions on winding down the airbag. I'll see if I can find you a part number.
 

Top_Notch

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I would have video'd the repair when I did mine, but I was like there will never be another poor schlub like me with a broken front seat. Haha. Good luck. It's nice when the seat is back working!
 

WJBertrand

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Top notch, thanks for all the valuable information! The weird thing is I rarely use the tilt adjustment.

When you say winding down the airbag, that’s the same as powering down?

Lastly, do you recall the cost of the kit?

Thanks again, I really appreciate the help!


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Top_Notch

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I meant "depowering" in terms Ford uses. It makes sure you won't set off any airbags by accident.

I think the kit was about fifty bucks. My tilt broke (front of seat) and it had everything I needed. I saved the leftover/remaining parts for the inevitable. The plastic gear stripped the teeth so try to find the ones that got chunked.

Tasca Ford has it on sale now for $36!

https://www.tascaparts.com/oem-parts/ford-kit-fixing-parts-er3z78617d66a
 

WJBertrand

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OK, verified the parts fit per my VIN number and got them on order. I'm sure the stripped gear is the problem as I can hear the plastic-y grinding noise that has now just evolved to a motor whirring sound. Passenger seat still working fine.
 

WJBertrand

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I was just thinking about this job. If I’m going to disconnect the negative battery cable, I’m not sure why pulling the SRS fuse first is necessary?

I’ve seen some YouTube videos about removing the seat and they just disconnect the battery first.

Is there a back up power supply or something that could fire the bags with the battery disconnected? Just curious.


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redfirepearlgt

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Not saying it is smart to do, but I swapped my seats in my first 14 GT with the Recarros and never pulled power to anything out of ignorance and haste. Looking back I probably should have been cautious and at least pulled battery power due to the side air bags. I ended up swapping back as I did not like the seats and disregarded removing power as well. Better to follow the procedure than take the risk. Its no fun when they deploy. Trust me....I know. I had airbags go off in a 94 MK VIII. It's not fun.
 

WJBertrand

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Thanks to Top Notch I have been able to fix my power driver seat! The parts kit was exactly what I needed. I followed the depower and repower directions TN sent me (as well as what is in my service manual) for the seat air bag and managed to complete the job without any big bangs or error indicators. The hardest part was the right front seat bolt, it just didn't want to start in the threads. persistence paid off in the end.
seat gears.jpg
 

redfirepearlgt

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I swapped seats to Recarros to try them on a previous 14. Those mounting bolts for the seats can be tricky I found in the front. The rear mounts were no issue. Glad you got it resolved.
 

richie9mt

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The hardest part was the right front seat bolt, it just didn't want to start in the threads. persistence paid off in the end.

I had the exact same problem with that bolt when I replaced my gas pedal. Had to pull the seat out first. Ran a tap in the hole, ran a die over the bolt, still jammed, two threads in. Drilled the seat runner holes out a bit, still no luck. Finally leveraged the runner over & up with a screwdriver and a wood block, and the bolt finally went right in. No cross threads! Just happy threads... :p
 

WJBertrand

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I had the exact same problem with that bolt when I replaced my gas pedal. Had to pull the seat out first. Ran a tap in the hole, ran a die over the bolt, still jammed, two threads in. Drilled the seat runner holes out a bit, still no luck. Finally leveraged the runner over & up with a screwdriver and a wood block, and the bolt finally went right in. No cross threads! Just happy threads... :p

Interesting. I think part of the issue is that the thickness of the carpeting makes it difficult to get the right angle of approach for the threads to catch correctly. I kinda had to press the bolt down into the carpeting whilst twisting it before it would catch.


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