1985 Eldorado's Power Seat Does Not Move

[Matt CLC#18621]

My 1985 Eldorado's driver's side Power Seat does not move in any positions.
There is clicking noise in each switch position when pressed but no movement up/down or forward/back.
My mechanic has indicated that it is a transmission drive component that needs to be replaced.
Does anyone have any idea on what the part is and the repair procedures?
Assistance is greatly appreciated.
thanks,
Matt CLC #18621

[Barry M Wheeler #2189]

You might try using electrical conduct cleaning spray as a "first resort." Shoot it on the switch openings.

[76eldo]

The transmission case is probably broken.  It's plastic and the cables go into it.

You have to remove the bolts that hold the seat down, 13 or 14 mil nuts.  May be hard to get to if the seat is all the way up or back.

It the seat motor is running when you operate the switches, then the switches and wiring are OK.

Brian

[TJ Hopland]

That was going to be my question, do you just hear clicking or do you here the motor running too?

[Matt CLC#18621]

Thank you very much.

Does anyone have a picture of what the power seat transmission case looks like before I undertake trying to remove and replace? Is there a shop manual repair guide to repair power seat?

Again, thank you very much.
matt
CLC# 18621

[TMoore - NTCLC]

Hi Matt -

This picture is similar to what you are looking for, but I believe that your transmission will be white plastic (usually turned dirty yellow-brown by now).  Most often, these plastic cases crack (you may even find chunks of it on the floor under the seat) and prevent the gears from engaging.

Often, the motor will still run (you can hear it hum), but the gears will not engage to move the seat - the clicking you are hearing may be the gears just barely hitting, or it could be the relay - more investigation will be required.  The attached picture shows the seat rail frame, after removal from the car, and removal of the seat itself - you should not have to take the seat off of the frame to service this, but you will need to remove the seat from the car (four bolts mentioned earlier - usually under plastic covers if they are still intact).  Our member CadillacTim may be helpful in finding the part you need.

[Matt CLC#18621]

Mr. Moore,

Extremely valuable information!!!

Any idea on the time and any special tools required to fix the seat’s transmission?

Could you please tell me how to reach Cadillac Tim?

Again, thank you very much to You and everyone that contributed to this issue!

Have a Great Weekend!
Sincerely,
Matt
CLC #18621

[TMoore - NTCLC]

Here is his website - you can use the contact link to get more info, or you can pm him thru the forum

http://cadillactim.com/