Drivers seat height adjustment

[Greybloke]

Hi Guys, I have an issue with the height adjustment on the drivers seat and need your help. On operating the switch you can hear the motor trying to turn, sounds like something is jammed/seized. Is it easy to remove the seat ? And is this a known issue and fixable? Hope you can help. Garry.

 

[Sean d]

Hi Guys, I have an issue with the height adjustment on the drivers seat and need your help. On operating the switch you can hear the motor trying to turn, sounds like something is jammed/seized. Is it easy to remove the seat ? And is this a known issue and fixable? Hope you can help. Garry.

Its quite common for something to get jammed, normally a coin, its easy to get the seat out, remove 2x13mm bolts at the front, slide seat forward and remove 2x16mm rear bolts, if you want to take the seat out completely you will need to remove the seat belt anchor point on the seat, if your motor has failed I have one for sale

 

[Greybloke]

Its quite common for something to get jammed, normally a coin, its easy to get the seat out, remove 2x13mm bolts at the front, slide seat forward and remove 2x16mm rear bolts, if you want to take the seat out completely you will need to remove the seat belt anchor point on the seat, if your motor has failed I have one for sale

Cheers Sean, it sounds like the motor is trying to turn theres a distinct thud. And you can see the gearbox twist so hopefully the motor is ok but I'll bear in mind you have one for sale.

 

[the Nefyn cat]

And once you've got the seat out, don't turn on the ignition with the wiring plugs disconnected, it'll make your airbag warning light come on. It'll be fine all the time the wiring's together, so you can fiddle with the motors as much as you want.

 

[Greybloke]

Maybe a good idea to disconnect the battery ? Or will that give me other issues ?

 

[Sean d]

Maybe a good idea to disconnect the battery ? Or will that give me other issues ?

If you disconnect the battery you can't tset it in situ once you can see the motors, I bought a set of M seats recently and tested them on a battery

 

[mwpe]

Maybe a good idea to disconnect the battery ? Or will that give me other issues ?

You are quite safe as long as you don't turn the ignition on.

 

[Nodzed]

If its the drivers seat and you need to remove it good opportunity to replace the bushes if they haven't been done

Replacements can be purchased from @Aceman (and other sellers )

 

[mrscalex]

Its quite common for something to get jammed, normally a coin, its easy to get the seat out, remove 2x13mm bolts at the front, slide seat forward and remove 2x16mm rear bolts, if you want to take the seat out completely you will need to remove the seat belt anchor point on the seat, if your motor has failed I have one for sale

The screw mechanism can also seize up. But if so they are easy to free up.

Btw if you are ever going to remove the seat from the base (and it shouldn't be necessary here) it's better to remove the bolts the other way round. Or at least power the seat all the way back before removal. Otherwise you can't get to the bolts that secure the base.

It also helps to remove the seat if the back rest is brought fully upright.

The best time to remove the seat belt is once the seat is unbolted with the seat tipped forward. Also the right time to unplug the electrics rather than sliding your hand underneath in-situ.

It's perfectly feasible as a 1 man job even with heavier Sport seats. But it's easier and more risk free as a 2 man job - it's quite easy to smack the seat into the car and it's helpful to have someone guide you.

 

[the Nefyn cat]

And while the seats are out it'll be nice and easy to change the rear damper top mounts. Just a thought, I know mine were totally bu****ed when I got the car.

 

[Greybloke]

One happy Z3 owner here after unbolting my divers seat and removing 30p and 50 cents the seat would still not budge. I unbolted the end of the screw mechanism to find it seized with the help of a small spanner as a lever in the end it freed up nicely. It seems to have run to the end of the screw as some of you guys suggested. Anyway it's back together and bobbin up and down like a good un. Thanks for the advice guys.

 

[Don Frayne]

One happy Z3 owner here after unbolting my divers seat and removing 30p and 50 cents the seat would still not budge. I unbolted the end of the screw mechanism to find it seized with the help of a small spanner as a lever in the end it freed up nicely. It seems to have run to the end of the screw as some of you guys suggested. Anyway it's back together and bobbin up and down like a good un. Thanks for the advice guys.

I have the exact same problem - I was replacing the bushes to stop the dreaded seat rocking and tried to unjam the seat height adjuster at the same time but ran out of time. I think I saw a few photos to what you need to do but can’t find them now. I tried to unjam the seat height adjust by unbolting the connection to the seat but the aluminium casting into which the screw goes would not rotate – any suggestions?

 

[PaulG]

Hi , the drivers seat on my 2001 3.0i is moving back and forward but not up and down. When the switch is moved to the up or down position there is no noise at all no clicking or whirring.
anyone got any ideas?

 

[Nodzed]

Hi , the drivers seat on my 2001 3.0i is moving back and forward but not up and down. When the switch is moved to the up or down position there is no noise at all no clicking or whirring.
anyone got any ideas?

Very often a tap with an extension bar or such like on the motor solves the problem, they can stick with years of not being used.

 

[PaulG]

Very often a tap with an extension bar or such like on the motor solves the problem, they can stick with years of not being used.

Can you tell me which Moyer for the up/down and where is it situated under the seat. Thanks P

 

[Nodzed]

Can you tell me which Moyer for the up/down and where is it situated under the seat. Thanks P

The one at the back of the seat.

 

[PaulG]

The one at the back of the seat.


View attachment 234447

Thank you very much I will try giving it a ‘calibrated tap’

 

[PaulG]

Hi , the drivers seat on my 2001 3.0i is moving back and forward but not up and down. When the switch is moved to the up or down position there is no noise at all no clicking or whirring.
anyone got any ideas?

I had the same problem, I unbolted the set and tipped it forward shoved and container under the seat runners to keep it tipped forward felt for the seat lift motor the gave it a good rap with a socket extension whilst operating the seat lift switch, and it started moving!! No motor noise before I adjusted it !!

 

[PaulG]

Very often a tap with an extension bar or such like on the motor solves the problem, they can stick with years of not being used.

Thanks Nodzed! A couple of raps with the socket extension and away it went !
Great advice many thanks.
Paul