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Power Seat System Chevrolet Impala IX

Seats 6 illustrations ~1832 words

Fastener Tightening Specifications

ApplicationSpecification
MetricEnglish
Front Seat Back Cushion Frame Bolt9 N.m80 lb in

Scheme 36

Scheme 36: Driver Seat Wiring Schematics
Scheme 36: Driver Seat Wiring Schematics

Scheme 37

Scheme 37: Passenger Seat Wiring Schematics
Scheme 37: Passenger Seat Wiring Schematics

Symptoms - Power Seats

IMPORTANTReview the system description in order to familiarize yourself with the system functions. Refer to Power Seats System Description and Operation .

Visual/Physical Inspection

  1. Inspect for aftermarket devices which could affect the operation of the seat systems. Refer to «Checking Aftermarket Accessories»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/ignition-switchsteering-lock/#wiring-systems-and-power-management-diagnostic-information-and-procedures__checking-aftermarket-accessories) .
  2. Inspect the easily accessible or visible system components for obvious damage or conditions which could cause the symptom.

Intermittent

Faulty electrical connections or wiring may be the cause of intermittent conditions. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections .

Symptom List

Refer to a symptom diagnostic procedure from the following list in order to diagnose the symptom

  1. «Power Seat Adjuster Mechanical Diagnosis»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/seats/#power-seat-system__power-seat-adjuster-mechanical-diagnosis)
  2. «Power Seat Inoperative»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/seats/#power-seat-system)

Power Seat Adjuster Mechanical Diagnosis

ConditionPossible CauseCorrection
Horizontal Operation of Seat Not Smooth but Jerky-Apparent Hard OperationThe adjuster horizontal actuator is damaged.Replace the adjuster assembly.
Horizontal Chuck or LoosenessThe horizontal actuator is improperly adjusted to the rack. The top plate subassembly is loose.Replace the adjuster assembly. Replace the adjuster assembly.
One Adjuster Will Not Operate HorizontallyThe horizontal drive cable is disconnected or damaged. The horizontal actuator is inoperative.Inspect the drive cables, they must be stright to be engaged. Replace if damaged. Replace the adjuster assembly.
One Adjuster Will not Operate VerticallyThe vertical drive cable is disconnected or damaged. The vertical actuator subassembly is inoperative.Inspect the vertical drive cables, replace if damaged. Replace the adjuster assembly.
Both Adjusters Will Not Operate Horizontally and/or VerticallyThe motor is damaged or inoperative. The wiring harness is damaged.Replace the adjuster assembly Replace the wiring harness.
Vertical Chuck or LoosenessThe vertical actuator is inoperative.Replace the adjuster assembly.

Diagnostic Instructions

  1. Perform the «Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/oem-general-information/#vehicle-diagnostic-information-diagnostic-information-and-procedures) prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
  2. Review «Strategy Based Diagnosis»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/oem-general-information/#vehicle-diagnostic-information-diagnostic-information-and-procedures__strategy-based-diagnosis) for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
  3. «Diagnostic Procedure Instructions»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/oem-general-information/#vehicle-diagnostic-information-diagnostic-information-and-procedures__diagnostic-procedure-instructions) provides an overview of each diagnostic category.

Diagnostic Fault Information

CircuitShort to GroundOpen/High ResistanceShort to VoltageSignal Performance
Seat Adjuster Switch B+11
Front Vertical Motor Front Down Control11
Front Vertical Motor Front Up Control11
Horizontal Motor Forward Control11
Horizontal Motor Rearward Control11
Rear Vertical Motor Rear Down Control11
Rear Vertical Motor Rear Up Control11
Recline Motor Forward Control11
Recline Motor Rearward Control11
Seat Adjuster Switch Ground1
1. Power seat inoperative

Circuit/System Description

Power seat without memory is completely controlled through the seat adjuster switch. Battery voltage is supplied at all times to the seat adjuster switch through the PWR/SEAT 25 A circuit breaker located in the I/P fuse block. When the seat adjuster switches are in an inactive state, the switch contacts are closed to the switch ground circuit.

All seat motors are reversible. For example, when the seat horizontal forward switch is pressed to move the entire seat forward, battery voltage is applied through the switch contacts and the seat horizontal motor forward control circuit to the motor. The motor is grounded through the horizontal motor rearward switch contacts and the horizontal motor rearward control circuit to the motor. The motor runs in order to drive the entire seat forward until the switch is released. Moving the entire seat rearward works similarly to moving the entire seat forward, except that battery positive voltage and ground are applied on opposite circuits causing the motor to run in the opposite direction. All seat motors are powered this way.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

  1. «Driver Seat Schematics»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/seats/#power-seat-system)
  2. «Passenger Seat Schematics»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/seats/#power-seat-system)

Connector End View Reference

Description and Operation

Electrical Information Reference

  1. «Circuit Testing»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/ignition-switchsteering-lock/#wiring-systems-and-power-management-diagnostic-information-and-procedures__circuit-testing)
  2. «Connector Repairs»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/ignition-switchsteering-lock/#wiring-systems-and-power-management-diagnostic-information-and-procedures__connector-repairs)
  3. «Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/ignition-switchsteering-lock/#wiring-systems-and-power-management-diagnostic-information-and-procedures)
  4. «Wiring Repairs»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/ignition-switchsteering-lock/#wiring-systems-and-power-management-diagnostic-information-and-procedures__wiring-repairs)

Circuit/System Verification

Operate the seat switches for the seat directional motors listed below in both directions. The seat should move in the commanded directions.

  1. Horizontal Motor
  2. Front Vertical Motor
  3. Rear Vertical Motor
  4. Recline Motor
  1. If the power seat is inoperative in all directions, refer to «Seat Adjuster Switch Circuit Test»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/seats/#power-seat-system__seat-adjuster-switch-circuit-test) .
  2. If just the recline function is inoperative, refer to «Recliner Motor Circuit Test»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/seats/#power-seat-system__recliner-motor-circuit-test) .
  3. If 1 or more of the seat adjuster motors operate, refer to «Seat Adjuster Motor Circuit Test»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/seats/#power-seat-system__seat-adjuster-motor-circuit-test) .

Seat Adjuster Switch Circuit Test

  1. Disconnect the harness connector at the seat adjuster switch.
  2. Test for less than 5 ohms between the ground circuit terminal B and ground. If greater than the specified range, test the ground circuit for an open/high resistance.
  3. Verify that a test lamp illuminates between the appropriate B+ circuit terminal listed below and ground. Driver seat terminal E (AH5) Driver seat terminal D (AG1) Passenger seat terminal D If the test lamp does not illuminate, test the B+ circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance.
  4. If all circuits test normal, test or replace the seat adjuster switch.

Recliner Motor Circuit Test

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the recline motor.
  2. Connect a test lamp between control circuit terminal A and control circuit terminal B.
  3. Ignition ON, command the seat recline motor Forward and Rearward using the seat recline switch. The test lamp should turn ON when commanding the forward and rearward states. If the test lamp remains OFF for either of the commands, test the control circuits for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuits test normal, test or replace the seat adjuster switch.
  4. If all circuits test normal, test or replace the recline motor.

Seat Adjuster Motor Circuit Test

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the appropriate seat adjuster assembly.
  2. Connect a test lamp between the appropriate control circuit terminals listed below: Seat horizontal motor terminal 3 and terminal 6 Seat front vertical motor terminal 2 and terminal 5 Seat rear vertical motor terminal 1 and terminal 4
  3. Ignition ON, command the appropriate seat motor Up and Down or Forward and Rearward using the seat adjuster switch. The test lamp should turn ON when commanding the up and down or forward and rearward states. If the test lamp remains OFF for either of the commands, test the control circuits for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuits test normal, test or replace the seat adjuster switch.
  4. If all circuits test normal, test or replace the seat adjuster assembly.

Seat Adjuster Switch

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the seat adjuster switch.
  2. Test for infinite resistance between each control terminal and the B+ terminal with the switch in the open position. If not the specified value, replace the seat adjuster switch.
  3. Test for less than 1 ohm between each control terminal and the B+ terminal with the switch in the closed position. If greater than the specified range, replace the seat adjuster switch.
  4. Test for less than 1 ohm between each control terminal and the ground terminal with the switch in the open position. If greater than the specified range, replace the seat adjuster switch.

Repair Procedures

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

  1. «Power Seat Switch Replacement (Impala)»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/seats/#power-seat-system)
  2. «Front Seat Adjuster Replacement»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/seats/#power-seat-system)
  3. «Front Seat Recliner Actuator Motor Replacement»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/seats/#power-seat-system)

Scheme 38

Scheme 38: Driver or Passenger Seat Adjuster Switch Knob Replacement (Impala)
Scheme 38: Driver or Passenger Seat Adjuster Switch Knob Replacement (Impala)
CalloutComponent Name
Fastener Tightening Specifications: Refer to Fastener Tightening Specifications .
1Knob, Power Seat Switch Tip: Pull outward to remove.

Scheme 39

Scheme 39: Power Seat Switch Replacement (Impala)
Scheme 39: Power Seat Switch Replacement (Impala)
CalloutComponent Name
Fastener Tightening Specifications: Refer to Fastener Tightening Specifications .
1Panel, Seat Cushion Outer Trim Refer to Seat Cushion Outer Trim Panel Replacement .
2Switch, Power Seat Tip: Disconnect the electrical connector. Release the tabs and pull out of the outer trim panel to remove.

Scheme 40

Scheme 40: Front Seat Adjuster Replacement
Scheme 40: Front Seat Adjuster Replacement
CalloutComponent Name
Preliminary Procedure: Remove the front seat. Refer to Front Seat Replacement - Bucket (Impala) .
1Recliner Handle Tip: Using a flat-bladed tool, push the retainer clip downward and pull outward to release the handle.
2Lumbar Actuator Handle Tip: Pull outward to remove.
3Power Seat Switch Knob Tip: Pull outward to remove.
4Seat Cushion Outer Trim Panel Refer to Seat Cushion Outer Trim Panel Replacement .
5Seat Cushion Cover Procedure Release the j-channel from the seat cushion frame. Disconnect the seat cushion heater electrical connector, if equipped. Remove the seat cushion cover and pad as an assembly from the frame.
6Front Seat Cushion Frame Nut (Qty: 4) CAUTION: Refer to Fastener Caution . Tighten: 9 N.m (80 lb in)
7Front Seat Adjuster Assembly
CAUTION
Refer to Fastener Caution .

Scheme 41

Scheme 41: Front Seat Recliner Actuator Motor Replacement
Scheme 41: Front Seat Recliner Actuator Motor Replacement
CalloutComponent Name
Preliminary Procedure Remove the front seat. Refer to Front Seat Replacement - Bucket (Impala) . Remove the lumbar actuator knob. Refer to Lumbar Support Knob Replacement (Impala) . Remove the recliner handle. Refer to Driver or Passenger Seat Recliner Handle Replacement (Impala) . Remove the power seat switch knob. Refer to Driver or Passenger Seat Adjuster Switch Knob Replacement (Impala) . Remove the seat cushion outer trim panel. Refer to Seat Cushion Outer Trim Panel Replacement . Remove the front seat back cushion cover and pad. Refer to Seat Back Cover and Pad Replacement (Impala) .
1Seat Recliner Bracket Tip: Remove the push on nuts from the ends for the rod and slide out to remove.
2Front Seat Back Cushion Frame Bolt CAUTION: Refer to Fastener Caution . Tighten: 9 N.m (80 lb in)
3Front Seat Recliner Actuator Motor
CAUTION
Refer to Fastener Caution .

Power Seats System Description and Operation

The driver and passenger power seat systems each consist of the following components

  1. Seat Adjuster Switch
  2. Seat Horizontal Motor
  3. Seat Front Vertical Motor
  4. Seat Rear Vertical Motor
  5. Seat Recline Motor
  6. PWR/SEAT Circuit Breaker 25 A

The seat adjuster switches provide both power and ground to the selected seat motors. Battery positive voltage is supplied at all times to the driver and passenger seat adjuster switches from the PWR/SEAT Circuit Breaker located in the I/P fuse block. The driver seat adjuster switch receives ground through the switch ground circuit and G301, while the passenger seat switch receives ground through the switch ground circuit and G302.

Motors

All of the seat motors operate independently of each other. Each motor contains an electronic circuit breaker (PTC) that opens in the event of a circuit overload and will reset only after voltage has been removed from the circuit. There are four seat position motors. These are the horizontal motor, front vertical motor, rear vertical motor, and the seat back recline motor. The horizontal motor moves the entire seat forward and rearward. The seat vertical motors may operate independently to tilt the front or rear of the seat cushion up or down. Both motors can also run simultaneously to move the entire seat up or down. The recline motor moves the angle of the seat back forward or rearward.

Horizontal

When the seat switch is operated to move the entire seat forward, battery positive voltage is applied through the switch contacts and the horizontal motor forward control circuit to the motor. The motor is grounded through the horizontal motor rearward switch contacts and the horizontal motor rearward control circuit to the motor. The motor runs in order to drive the entire seat forward until the switch is released. Moving the entire seat rearward works similarly to moving the entire seat forward, except that battery positive voltage and ground are applied on opposite circuits causing the motor to run in the opposite direction.

Rear Vertical

When the seat switch is operated to tilt the rear of the seat cushion up, battery positive voltage is applied through the switch contacts and the rear vertical motor up control circuit to the rear vertical motor. The motor is grounded through the down switch contacts and the rear vertical motor down control circuit to the motor. The motor runs in order to drive the rear of the seat cushion up until the switch is released. Tilting the rear of the seat cushion down works similarly to tilting the rear of the seat cushion up, except that battery positive voltage and ground are applied on opposite circuits causing the motor to run in the opposite direction.

Front Vertical

When the seat switch is operated to tilt the front of the seat cushion up, battery positive voltage is applied through the switch contacts and the front vertical motor up control circuit to the motor. The motor is grounded through the down switch contacts and the front vertical motor down control circuit to the motor. The motor runs in order to drive the front of the seat cushion up until the switch is released. Tilting the front of the seat cushion down works similarly to tilting the front of the seat cushion up, except that battery positive voltage and ground are applied on opposite circuits causing the motor to run in the opposite direction.

Entire Seat Up or Down

When the seat switch is operated in order to move the entire seat to the up position, battery positive voltage is simultaneously applied through the front and rear vertical motor up switch contacts and the front and rear vertical motor up control circuits to both vertical motors. The motors are grounded through the down switch contacts and the front and rear vertical motor down control circuits to both vertical motors. Both motors run simultaneously in order to drive the entire seat up until the switch is released. Moving the entire seat down works similarly to moving the entire seat up, except that battery positive voltage and ground are applied on the opposite circuits causing the motors to run in the opposite direction.

Recline

When the seat recline switch is operated to move the seat back forward, battery positive voltage is applied through the switch contacts and the recline motor forward control circuit to the motor. The motor is grounded through the rearward switch contacts and the recline motor rearward control circuit to the motor. The motor runs in order to move the seat back forward until the switch is released. Moving the seat back rearward works similarly to moving the seat back forward, except that battery positive voltage and ground are applied on the opposite circuits causing the motor to run in the opposite direction.

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