DESCRIPTION & OPERATION
On Tempo and Topaz models, only the driver's seat is powered. All other models are equipped with dual 6-way power seats which provide horizontal, vertical and vertical tilt adjustments. Continental, Cougar, Mark VII and Thunderbird models have an optional power recliner which provides tilt adjustment of the seat back only.
Electrical protection is by a 20-amp circuit breaker located in the fuse block or on the starter motor. The horizontal and vertical drive units are serviced separately. The motor is serviced as an assembly. The flexible shafts are serviced individually.
There are 2 types of 6-way power seat systems, rack and pinion drive and screw-drive. The rack and pinion drive system consists of a reversible 3 armature motor, a switch and housing, vertical drive gears and horizontal rack and pinion. The screw-type drive system consists of a reversible armature motor, vertical and horizontal screw drives and a switch and housing assembly.
Continental and Thunderbird models offer a programmable seat memory which provides the storing and recalling of 3 driver's seat positions. The switch includes 3 buttons marked "SET", "1" and "2". A third position is activated by pressing buttons "1" and "2" at the same time. Pressing the "SET" button lights the LED in the button and starts a 5 second timer to show the operator that the memory is not open for a seat position input.
If "1" or "2" or both buttons are not pressed within 5 seconds, the light will go out and the memory will be closed for further operator input. The originally stored seat position will be retained.
System is operational only when automatic transmission is in "PARK" or "NEUTRAL" position. On manual transmission models the system prevents memory operations above 5 mph (8 km/h).
Programmable Seat Switch Test
- With "1" button pressed, there should be continuity between terminals No. 1 and 2. With "2" button pressed, there should be continuity between terminals No. 1 and 3. With SET button pressed, there should be continuity between terminals No. 1 and 4.
- To test LED, ground terminal No. 5 and connect terminal No. 6 to battery positive. LED should glow. (Scheme 1)
Note. Testing for all other types of switches is detailed in Figs. (Scheme 2), (Scheme 3), and (Scheme 4). If switch fails any test, replace switch.
Scheme 1
Scheme 2
Scheme 3
Scheme 4
Scheme 5
Scheme 6
MOTOR
Check motor with direct battery source. Disconnect motor leads from circuit. Connect ground and positive lead wires from battery to motor. Motor should operate in one direction only. Reverse leads at motor connection. Motor should run in opposite direction. If not, replace motor.
In Vehicle Self-Test
- The memory seat module has a built-in self-test feature. Press White button on top of module to assume self-test mode. If system finds no problems, LED will flash 4 to 6 times. Check other components in system.
- If problem exists LED will either not flash at all or will flash less than 4, or more than 6 times. If module fails vehicle self-test, use bench test to confirm failure.
Bench Self-Test
- Disconnect all electrical connectors leading to module. Apply 12 volts to terminals No. 54 and 517. Connect terminals No. 57 and 57A in 12-way Gray connector to ground. (Scheme 4)
- Push White self-test connector located on module. If system finds no problems, LED will flash 4 to 6 times. If problem exists, LED will either not flash, will flash less than 4 times or more than 6 times.
Removal
Remove seat and track assembly. Remove 2 screws retaining processor bracket to floorpan. Remove screw retaining bracket to processor. Disconnect electrical connectors, remove processor.
Installation
To install, reverse removal procedures.
- Remove insulators (if equipped). Remove nuts or bolts retaining seat track to floor. Lift seat and detach motor wires. Remove 2 bolts attaching seat belts to floor and disconnect wiring connector. Remove seat assembly from vehicle. Remove shields from end of cushion (if equipped).
- On Sable and Taurus, remove bolt securing seat belt buckle to track. Disconnect electrical connector from switch. Remove side cover from seat. Remove 2 recliner mechanism retaining bolts. Remove seat back from track. On all models, remove track retaining bolts. Remove seat track.
To install, reverse removal procedures. Check operation of seat in all directions.
Removal & Installation (Sable & Taurus)
- Remove seat. Remove seat recliner mechanism, seat belt and seat track from seat. Mark cables for installation purposes. Remove motor bracket mounting screw. Lift motor and remove cables.
- Remove 2 motor-to-bracket lock nuts. Remove motor. To install, reverse removal procedure. Check seat operations in all directions.
Removal & Installation (Rack & Pinion Type)
- With seat removed from vehicle, remove 3 motor-to-bracket bolts. (Scheme 7) Remove clamps retaining drive cables to seat tracks. Open wire restraining straps and remove motor and cables from seat track assembly.
- Remove cable retaining brackets and drive cables from motor. To install, reverse removal procedures. Check operation of seat in all directions.
Removal & Installation (Screw-Type Drive)
Remove seat from vehicle. Remove track from seat. Mark cables for installation purposes. Remove nut from stabilizer rod. (Scheme 8) Remove motor bracket mounting screw. Lift motor and remove cables. Remove motor from stabilizer rod. Remove 2 motor-to-bracket lock nuts. Remove motor. To install, reverse removal procedure.
WIRING DIAGRAMS
For wiring diagrams, refer to appropriate chassis wiring diagram in WIRING DIAGRAM section.
