GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Two-Way Manual Seat Adjuster Mechanical Diagnosis Chart

Condition

Possible Cause

Correction

The adjuster will not lock.

    • The seat adjuster handle is twisted or bent.
    • The adjuster lockbar return spring is broken.
    • The lock is sticking or binding on the adjuster.
    • The crosswire is bent or is hung up.
    • An obstruction exists or the lockbar is bent.
    • The crosswire is missing or is disconnected.
    • Straighten the handle in order to ensure both sides release and lock at the same time.
    • Install a new adjuster.
    • Lubricate the lockbar pivot with AutoLube A. If the lockbar binding, eliminate the cause of the binding or replace the adjuster.
    • Route the crosswire correctly or replace the crosswire.
    • Connect the crosswire or replace the crosswire.

The seat is hard to move forward or backward.

    • The adjusters are new and not broken in yet. The required break in period is 20 cycles.
    • The adjuster(s) is improperly lubricated.
    • The adjuster(s) is binding due to bent or damaged channels.
    • The adjuster is binding due to a bearing out of position.
    • Operate the seat to the full-forward and the full-rearward positions several times in order to work new tightness out of channels.
    • Lubricate the adjuster channels with AutoLube A or equivalent.
    • Replace the adjuster.
    • Push on the adjuster full-forward, into the stops, in order to rephase the adjuster.

One adjuster track looks ahead of the other track.

The seat system was assembled with one track ahead of the other.

  1. Move the seat fully forward.
  2. Remove the 2 assist springs.
  3. Loosen the adjuster to floor bolts and the adjuster to seat bolts.
  4. Latch the seat in the full-forward position. Tighten the adjuster to floor bolts to 42 N·m (31 lb ft). Tighten the adjuster to seat bolts to 24 N·m (18 lb ft).
  5. Reconnect the 2 assist springs.