GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Power Seat Inoperative With Memory A45

Diagnostic Instructions

    • Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
    • Review Strategy Based Diagnosis for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
    •  Diagnostic Procedure Instructions provides an overview of each diagnostic category.

Diagnostic Fault Information

Circuit

Short to Ground

High Resistance

Open

Short to Voltage

Signal Performance

B+, MSM Terminal 5 X3

1, B1935 0C, B1935 0D, B2180 0C, B2180 0D, B2425 0C, B2425 0D, B2430 0C, B2430 0D

1, B1935 0C, B1935 0D, B2180 0C, B2180 0D, B2425 0C, B2425 0D, B2430 0C, B2430 0D

1, B1935 0C, B1935 0D, B2180 0C, B2180 0D, B2425 0C, B2425 0D, B2430 0C, B2430 0D

--

--

B+, MSM Terminal 6 X3

2

2

2

--

--

Front Vertical Down Switch Signal

2

1

1

B1735 01, B1740 01, B1745 01, B1750 01, B1755 01, B1760 01, B1815 01, B1820 01

--

Front Vertical Up Switch Signal

2

1

1

B1735 01, B1740 01, B1745 01, B1750 01, B1755 01, B1760 01, B1815 01, B1820 01

--

Horizontal Forward Switch Signal

2

1

1

B1735 01, B1740 01, B1745 01, B1750 01, B1755 01, B1760 01, B1815 01, B1820 01

--

Horizontal Rearward Switch Signal

2

1

1

B1735 01, B1740 01, B1745 01, B1750 01, B1755 01, B1760 01, B1815 01, B1820 01

--

Rear Vertical Down Switch Signal

2

1

1

B1735 01, B1740 01, B1745 01, B1750 01, B1755 01, B1760 01, B1815 01, B1820 01

--

Rear Vertical Up Switch Signal

2

1

1

B1735 01, B1740 01, B1745 01, B1750 01, B1755 01, B1760 01, B1815 01, B1820 01

--

Recline Forward Switch Signal

2

1

1

B1735 01, B1740 01, B1745 01, B1750 01, B1755 01, B1760 01, B1815 01, B1820 01

--

Recline Rearward Switch Signal

2

1

1

B1735 01, B1740 01, B1745 01, B1750 01, B1755 01, B1760 01, B1815 01, B1820 01

--

Driver Seat Front Vertical Motor Down Control

B3920 02

B1335 00, B1335 0B

1

B3920 01

B1335 42, B1335 4B, B2355 5A

Driver Seat Front Vertical Motor Up Control

B3920 02

B1335 00, B1335 0B

1

B3920 01

B1335 42, B1335 4B, B2355 5A

Driver Seat Horizontal Motor Forward Control

B3920 02

B1335 00, B1335 0B

1

B3920 01

B1335 42, B1335 4B, B2375 5A

Driver Seat Horizontal Motor Rearward Control

B3920 02

B1335 00, B1335 0B

1

B3920 01

B1335 42, B1335 4B, B2375 5A

Driver Seat Rear Vertical Motor Down Control

B3920 02

B1335 00, B1335 0B

1

B3920 01

B1335 42, B1335 4B, B2365 5A

Driver Seat Rear Vertical Motor Up Control

B3920 02

B1335 00, B1335 0B

1

B3920 01

B1335 42, B1335 4B, B2365 5A

Driver Seat Recline Motor Forward Control

B3920 02

B1335 00, B1335 0B

1

B3920 01

B1335 42, B1335 4B, B1825 5A

Driver Seat Recline Motor Rearward Control

B3920 02

B1335 00, B1335 0B

1

B3920 01

B1335 42, B1335 4B, B1825 5A

1. Power seat and memory functions inoperative

2. Scan Tool Does Not Communicate with Low Speed GMLAN Device

Circuit/System Description

Battery positive voltage is supplied at all times to the memory seat module (MSM) from the 10A DSM fuse located in the I/P fuse block. This voltage is used by the MSM for logic power and to supply battery reference voltage to the seat and lumbar adjuster switches. Battery positive voltage is also supplied at all times to the MSM from the DRIVER SEAT 2 25A circuit breaker. This voltage is connected to a power rail internal to the MSM and is used to drive the power seat motors, lumbar motors, and seat heater elements on vehicles equipped with heated seats. Each seat and lumbar adjuster motor is controlled by the MSM through 2 motor control circuits. The MSM connects all motor control circuits on the power rail to a common reference point whenever they are not in operation. This reference point is biased to approximately 2.5 volts. The MSM checks to see if the reference voltage is shorted to ground or battery before enabling any of the seat, lumbar, or adjustable pedal motors.

All motors are reversible. For example, when the seat switch is operated to move the entire seat forward, battery positive voltage is applied through the switch contacts and the power seat horizontal forward switch signal circuit to the MSM. In response to this signal, the MSM applies battery voltage through the driver seat horizontal motor forward control circuit and ground through the driver seat horizontal motor rearward control circuit to the motor. The motor runs 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 the opposite circuits causing the motor to run in the opposite direction.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

Driver Seat Schematics

Connector End View Reference

Component Connector End Views

Description and Operation

Memory Seats Description and Operation

Electrical Information Reference

    •  Circuit Testing
    •  Connector Repairs
    •  Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections
    •  Wiring Repairs

Scan Tool Reference

Control Module References for scan tool information

Circuit/System Verification

  1. Ignition ON, observe the scan tool Driver Position Module seat switch parameters while pressing the appropriate seat switch. The reading should change between Inactive and Active.
  2. If the reading does not change between the specified values, refer to the Seat Adjuster Switch Circuit Test.
  3. If all seat switch inputs to the MSM function normal, refer to the appropriate test listed below:
  4. • Seat Motor Control Circuit Test
    • Recline Motor Control Circuit Test

Circuit/System Testing

Seat Adjuster Switch Circuit Test

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the seat adjuster switch.
  2. Ignition ON, verify that a test lamp illuminates between the B+ reference circuit terminal E and ground.
  3. If the test lamp does not illuminate, test the B+ reference circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance.
  4. Verify the scan tool power seat switch parameters are Inactive.
  5. If not the specified values, test the appropriate signal circuit listed for a short to voltage. If the circuit tests normal, replace the MSM.
    • Front vertical down switch terminal K
    • Front vertical up switch terminal A
    • Horizontal forward switch terminal D
    • Horizontal rearward switch terminal C
    • Rear vertical down switch terminal J
    • Rear vertical up switch terminal F
    • Recline forward switch terminal H
    • Recline rearward switch terminal G
  6. Install a 3A fused jumper wire between the B+ circuit terminal E and the appropriate signal circuit listed below. Verify the appropriate scan tool seat switch parameter is Active.
  7. • Front vertical down switch terminal K
    • Front vertical up switch terminal A
    • Horizontal forward switch terminal D
    • Horizontal rearward switch terminal C
    • Rear vertical down switch terminal J
    • Rear vertical up switch terminal F
    • Recline forward switch terminal H
    • Recline rearward switch terminal G
    If not the specified value, test the signal circuit for an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the MSM.
  8. If all circuits test normal, test or replace the seat adjuster switch.

Seat Motor Control Circuit Test

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the X3 harness connector at the MSM.
  2. Ignition ON, verify that a test lamp illuminates between the B+ circuit terminal 5 and ground.
  3. If the test lamp does not illuminate, test the B+ circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance.
  4. Ignition OFF, connect the X3 harness connector at the MSM and disconnect the X1 harness connector at the seat adjuster motor assembly.
  5. Connect a test lamp between the appropriate control circuits listed below.
  6. • 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
  7. Ignition ON, command the appropriate seat motor in the Up/Down or Forward/Rearward directions with a scan tool. The test lamp should turn ON when commanding the up and down or forward and rearward states.
  8. If the test lamp remains OFF during either of the commands, test the control circuits for an open/high resistance. If the circuits test normal, replace the MSM.
  9. If all circuits test normal, test or replace the seat motor.

Recline Motor Control Circuit Test

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the recline motor.
  2. Connect a test lamp between control circuit terminal 1 and control circuit terminal 2.
  3. Ignition ON, command the Recline Forward/Rearward with a scan tool. The test lamp should turn ON when commanding the forward and rearward states.
  4. If the test lamp remains OFF during either of the commands, test the control circuits for an open/high resistance. If the circuits test normal, replace the MSM.
  5. If all circuits test normal, test or replace the recline motor.

Component Testing

Seat Adjuster Switch Test

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the seat adjuster switch.
  2. Test for infinite resistance between the B+ terminal E and the switch terminals listed below and with the switch in the open position.
  3. • Front vertical upward switch terminal A
    • Front vertical downward switch terminal K
    • Rear vertical upward switch terminal F
    • Rear vertical downward switch terminal J
    • Horizontal forward switch terminal D
    • Horizontal rearward switch terminal C
    • Recline forward switch terminal H
    • Recline rearward switch terminal G
    If not the specified value, replace the seat adjuster switch.
  4. Test for less than 1 ohm between the B+ terminal E and each the switch terminals listed below with the appropriate switch in the closed position.
  5. • Front vertical upward switch terminal A
    • Front vertical downward switch terminal K
    • Rear vertical upward switch terminal F
    • Rear vertical downward switch terminal J
    • Horizontal forward switch terminal D
    • Horizontal rearward switch terminal C
    • Recline forward switch terminal H
    • Recline rearward switch terminal G
    If greater than the specified range, replace the seat adjuster switch.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

    •  Driver or Passenger Seat Adjuster and Recliner Switch Replacement
    •  Front Seat Adjuster Replacement
    •  Front Seat Recliner Actuator Motor Replacement
    •  Control Module References for MSM replacement, setup, and programming

Power Seat Inoperative Without Memory A45

Diagnostic Instructions

    • Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
    • Review Strategy Based Diagnosis for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
    •  Diagnostic Procedure Instructions provides an overview of each diagnostic category.

Diagnostic Fault Information

Circuit

Short to Ground

Open/High Resistance

Short to Voltage

Signal Performance

B+, Seat Adjuster Switch

1, 2

1

--

--

Front Vertical Motor Down Control

1

1

--

--

Front Vertical Motor Up Control

1

1

--

--

Horizontal Motor Forward Control

1

1

--

--

Horizontal Motor Rearward Control

1

1

--

--

Rear Vertical Motor Down Control

1

1

--

--

Rear Vertical Motor Up Control

1

1

--

--

Recline Motor Forward Control

1

1

--

--

Recline Motor Rearward Control

1

1

--

--

Ground - Seat Adjuster Switch

--

1

--

--

1. Power Seats Inoperative

2. Lumbar Support Inoperative

Circuit/System Description

Power seats without memory is completely controlled through the seat adjuster switch. Battery voltage is supplied at all times to the seat adjuster switches from the LT/PWR/SEAT circuit breaker and the RT/PWR/SEAT circuit breaker that are 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

    •  Driver Seat Schematics
    •  Passenger Seat Schematics

Connector End View Reference

Component Connector End Views

Description and Operation

Power Seats System Description and Operation

Electrical Information Reference

    •  Circuit Testing
    •  Connector Repairs
    •  Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections
    •  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.

    • Horizontal Motor
    • Front Vertical Motor
    • Rear Vertical Motor
    • Recline Motor
If all power seat functions are inoperative, refer to the Seat Adjuster Switch Circuit Test.
If just the seat recline function is inoperative, refer to Seat Recline Motor Circuit Test.
If 1 or more of the seat adjuster motors operate, refer to the Seat Adjuster Motor Circuit Test.

Circuit/System Testing

Seat Adjuster Switch Circuit Test

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the seat adjuster switch.
  2. Test for less than 1 ohm between the ground circuit terminal B and ground.
  3. If greater than the specified range, test the ground circuit for an open/high resistance.
  4. Ignition ON, verify that a test lamp illuminates between the appropriate B+ circuit terminal E and ground.
  5. If the test lamp does not illuminate, test the B+ circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance.
  6. If all circuits test normal, test or replace the seat adjuster switch.

Seat Recline Motor Circuit Test

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the seat recline motor.
  2. Connect a test lamp between control circuit terminal 1 and control circuit terminal 2.
  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.
  4. 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.
  5. If all circuits test normal, test or replace the seat recline motor.

Seat Adjuster Motor Circuit Test

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the appropriate seat motor.
  2. Connect a test lamp between the appropriate control circuits listed below:
  3. • 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
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. If all circuits test normal, test or replace the seat motor.

Component Testing

Seat Adjuster Switch Test

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the seat adjuster switch.
  2. Test for infinite resistance between the B+ terminal E and the switch terminals listed below with the switch in the open position.
  3. • Front vertical upward switch terminal K
    • Front vertical downward switch terminal A
    • Rear vertical upward switch terminal J
    • Rear vertical downward switch terminal F
    • Horizontal forward switch terminal D
    • Horizontal rearward switch terminal C
    • Recline forward switch terminal H
    • Recline rearward switch terminal G
    If not the specified value, replace the seat adjuster switch.
  4. Test for less than 1 ohm between the B+ terminal E and the switch terminals listed below with the appropriate switch in the closed position.
  5. • Front vertical upward switch terminal K
    • Front vertical downward switch terminal A
    • Rear vertical upward switch terminal J
    • Rear vertical downward switch terminal F
    • Horizontal forward switch terminal D
    • Horizontal rearward switch terminal C
    • Recline forward switch terminal H
    • Recline rearward switch terminal G
    If greater than the specified range, replace the seat adjuster switch.
  6. Test for less than 1 ohm between the ground terminal B and the switch terminals listed below with the switch in the open position.
  7. • Front vertical upward switch terminal K
    • Front vertical downward switch terminal A
    • Rear vertical upward switch terminal J
    • Rear vertical downward switch terminal F
    • Horizontal forward switch terminal D
    • Horizontal rearward switch terminal C
    • Recline forward switch terminal H
    • Recline rearward switch terminal G
    If greater than the specified range, replace the seat adjuster switch.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

    •  Driver or Passenger Seat Adjuster and Recliner Switch Replacement
    •  Front Seat Adjuster Replacement
    •  Front Seat Recliner Actuator Motor Replacement