Removing a power seat can seem daunting, but with the right tools and approach, it’s manageable. This guide provides a step-by-step process for removing a damaged power seat, focusing on the crucial role of a Car Seat Winder Tool. This tool, essentially a drill used to manually operate the seat’s drive mechanism, is key to accessing hidden bolts for seat removal.
Utilizing a Drill as a Car Seat Winder Tool
A malfunctioning power seat often requires manual manipulation to access and remove it. Here’s where the car seat winder tool comes in. Using two drills and the appropriate technique, you can control the seat’s forward and backward movement, even when the power mechanism is faulty.
Preparing the Seat:
- Access the Drive Shafts: Begin by removing the front plastic panel and a “paperclip” securing the motor’s driveshafts. Detach the clip behind the left driveshaft tube to free it from the motor gearbox.
- Connect Drills: Pull both driveshaft tubes forward, exposing the square ends of the drive shafts. Mount each square end securely into the chuck of a drill.
Operating the Car Seat Winder Tool:
- Control Seat Movement: With one drill set to forward and the other to reverse, slowly rotate them, applying pressure towards the seat to engage the gears. Observe the seat’s movement and adjust the drill direction accordingly. This controlled movement is crucial for exposing hidden bolts within the seat track.
- Accessing Hidden Bolts: Once the seat is moved fully forward or backward using the drills, you’ll expose Alan key bolts securing the seat to the track. These bolts often require removal to detach the seat completely.
Removing the Seat
After accessing the hidden bolts with the car seat winder tool, the following steps complete the removal process:
- Extract Alan Bolts: The exposed Alan bolts may be stripped or have factory threadlocker applied. Use a 6mm Allen key with an 18mm wrench for leverage. Applying heat carefully to the bolt head can help loosen the threadlocker.
- Disconnect Electrical Components: Tilt the seat back to locate and unplug the switch harness and seatbelt receiver harness.
- Remove the Seat: With all connections detached, carefully lift the seat out of the vehicle.
Conclusion
Removing a power seat, especially a damaged one, can be challenging. However, by utilizing two drills as a car seat winder tool to manipulate the seat’s position and gain access to hidden bolts, the process becomes significantly easier. Remember to exercise caution when applying heat and leverage to the bolts. This guide provides a comprehensive overview, empowering you to tackle this task effectively.
