420 sel p/seats & p/steering wheel failure

[John C.]

Can anyone tell me what to check other than fuses under the hood for my power seats and power telescoping steering wheel all failing at the same time? I understand that they do share a common connection via the seat and steering wheel " memory " feature determined on the power seat adjustment switch. I don't know if I should remove the seats to see if any electrical components have come loose or if a bad adjustment switch could stop everything from working? Any advice is greatly appreciated. Thanks, John

[benzboy87]

Try switching out the fuse with another one - even though the fuse may look o.k. sometimes it is not. I periodically take my fuses out and "rough" the ends up so they will make a good connection. You can do this with fine sandpaper or an emery board.
I know this is probably a stupid question but.... does the passenger seat move when using the switch on that side?

[joeym]

Hi What year is the veh ,you could have a connector that came lose or the seat memory switch,yet the year is important you might have a conveniance relay in the right frt foot well.joeym

[John C.]

Originally Posted by joeym

Hi What year is the veh ,you could have a connector that came lose or the seat memory switch,yet the year is important you might have a conveniance relay in the right frt foot well.joeym

Its a 1986....anything particular to that year ? Thanks again, John

[John C.]

Originally Posted by benzboy87

Try switching out the fuse with another one - even though the fuse may look o.k. sometimes it is not. I periodically take my fuses out and "rough" the ends up so they will make a good connection. You can do this with fine sandpaper or an emery board.
I know this is probably a stupid question but.... does the passenger seat move when using the switch on that side?

No it doesn't. Any additional thoughts? Thanks again, John

[speedy300Dturbo]

There's a small two pin diode that is located in the rear portion of the fusebox - you need to remove the screws to open up this part of the fusebox. If this diode goes bad, you'll see some odd problems with power seats - they won't work with the doors open, and somehow the radio will come on when the door is open.

[John C.]

Originally Posted by speedy300Dturbo

There's a small two pin diode that is located in the rear portion of the fusebox - you need to remove the screws to open up this part of the fusebox. If this diode goes bad, you'll see some odd problems with power seats - they won't work with the doors open, and somehow the radio will come on when the door is open.

Thank you for the information, I will try it this weekend....John

[stevebfl]

The diode only provides current with the door open, key off. If the seats don't work with the key on the state of the diode won't matter.

The control unit for both the steering wheel and the seat is under the seat. check to see that the connectors are still attached.

[John C.]

Originally Posted by stevebfl

The diode only provides current with the door open, key off. If the seats don't work with the key on the state of the diode won't matter.

The control unit for both the steering wheel and the seat is under the seat. check to see that the connectors are still attached.

Thank you Steve, I will check under the seats asap. I appreciate your help.
John C.

[John C.]

I want to thank all the guys who tried tio solve my power seats and power steering wheel problem. I checked the fuses and ruffed them up with sandpaper, checked the connector behind the front passenger side foot covering, then I removed the seats ( tilted them back off the frame ) and saw a disconected two pronged connector under the front part of the driver's seat....I thought for sure that was the problem, but after
reconnecting it the seats still didn't work If anyone has any other suggestions I am all ears. Thanks again. John C.