Power Seat Motor

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of a power seat motor on the driver or passenger seat of a 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Power seat motor assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification - specify horizontal, vertical, or recline motor
• Electrical connector repair kit (if damaged) × 1 — GM connector repair kit

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Disconnect negative battery cable and wait at least 2 minutes before proceeding
3. Move seat to full forward and full up position for easier access to seat track bolts (if motor allows movement)
4. If motor is completely inoperative, manually position seat for best access to underside
5. Vacuum around seat base to prevent debris from entering seat mechanisms

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove seat mounting bolts
   Locate the four seat mounting bolts at the front and rear of each seat track where they attach to the floor. Use a Torx T50 socket to remove all four mounting bolts. Note the position of any wire harness routing clips attached to the seat frame. Carefully tilt the seat backward to access the underside.
   Torque spec

   Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Disconnect seat electrical connectors
   Locate the main seat electrical connector(s) under the seat. Press the locking tab and disconnect the main harness connector. If equipped with heated seats or lumbar support, disconnect those connectors as well. Label connectors if multiple connections are present to ensure proper reconnection.
3. 3

   Remove seat from vehicle
   With assistance if needed, carefully lift the seat assembly out of the vehicle and place it upside down on a clean work surface covered with a blanket or cardboard to protect the upholstery. Ensure the seat is stable and will not tip during work.
4. 4

   Access the failed motor
   Identify the specific motor requiring replacement. The horizontal track motor is typically located on the outboard side of the front seat track. The vertical motors are mounted to the lift mechanisms on each side. The recline motor is located at the rear of the seat back pivot. Remove any plastic covers or shields using a trim tool if necessary to access the motor.
5. 5

   Disconnect motor electrical connection
   Locate the electrical connector at the motor. Press the locking tab and disconnect the motor connector. Inspect the connector terminals for corrosion or damage. Clean with electrical contact cleaner if necessary. Note the wire routing for reinstallation.
6. 6

   Remove motor mounting hardware
   Remove the bolts or screws securing the motor to the seat frame or track mechanism. Most motors are secured with three to four bolts. For track motors, note the engagement of the drive gear with the track mechanism. For vertical motors, support the seat cushion frame to prevent sudden movement when motor is removed.
   Torque spec

   Bracket Bolts26 Nm (19 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Remove and inspect motor
   Carefully remove the motor from its mounting position. If resistance is felt, check for additional mounting points or interference with the drive mechanism. Inspect the drive gear on the motor for wear or damage. Compare the old motor with the replacement to ensure correct part before proceeding.
8. 8

   Install new motor
   Position the new motor into the mounting location, ensuring the drive gear properly engages with the track or mechanism. Align all mounting holes. If installing a track motor, verify the gear teeth mesh correctly with the track gear or cable drive. Start all mounting bolts by hand before tightening.
   Torque spec

   Bracket Bolts26 Nm (19 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Reconnect motor electrical connector
   Connect the electrical connector to the new motor, ensuring the locking tab clicks into place. Gently tug on the connector to verify it is fully seated. Ensure wire routing matches the original configuration and wires are not pinched or stretched.
10. 10

    Reinstall seat in vehicle
    With assistance if needed, carefully position the seat assembly back into the vehicle, aligning the seat tracks with the four floor mounting holes. Reconnect all electrical connectors at the seat base, ensuring proper seating and locking of all connections. Start all four seat mounting bolts by hand before tightening.
    Torque spec

    Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reconnect battery and test
    Reconnect the negative battery cable and tighten to specification. Turn the ignition to the ON position (do not start engine). Test all seat functions including forward/back, up/down, tilt, and recline to verify proper operation of the new motor and all other seat functions. Check for unusual noises or binding.
    Torque spec

    Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all seat mounting bolts are tightened to 42 Nm (31 lb-ft) in a cross pattern to prevent seat frame stress
2. Verify all electrical connectors are fully seated and locked to prevent intermittent operation
3. Check that no wires are pinched between seat frame and floor or between moving seat components
4. Reinstall any plastic covers or shields removed during motor access

Verification

• Test all power seat functions through their complete range of motion to ensure new motor operates correctly
• Verify seat locks securely in all positions without slipping or free play
• Confirm no unusual sounds during seat operation (grinding, clicking, or motor strain)
• Check that all other seat features (heating, lumbar, memory if equipped) continue to function properly
• Verify seat mounting bolts are tight and seat does not rock or shift when subjected to normal entry/exit forces

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

Codes that commonly send this job to the bay — tap one for symptoms, causes, and diagnostic steps.

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