Power Seat Motor

This procedure replaces a failed power seat motor on the 2005 Dodge Viper, requiring seat removal and motor assembly access.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Power seat motor × 1 — Use OEM specification - verify motor type (horizontal, vertical, or recline)

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and ensure ignition is off.
2. Disconnect battery negative terminal and wait 2 minutes for system capacitors to discharge.
3. Move seat to full-forward position to access rear mounting bolts.
4. Using masking tape or marker, mark the seat track position on the floor rails for reference during reinstallation.

Procedure

1. 1

   Access Seat Mounting Bolts
   With the seat in the full-forward position, locate the rear seat mounting bolts at the rear of each floor track. There are 4 bolts total securing the seat assembly (2 front, 2 rear). The rear bolts are now accessible. Inspect for any plastic covers over the bolt heads and remove if present.
2. 2

   Remove Rear Seat Mounting Bolts
   Using the appropriate socket, remove the 2 rear seat mounting bolts. These bolts secure the seat track assembly to the floor pan. Set bolts aside in a container for reinstallation.
   Torque spec

   Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Access Front Mounting Bolts
   Move the seat to the full-rearward position to expose the front mounting bolts. Locate the 2 front bolts at the forward end of each floor track.
4. 4

   Remove Front Seat Mounting Bolts
   Remove the 2 front seat mounting bolts using the appropriate socket. The seat is now free from the floor but still connected by wiring harnesses.
   Torque spec

   Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Disconnect Seat Wiring Harness
   Tilt the seat backward or lift the front edge slightly to access the wiring harness connector(s) underneath the seat. Locate the main seat power connector (typically on the inboard side of the seat track). Press the release tab and disconnect the harness. If equipped with a ground strap bolted to the seat frame, remove the ground bolt.
6. 6

   Remove Seat from Vehicle
   With an assistant or using proper lifting technique, carefully lift the seat assembly straight up and out of the vehicle. Place the seat upside-down on a clean, padded work surface (use blankets or cardboard to protect the seat upholstery).
7. 7

   Locate Failed Power Seat Motor
   With the seat inverted, inspect the underside of the seat assembly. The Viper's power seat uses a limited-function power mechanism (primarily fore-aft track adjustment; verify against the actual seat's available power functions). Identify which motor has failed based on the symptom (non-functioning movement direction). The motor(s) are bolted to the seat track mechanism and connected via drive cables or gears. Identify the failed motor based on the symptom (non-functioning movement direction). Verify how many power functions the seat actually has before assuming multiple motors. The motor is bolted to the seat track mechanism and connected via a drive cable or gear.
8. 8

   Disconnect Motor Electrical Connector
   Locate the electrical connector on the failed motor. Press the release tab and disconnect the motor wiring harness. Note the motor orientation and mounting position before removal.
9. 9

   Remove Motor Mounting Fasteners
   Remove the motor mounting bolts (count and fastener type must be verified against manufacturer documentation for this specific seat/motor). Support the motor as you remove the final bolt to prevent it from falling. Support the motor as you remove the final bolt to prevent it from falling.
   Torque spec

   Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Disengage Motor Drive Mechanism
    Carefully disengage the motor output shaft from the seat mechanism. Some motors drive a flexible cable that must be pulled free, while others have a direct gear engagement that separates when the motor is pulled away from the mounting surface. Note the engagement method for proper reinstallation of the new motor.
11. 11

    Install New Power Seat Motor
    Position the new motor in the same orientation as the removed unit. Engage the motor output shaft with the seat drive mechanism (cable or gear). Verify proper engagement before securing the motor.
12. 12

    Install Motor Mounting Fasteners
    Install the motor mounting bolts and tighten to specification using a torque wrench. Ensure the motor sits flush against its mounting surface and the drive mechanism remains properly engaged.
    Torque spec

    Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reconnect Motor Electrical Connector
    Reconnect the motor electrical connector, ensuring it clicks fully into place. Verify the connector lock tab is engaged.
14. 14

    Reinstall Seat Assembly
    With an assistant, lift the seat and position it over the floor mounting points, aligning with the previously marked position. Connect the main seat wiring harness underneath the seat, ensuring the connector clicks securely. If a ground strap was removed, reattach it to the seat frame using the ground bolt and torque to specification after ensuring clean metal-to-metal contact.
15. 15

    Install Seat Mounting Bolts
    Install all 4 seat mounting bolts (2 front, 2 rear) finger-tight first. Verify the seat is properly positioned on the floor tracks and aligned with the marks made during removal. Tighten all 4 mounting bolts to specification, ensuring the seat is fully seated on the floor tracks before final torque.
    Torque spec

    Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reconnect the battery negative terminal and tighten to specification.
2. Before operating the seat, perform a visual inspection to ensure no wiring is pinched between the seat and floor.
3. Test all seat motor functions (fore-aft, up-down, recline) through their full range of motion to verify proper operation.

Verification

• Test the repaired seat function (the specific movement that was previously inoperative) through its full range of motion.
• Verify all other seat adjustments still function correctly.
• Check that the seat is securely mounted with no movement or looseness.
• Confirm no unusual noises during seat operation.
• Verify seat position memory functions properly if equipped.

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

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