Power Seat Motor

Remove and replace the power seat motor assembly on a 1972 Ford F-100, including disconnecting the battery, accessing the motor under the seat, and testing operation.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Power seat motor assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification or aftermarket equivalent
• Wire terminal connectors (if damaged) × 1 — Appropriate gauge for seat motor circuit

Preparation

1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
2. Disconnect the negative battery cable and secure it away from the battery terminal.
3. Move the power seat to the full forward position to provide maximum access to the motor assembly underneath.
4. Remove any floor mats or debris from around the seat base.

Procedure

1. 1

   Access the seat bottom
   Locate the seat track mounting bolts on both sides of the seat base. The mounting bolts are directly visible without trim covers on this model year. Set the covers aside in a safe location to avoid losing them.
2. 2

   Remove seat track mounting bolts
   Using a 1/2" or 9/16" socket (depending on application), remove the 4 bolts securing the seat tracks to the floor. There are 2 bolts on each side of the seat assembly at the front and rear of each track. Support the seat as you remove the final bolts.
3. 3

   Tilt seat for motor access
   With the assistance of a helper, carefully tilt the entire seat assembly backward and to the side to expose the underside. You may rest the seat on its rear edge, but ensure it is stable and will not fall. The power seat motor is mounted on the inboard side of the driver's seat track mechanism, typically toward the front of the seat.
4. 4

   Locate and inspect the motor assembly
   Identify the power seat motor, which is a cylindrical or rectangular metal housing with an electrical connector and a drive gear or cable mechanism attached. Inspect the motor mounting location and note the routing of the electrical connector. Check for any obvious damage, corrosion, or fluid contamination.
5. 5

   Disconnect the electrical connector
   Locate the electrical connector on the power seat motor. The 1972 F-100 power seat likely uses a period-correct blade or bullet-style connector. Gently work the connector loose by hand while pulling straight off the motor terminals; there may be no plastic locking tab on this era of wiring. If the connector is corroded or difficult to remove, spray with electrical contact cleaner and use a gentle rocking motion while pulling.
6. 6

   Disconnect the drive cable or mechanism
   The power seat motor drives the seat tracks via a flexible cable or gear mechanism. Locate where the drive cable attaches to the motor output shaft. Typically, there is a clip or set screw securing the cable end. Remove the retaining clip or loosen the set screw, then slide the cable end off the motor drive shaft. Note the orientation for reinstallation.
7. 7

   Remove motor mounting fasteners
   Using a 7/16" or 1/2" socket or wrench, remove the 2 bolts or 3 bolts securing the power seat motor to its mounting bracket on the seat track. Support the motor with one hand as you remove the final fastener to prevent it from dropping. Carefully lower the motor away from the mounting bracket.
8. 8

   Remove the old motor
   Maneuver the power seat motor out from under the seat assembly. You may need to rotate or angle it to clear obstructions. Once free, set the old motor aside for comparison with the replacement unit.
9. 9

   Prepare the new motor
   Compare the new power seat motor to the old unit to verify it is the correct replacement. Check that the mounting hole pattern, electrical connector type, and drive shaft configuration match. If the new motor does not have a drive cable attached, transfer the cable from the old motor if it is in good condition.
10. 10

    Install the new motor
    Position the new power seat motor into the mounting bracket on the seat track, aligning the mounting holes. Hand-thread the 2 or 3 mounting bolts to hold the motor in place, then tighten them securely with a 7/16" or 1/2" socket or wrench. Ensure the motor is firmly seated against the mounting bracket.
11. 11

    Reconnect the drive cable
    Slide the drive cable end onto the motor output shaft, ensuring it engages fully. Reinstall the retaining clip or tighten the set screw to secure the cable in place. Verify that the cable is properly seated and will not slip during operation.
12. 12

    Reconnect the electrical connector
    Plug the electrical connector onto the power seat motor terminals, ensuring it locks into place with an audible click or firm engagement. Gently tug on the connector to verify it is secure.
13. 13

    Reinstall the seat assembly
    With the assistance of a helper, carefully position the seat assembly back onto the floor mounting points, aligning the seat track bolt holes with the floor holes. Hand-thread all 4 mounting bolts (2 per side) to hold the seat in place, then tighten them securely using a 1/2" or 9/16" socket. Ensure the seat is firmly attached and does not rock or shift.
14. 14

    Reinstall trim covers
    Snap the plastic trim covers back onto the seat track mounting areas on both sides of the seat base. Press firmly until they are fully seated and flush with the surrounding surfaces.

Reassembly

1. Reconnect the negative battery cable to restore electrical power to the vehicle.
2. Verify that all tools and parts have been removed from the vehicle interior before testing.

Verification

• Turn the ignition key to the "ON" position (engine does not need to run).
• Operate the power seat switch in all directions (forward, backward, up, down, and tilt if equipped) to verify the new motor functions correctly and the seat moves smoothly through its full range of motion.
• Listen for any unusual noises such as grinding, clicking, or binding, which may indicate improper cable installation or motor alignment.
• Ensure the seat locks securely in all positions and does not drift or move unexpectedly when not being adjusted.
• Check that all seat track covers are properly reinstalled and that no wiring is pinched or exposed.

More procedures for this vehicle