Power Seat Motor

Replace the power seat motor assembly on the driver or passenger seat to restore electric seat adjustment functionality.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Power seat motor assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification or verify motor type (fore/aft, height, recline)
• Plastic trim clips (if damaged during removal) × 5 — Honda 91503-SZ3-003 or equivalent

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Move seat to mid-position (halfway fore/aft and at mid-height) for easiest access
3. Disconnect battery negative terminal and wait minimum 3 minutes for capacitor discharge
4. Ensure adequate lighting inside vehicle cabin
5. Have smartphone or camera ready to document electrical connections

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove seat side trim panels
   Use trim panel removal tools to carefully pry off the plastic side covers on both sides of the seat base. These covers snap into place with plastic clips. Start from the rear corner and work forward. Set aside covers and inspect clips for damage.
2. 2

   Remove seat cushion side shields
   Locate and remove the Torx T30 screws securing the side shield panels (typically 2 screws per side). These shields protect the seat track mechanism. Carefully pull shields away from seat frame and set aside with hardware.
3. 3

   Disconnect seat electrical connectors
   Locate the main seat wiring harness under the seat. Press the release tabs and disconnect all electrical connectors, including power seat motor, seat heater (if equipped), and occupant sensor connectors. Take photos before disconnecting to document connector positions and wire routing.
4. 4

   Access power seat motor mounting
   Identify which motor needs replacement (fore/aft track motor, height adjustment motor, or recline motor). The fore/aft motor is typically located on the seat track assembly underneath the seat. Height and recline motors are mounted to the seat frame side. Clear any wire harness clips or cable ties blocking access to the motor.
5. 5

   Disconnect motor electrical connector
   Locate the individual power connector for the specific motor being replaced. Press the connector release tab and carefully pull connector straight off motor terminals. Inspect connector terminals for corrosion or damage.
6. 6

   Remove motor cable from drive mechanism
   The seat motor drives the seat mechanism via a flexible cable or direct gear engagement. For cable-driven motors, note the cable orientation and carefully disconnect the cable from both the motor output and the seat mechanism input. For direct-drive motors, identify the gear engagement point.
   ⚠Cable ends may be under slight tension. Control the cable as you disconnect to prevent it from snapping back
7. 7

   Remove motor mounting bolts
   Using a 10mm or 12mm socket (verify size before applying force), remove the mounting bolts securing the motor to the seat frame or track assembly. Most motors are secured with 2-3 bolts. Support the motor as you remove the final bolt to prevent it from falling.
   ℹ️Note motor orientation and mounting position for correct installation of replacement motor
   Torque spec

   Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Remove failed motor assembly
   Carefully extract the motor from its mounting location, maneuvering around seat frame members and wiring harness. Compare failed motor with replacement motor to verify correct part before proceeding. Inspect mounting area for debris or damage.
9. 9

   Install new power seat motor
   Position the new motor in the mounting location, ensuring proper orientation matches the original installation. Align motor mounting holes with seat frame or track mounting points. Start all mounting bolts by hand before tightening any.
10. 10

    Torque motor mounting bolts
    Using a torque wrench, tighten motor mounting bolts to specification. Follow a cross-pattern if multiple bolts are present to ensure even pressure and proper motor alignment. Verify motor does not rock or shift after bolts are torqued.
    Torque spec

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

    Connect motor drive cable or gear
    Reconnect the drive cable to both the motor output shaft and seat mechanism input, ensuring cable routing matches original path. For direct-drive motors, verify gear teeth are properly engaged. Cable should have minimal slack but not be tight or kinked.
12. 12

    Reconnect motor electrical connector
    Plug the electrical connector firmly onto the motor terminals until you hear or feel a positive click. Gently tug connector to verify it is fully seated and locked. Ensure no wires are pinched between motor and seat frame.
13. 13

    Reconnect seat wiring harness
    Using photos taken during disassembly, reconnect all seat electrical connectors to their proper locations. Ensure all connectors are fully seated with locking tabs engaged. Route wiring harness away from moving seat components and reinstall any harness clips or cable ties.
14. 14

    Reinstall seat trim panels
    Reinstall side shield panels and secure with Torx T30 screws. Snap side trim covers back into place, ensuring all plastic clips engage properly. Press firmly around perimeter of trim pieces to fully seat all clips.
15. 15

    Reconnect battery and test operation
    Reconnect battery negative terminal and torque to specification. Turn ignition to ON position (engine off). Test all seat movement functions including fore/aft, height adjustment, and recline to verify motor operates correctly. Check for unusual noises or binding during operation.
    Torque spec

    Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all electrical connectors are fully seated and locked before testing
2. Verify all trim panels and shields are securely fastened with no gaps
3. Confirm no tools or parts remain under or around seat
4. Test all seat functions through full range of motion before considering job complete

Verification

• Test seat operation in all directions (fore/aft, up/down, recline) through complete range of motion
• Verify seat moves smoothly without hesitation, binding, or unusual noise
• Confirm seat holds position when motor stops and does not drift or slip
• Check that all trim panels are secure and properly aligned
• Verify no warning lights appear on instrument cluster related to seat or airbag systems
• Test seat memory function if equipped to ensure motor operates correctly in automatic mode

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

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