Power Seat Motor

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of a power seat motor on a 2012-2017 Toyota Camry with the 2.5L I4 engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Power seat motor assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification or quality aftermarket

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Move seat to full rearward position for easier access to front mounting bolts
3. Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait 90 seconds
4. Remove seat side plastic trim covers if equipped using trim removal tool
5. Vacuum around seat base to prevent debris from entering seat mechanisms

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect battery and prepare workspace
   Disconnect the negative battery terminal using a 10mm wrench or socket. Wait a minimum of 90 seconds to allow airbag system capacitors to discharge. Clean the work area around the seat base to prevent debris entry.
   Torque spec

   Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Access seat mounting bolts
   Slide the seat fully rearward. Locate the four seat mounting bolts at the corners of the seat track assembly. These are typically 14mm bolts covered by plastic caps. Pry off the plastic caps using a flathead screwdriver if present.
3. 3

   Disconnect seat electrical connectors
   Reach under the seat and locate all electrical connectors. There will be at least one main harness connector and possibly separate connectors for heated seats or occupancy sensors. Press the release tabs and disconnect all connectors. Take a photo of the connector locations for reference.
4. 4

   Remove seat assembly from vehicle
   With assistance if needed, remove the four seat mounting bolts using a 14mm socket and ratchet. Carefully lift the entire seat assembly out of the vehicle. The seat weighs approximately 40-60 pounds depending on options. Place the seat upside down on a clean protected surface.
   ⚠Seat assembly is heavy and awkward. Use proper lifting technique or get assistance to avoid back injury
   Torque spec

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

   Access power seat motor
   With the seat inverted, locate the power seat motor assembly mounted to the seat track mechanism. Identify which motor needs replacement: front height motor, rear height motor, fore/aft motor, or recline motor. The motor will be secured with typically 3-4 mounting bolts and have an electrical connector and mechanical linkage attached.
6. 6

   Disconnect motor electrical connector
   Locate the electrical connector on the defective motor. Press the locking tab and disconnect the connector. If equipped with a terminal bolt securing the connector, remove it using the appropriate socket. Inspect connector terminals for corrosion or damage.
   Torque spec

   Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Disconnect mechanical linkage
   Identify the mechanical linkage or cable connection between the motor and seat adjustment mechanism. Most use a plastic cable end that clips onto a motor output shaft. Carefully pry or unclip the cable end from the motor. Note the orientation of any washers or spacers.
8. 8

   Remove motor mounting bolts
   Remove the motor mounting bolts using a 10mm socket. There are typically 3 bolts securing the motor to the seat track bracket. Support the motor with one hand while removing the final bolt to prevent it from falling. Remove the motor from the seat frame.
   Torque spec

   Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Install new power seat motor
   Position the new motor in the same orientation as the old motor. Start all mounting bolts by hand to ensure proper thread engagement. Verify the motor output shaft aligns with the mechanical linkage connection point. Torque the mounting bolts in a crossing pattern to specification.
   Torque spec

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

    Reconnect mechanical linkage
    Reconnect the mechanical linkage or cable to the new motor output shaft. Ensure the connection is fully seated and any retaining clips are properly engaged. Reinstall any washers or spacers in their original positions. Verify the linkage moves freely without binding.
11. 11

    Reconnect motor electrical connector
    Reconnect the electrical connector to the new motor. Ensure the connector locks into place with an audible click. If equipped with a terminal bolt, install and torque to specification. Verify the connection is secure by gently tugging on the connector.
    Torque spec

    Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reinstall seat assembly
    With assistance, carefully position the seat assembly back into the vehicle. Align the four mounting bolt holes with the floor anchors. Start all four mounting bolts by hand before tightening any of them. Torque all four seat mounting bolts to specification in a crossing pattern.
    Torque spec

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

    Reconnect seat electrical system
    Reconnect all seat electrical connectors under the seat, ensuring each connector clicks into place. Match connectors to your reference photos. Verify no wires are pinched or trapped between seat tracks or frame members.
14. 14

    Reconnect battery and test
    Reconnect the negative battery terminal and torque to specification. Turn the ignition to ON position without starting the engine. Test all power seat functions including fore/aft, recline, and height adjustments in both directions. Verify smooth operation without unusual noise or binding.
    Torque spec

    Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reinstall any seat side plastic trim covers removed during disassembly
2. Replace plastic caps over seat mounting bolts
3. Verify all seat adjustment functions operate smoothly throughout their full range
4. Check that seat memory functions work correctly if so equipped
5. Ensure no tools or parts are left under the seat

Verification

• Test all power seat movement functions in both directions to verify proper motor operation
• Verify seat moves smoothly without binding, unusual noise, or hesitation
• Check that seat position memory functions work if equipped
• Confirm occupancy sensor light on dashboard functions normally
• Ensure seat firmly mounted with no movement or rattles when pushing on seat back
• Verify no warning lights on instrument cluster related to airbag or seat systems

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

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