Power Seat Motor

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of a power seat motor on a 2018-2024 Toyota Camry with the 2.5L I4 engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Power seat motor assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification for specific motor (horizontal, vertical, recline, or lumbar)

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground 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. Lower all windows to prevent accidental lock-in if door locks activate
5. Test and identify which seat motor has failed if not already confirmed

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect battery
   Disconnect the negative battery terminal using a 10mm socket. Tighten the terminal away from the battery post to prevent accidental reconnection. Wait a minimum of 90 seconds for capacitors to discharge.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove seat side trim covers
   Using trim panel removal tools, carefully pry off the plastic trim covers on both sides of the seat base. These covers snap into place and conceal the seat mounting bolts. Work slowly to avoid breaking the retaining clips.
3. 3

   Disconnect seat electrical connector
   Locate the main seat wiring harness connector under the seat center. Press the locking tab and disconnect the connector. This connector supplies power to all seat motors and sensors. On power passenger seats, there may be two connectors.
4. 4

   Remove seat mounting bolts
   Using a 14mm socket with extension, remove the four seat mounting bolts securing the seat track to the floor. There are two bolts at the front of each track and two at the rear. Support the seat weight while removing the final bolts.
   ⚠Seat assembly weighs approximately 50-70 lbs - use proper lifting technique or get assistance
   Torque spec

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

   Remove seat from vehicle
   With all four mounting bolts removed, carefully lift the entire seat assembly out of the vehicle. Tilt the seat back as needed to clear the door opening. Place the seat upside down on a protected work surface with the seat base accessible.
6. 6

   Remove seat track cover
   With the seat inverted, remove the plastic cover panel from the bottom of the seat base. This cover is typically held by 6-8 plastic clips and possibly screws. Use trim tools to release clips carefully. This exposes the seat motor assemblies and mechanisms.
7. 7

   Disconnect motor electrical connector
   Locate the specific failed motor and disconnect its electrical connector. Press the locking tab and pull straight out. Note the routing of the wire harness for reinstallation. If unsure which motor failed, use a multimeter to test motor continuity.
8. 8

   Remove motor mounting hardware
   Using a 10mm socket, remove the bolts securing the motor to its mounting bracket. Most seat motors are secured with 2-3 bolts. Note the orientation and position of any spacers or washers. Support the motor as you remove the last bolt to prevent it from falling.
   Torque spec

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

   Disengage motor from drive mechanism
   Carefully slide or rotate the motor to disengage its output gear from the seat track drive mechanism. Some motors have a spring-loaded coupling that must be compressed or rotated. Note the exact orientation and engagement method for installation of the new motor.
   ⚠Do not force motor out - drive gears must be properly disengaged to avoid damage to seat mechanism
10. 10

    Install new motor
    Position the new motor in the mounting bracket, ensuring the output gear properly engages with the seat drive mechanism in the same orientation as removed. Verify full engagement before securing. Install and hand-tighten mounting bolts, then torque to specification.
    Torque spec

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

    Connect motor electrical connector
    Connect the electrical connector to the new motor, ensuring it clicks fully into place. Route the wiring harness in the same path as the original to avoid interference with moving seat mechanisms.
12. 12

    Reinstall seat track cover
    Reinstall the plastic cover panel to the bottom of the seat base. Ensure all clips are properly seated and any screws are secured. Verify no wires are pinched between the cover and seat base.
13. 13

    Reinstall seat in vehicle
    Carefully lift the seat assembly and position it back in the vehicle, aligning the four mounting bolt holes with the floor brackets. Start all four mounting bolts by hand before tightening any. Once all bolts are started, torque to specification in a cross pattern.
    Torque spec

    Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Reconnect seat electrical connector
    Connect the main seat wiring harness connector under the seat center, ensuring it clicks fully into place. Verify the connector is fully seated and the locking tab is engaged.
15. 15

    Reconnect battery and test
    Reconnect the negative battery terminal and torque to specification. Turn the ignition to ON position (engine off) and test all seat motor functions including fore/aft, up/down, recline, and lumbar if equipped. Verify smooth operation with no binding or unusual noises.
    Torque spec

    Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reinstall seat side trim covers by pressing firmly until all clips engage
2. Verify seat moves freely through full range of motion in all directions
3. Check that seat mounting bolts are properly torqued and seat does not rock or shift
4. Confirm all electrical connectors are fully seated with locking tabs engaged

Verification

• With ignition ON, test all seat adjustment functions multiple times to confirm proper motor operation
• Verify seat moves smoothly without binding, unusual noises, or hesitation
• Check that seat position memory functions work correctly if equipped
• Confirm seat is securely mounted with no movement at mounting points
• Verify no warning lights or error messages appear on instrument cluster

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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