Seat Motor Repair Cost Guide
Forward/Backward Motor Repair
Typical repair time: 1-1.5 hours
Labor cost: $125-$187.50
Parts: $150-$300
Total estimated cost: $275-$487.50
Seat Back Recliner Motor Repair
Typical repair time: 1.5-2 hours
Labor cost: $187.50-$250
Parts: $175-$350
Total estimated cost: $362.50-$600
Seat Height Motor Repair
Typical repair time: 1-2 hours
Labor cost: $125-$250
Parts: $200-$400
Total estimated cost: $325-$650
Lumbar Support Motor Repair
Typical repair time: 1-1.5 hours
Labor cost: $125-$187.50
Parts: $100-$250
Total estimated cost: $225-$437.50
*Please note: Prices may vary depending on vehicle make, model, and year. Additional costs may apply if other components need replacement. All estimates include our standard labor rate of $125/hour.
Additional Considerations:
- Diagnostic fee may apply if extensive testing is required
- Some luxury vehicles may require specialized parts at higher costs
- Multiple motor repairs can often be combined for labor efficiency
- Warranty coverage may be available for certain repairs
Common Seat Motor Repair Procedures
Power Seat Track Motor
Typical Repair Steps:
- Disconnect vehicle battery to prevent electrical shorts
- Remove seat bolts and tilt seat back to access wiring
- Disconnect electrical connectors from seat motor
- Remove mounting bolts securing track motor to seat frame
- Extract old motor from track mechanism
- Install new motor, ensuring proper gear alignment
- Secure mounting bolts to specified torque
- Reconnect electrical connections
- Test motor operation before fully reinstalling seat
Power Seat Recline Motor
Typical Repair Steps:
- Disconnect vehicle battery
- Remove seat back cover to access motor
- Disconnect electrical connections
- Remove mounting brackets holding recline motor
- Carefully separate motor from recliner mechanism
- Install new motor, ensuring proper gear mesh
- Reattach mounting brackets
- Reconnect wiring harness
- Verify proper operation before reinstalling covers
Power Seat Height Motor
Typical Repair Steps:
- Disconnect vehicle battery
- Remove seat from vehicle
- Access height motor under seat cushion
- Disconnect electrical connections
- Remove motor mounting bolts
- Detach motor from lift mechanism
- Install replacement motor
- Secure all mounting points
- Reconnect wiring
- Test operation through full range of motion
Power Lumbar Motor
Typical Repair Steps:
- Remove seat back cover
- Locate lumbar motor behind foam padding
- Disconnect electrical connections
- Remove mounting screws
- Carefully extract motor and cable assembly
- Install new motor unit
- Reconnect wiring harness
- Test lumbar support operation
- Reinstall seat back cover
Important Notes:
- Always refer to vehicle-specific repair manuals for exact procedures
- Proper tools and torque specifications are essential
- Handle electrical connections with care to prevent damage
- Test all seat functions before completing reassembly
- Some repairs may require seat position sensor calibration
Note: These are general repair procedures. Specific steps may vary by vehicle make and model. Professional installation is recommended for optimal results.
Understanding Seat Motors in Vehicles

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Symptoms of Seat Motor Failure: Warning Signs to Watch For
Common Signs of Seat Motor Failure & Maintenance Guide
Power Seat Motor
Signs of Failure:
- Slow or sluggish seat movement
- Grinding or clicking noise during operation
- Seat moves in only one direction
- Complete loss of seat movement
- Intermittent operation
Service Schedule: No regular maintenance required. Replace only when failing. Typical lifespan is 10-15 years.
Seat Recline Motor
Signs of Failure:
- Uneven reclining movement
- Unusual noises during adjustment
- Backrest stuck in one position
- Motor runs but seat doesn't move
Service Schedule: Inspect every 50,000 miles. Clean tracks and lubricate if necessary. Replace when symptoms occur.
Lumbar Support Motor
Signs of Failure:
- Lumbar support doesn't inflate/deflate
- Whirring sound but no movement
- Inconsistent support levels
- Slow response to adjustments
Service Schedule: Check operation annually. No specific maintenance required. Replace if malfunctioning.
Seat Height Motor
Signs of Failure:
- Seat won't raise or lower
- Uneven height adjustment
- Motor straining during operation
- Burning smell during adjustment
Service Schedule: Inspect tracks for debris every 30,000 miles. Clean and lubricate as needed. Replace motor when failing.
Seat Tilt Motor
Signs of Failure:
- Unable to adjust seat angle
- Jerky tilt movement
- Excessive noise during operation
- One side tilts but not the other
Service Schedule: Check operation during regular service intervals. Clean mechanisms annually. Replace when showing failure symptoms.
Note: All seat motors should be inspected during regular vehicle maintenance. Proper operation ensures both comfort and safety. If you notice any of these symptoms, it's recommended to have the affected motor diagnosed by a qualified technician.
How It Works
- Get a quote online or set-up a time to have your vehicle looked at.
- Pick time slots that work for you, easily, online.
- We will confirm appointments and send reminders.
- Our mechanics bring everything that is needed to you.
- All you have to do is provided a safe area for the work to be performed.
What we need from you
- A safe place to work on your vehicle
- No working on the side of busy roads
- No working on unstable or steep surfaces.
- We do not perform repairs during severe weather.
- Authorization from a property owner or management.
- Repair work done in a parking lot or at your requires permission.
- We do not do repairs in areas restricted by law.
Common Questions
Service Area
Our primary service area is greater Grand Rapids and includes Comstock Park, East Grand Rapids, Grandville, Kentwood, Walker, and Wyoming
Our secondary service area is provided by our Belding location and includes: Belding, Greenville, Ionia and the sorrounding areas.
Contact us if you have any questions about where we provide services.