The average price for the power seat control module replacement cost is typically between $653 and $675, with the cost of the labor ranging between $82 and $104. Finally, the cost of hte parts is generally priced around $571. As you can see, the total time of billed hours for this procedure is around 1 hour since most mechanics charge between $80 and $100 per hour for this complicated work.
⚠️ If It's Broken, Don't Fix It - Get Paid Cash for Your Vehicle ⚠️
What is a power seat?
The power seat of a vehicle is a front seat that can be easily adjusted by using a switch, buttons, or a joystick positioned within arm’s reach of the occupant. Most cars on the road these days have this feature, allowing the driver to quickly and electronically change their seat position to reach the pedals and the steering wheel.
The majority of vehicles with this feature have controls for the driver's seat only, while luxurious and high-end cars also have electronic controls for the passenger front seat. When looking at the total power seat control module replacement cost, any damage to the power seat structure can influence this price.
In addition to the front and side adjustments, the power seats can also be raised and lowered. This function works well for drivers of varying heights who use the same car since taller drivers will require a lower seat, while shorter drivers need a bigger boost to see over the wheel.
Any cars that do not have the power seat feature must have a lever or bar in the front or side of hte seat to provide the adjustments. Although less common, you can find this adjustment mechanism on older and used cars. If you have a manually-adjustable seat, this counteracts the power seat control module replacement cost.
Finally, power seats have a feature that is called “memory adjustments.” This feature works well for drivers who frequently lend their car to others to drive and don’t want to forget their customized and personalized settings for when they drive. These systems let drives customize settings and adjustments for conveniences like side mirrors, steering wheels, lumbar angles, and seat position.
What is the power seat control module?
Now that you know the power seat’s function in modern cars today, you need to know the power seat control module and how it works with the seat structure. Power seats in trucks, cars, SUVs, or luxury vehicles allow the driver to customize and personalize the seats’ shape and position. This easy-to-use feature provides maximum comfort, letting the car owner remain comfortable for their entire drive.
The power seats are adjusted using the power seat control module and various small motors inside the seat, placed in different positions to adjust the seat’s various portions. The operator, typically the driver, presses a control switch that alerts the power seat control module to turn on a relay and start the motor.
Power seats allow the driver to change the position of the seat in different directions, like forward, backward, up, down, tilted forward, tilted backward, or changing the position of the headrest for optimal driving positions.
In most cases in modern cars, settings for multiple occupants can be memorized by the seat control module or the body control module. If you notice any issues with the body control module, this can cause a higher power seat control module replacement cost.
What is the body control module and why is it important?
The body control module in your car is the “computer,” which is the electronic system responsible for monitoring, analyzing, and controlling numerous electronic accessories within the car’s body. The body control module, also known as the BCM, controls the power windows, power mirrors, immobilizer system, air conditioning, central locking, and other electronically-assisted parts.
How does the power seat control module function?
We know the power seat control module and the body control module work together to adjust the seat position and provide an optimal and comfortable driving situation for the car owner. However, now we need to know WHY this is so important in car performance and driver safety.
The seat control module receives an electrical signal from switches in the seat system. When these switches are turned on, they send information to the power seat motors. The adjustments are all sent together, so the motors turn on simultaneously and adjust the seat accordingly.
These operations, along with other functions like locking windows, turning on/off airbags, and switching on car alarms, are all controlled by the body control module. If you find the body control module is not working correctly, you will also find a higher power seat control module replacement cost.
Symptoms of a Faulty Power Seat Control Module
Any signs or symptoms of a malfunctioning power seat control module automatically hint at a greater problem with the seats, body control module, or higher power seat control module replacement cost. Symptoms can include the power seat not moving during adjustments, moving in only one direction when the button is pressed, or the seat moving erratically while switching positions.
In vehicles containing seat heaters with controls that adjust the power seats, faulty seat heaters can be a symptom of a broken power seat control module. Since these mechanisms work together, a higher power seat heater cost can correlate with a higher power seat control module replacement cost.
Lastly, in some cases, seat setting memory can be erased due to a faulty seat control module. A dead battery, blown fuse, or broken electric connection can cause the settings to be no longer stored and erased.
Can you drive with a faulty power seat control module?
If you notice the signs and symptoms of a faulty power seat control module in your vehicle, the next step is deciding if it is safe to continue driving. Suppose the cause of the malfunctioning power seat control module is an electrical short circuit or a dead battery. In that case, you need to bring your car to a mechanic as soon as possible to receive a quote on the power seat control module replacement cost.
Not With a Dead Battery!
You can determine if your car battery has a dead cell based on the voltage reading and output. Fully charged car batteries usually measure at around 12.6 volts or above, with some instances of your car battery showing 13 volts. When the engine is running and functioning correctly, the car battery will fluctuate between 13.7 and 14.7 volts. If you don’t have the proper diagnostic tools, you can perform some electrical tests.
By turning on and off the car’s headlights and dashboard lights, you can indicate whether the battery is functioning correctly and whether your car battery has a dead cell. If the lights have normal brightness as the engine is turning over, the charging system functions typically. Figuring out the cause of a faulty power seat control module is key to determining if it is safe to continue driving in your car.
Not With Improperly-Adjusted Seats!
If a bad control module causes the power seats not to work well, the seats may not be able to adjust properly. If this is the case, the driver could be stuck in a compromising position that can lead to an unsafe driving situation. If you can’t fully reach the pedals or the steering wheel, your ability to control the car will be severely compromised.
Lastly, improper seat position regarding the controls and the airbags can be fatal to the driver. If your seat is not adjusted to the proper position and height, it can lead to problems in the event of an accident. If this is the case, bring your car to a local auto body shop to receive a quote on the total power seat control module replacement cost.
How often should I replace the power seat control module?
Power seat components are designed and constructed to last the lifetime of the entire vehicle. However, as you know, accidents happen. Even though it is unlikely something happens to the power seat control module, you need to be prepared for anything as a car owner.
The control module switches can sometimes wear down over time if they are frequently used. If your car has multiple drivers and the power seats are being moved back and forth every day, it can lead to quicker wear and tear than in other situations. Damage can occur to wiring or on the power seat control module under the seat, especially if you let water pool, dirt or debris get under the seats, or store items under the seat while driving.
The Bottom Line
As a car owner, paying $650 for the power seat control module replacement cost will keep you safe, comfortable, and alert while driving, keeping you and your passengers confident while in the car!