1988 Corvette Power Seat Problem
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Intermediate
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
1988 Corvette Power Seat Problem
I have a 1988 Corvette convertible with power seats. The passenger seat will adjust in every direction except for moving back (if someone moves the seat forward, it can only be moved back by bypassing the switch and operating the power seat motor directly). It seems pretty clear that the problem is the switch that controls front and back movement, but GM has stopped making the switch. I have so far taken the car to two repair facilities, and neither has been able to find a part on the secondary market. Does anyone have any suggestions as to how to fix the switch, where to find a new switch or how to bypass the switch so that the motor can be operated directly? Thanks in advance for any help you can provide.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 2,118
Likes: 0
From: St. Charles, MO Route 66 Corvette Club
Suggest you go to a business that sells used Corvette parts and purchase a used switch. I have dealt with Vette to Vette and they give very good service on used parts.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 918
Likes: 5
From: Gainesville FL
After discovering that new ones were unavailable, I repaired my switches. The large rectangular wiring harness is held on by two press rings at the corners. Cut the vinyl along the corners so you can get a screwdriver underneath the press rings and remove them. Once the switches are out of the harness, you have to remove several copper strips and insulators that are held on the switch pins by little "teeth". It takes some patience, but use a small screwdriver to slide the copper strips off, being sure to mark the orientations. Once you finally get the switches off, open them up by sliding the U-shaped clip off the locks on the outside. Open the switch and you'll see that the contacts on top of the brass pins (the ones that stick out of the bottom) will be black on top. This is what's causing the problem. Use very fine sandpaper to remove the black junk on all the contacts, then put the switches back together. It's way easier to install the copper strips and the press rings than it was to remove them! If the switches were the problem, you'll be all set.
