I have a 1988 (4 weeks old to me) and the seats were working off and on (6 way electric ) they stopped working all together so I replaced the fuse. all worked for about 10 seconds and then smoke came out from my console left side. Now trying to take dash/ console apart to expose wires and take a look. Pulled fuse so all is OK. My questions is, I need more detailed directions on how to remove them I have the Haynes manual... they cover dash removal, but do not mention electric seats or how to remove the console covers. Plus I have the problem of the seat being all the way back and down ( does not move) for taking it out. I would gladly buy a 1988 shop manual. Have located a few, but I do not want to buy anything but the complete one (original version), fearing not having the information I need to do this with out breaking something along the way... this is my first Vette and I would feel horrible. I have checked Youtube, internet, and the forum with all combinations I could think of with no results. Any advice on how to get the information to take care of my Baby? My hope is that when I am thru I will post that information so all can DIY. Thanks

 

Taking the seat track out is very easy. Do some searches here in the C4 general area.

Cushion has a hook on the front edge. Push it rearward and the cushion lifts out. Then you can see the nuts to remove.

Also, you can twist the cables by hand to move the seat position. That would help until you get it fixed

 

The problems usually seen with the electric seats are caused by the transmission. The transmission housing breaks and it has plastic gears in it and they grind themselves to death.

There is a thread on here somewhere (sorry, I don't have a link), where the guy plastic welded the transmission housing, which immediately cracked again. He decided replacement was the only real fix.

You can see all this by lifting the bottom seat cushion. It is held in place by a wire bail on the front of the seat. Check out this video for all the info you need:

 

Elkhunter 1988, welcome to C4 Corvette world, Congratulations. You started off with a great generation. I also have an 88 with sport seats. If you have the Haynes manual then the first thing you need to do is to remove the entire seat from the car. Remove the plastic trim that covers the front 2 seat bolt mounts. A 13mm short socket for the front and somehow you will need a 13mm deep well for the back 2 seat mounting bolts. Since your seat is fully back there is a problem to access. Do the best you can since the nut is a 13mm.
When you get the seat loose there are 2 main wiring harnesses that run under the carpet to unplug before you can pull the seat out. If you have a coupe, take the roof off to pull the seat out. Once the seat is out you can turn it upside down to get at the seat transmission that you need to replace. Get an old blanket and do the work inside. Expect grease. I haven’t done this in many years but you need to separate the seat transmission from the seat assembly. I would buy a re-manufactured assembly to replace the one you have. Having the replacement transmission in front of you will help your removal & installation. Before installing I would grease the seat tracks with synthetic grease or silicone. This will help keep the new motor from wearing out. I replaced my seat transmission with a used one in 1996 and used synthetic grease. Still working today.
When installing your seat you may find that the Lumbar system hoses have broken or the lumbar bag is cracked. You decide if you want to keep the Lumbar system. I am planning to re-upholstery my seats (the second time) this winter and plan on not using the Lumbar function and covering over the switch on the seat.

 

Did all seat functions fail or are some still working??

The 6-cavity connector between the LH PS switches and the LH PS is in that area. I believe there is a cable coming out of the carpet into that connector.

BTW, MAM has the 1988 Vette Factory Serivce Manual 2vol set: P/N 600-109, $149.99.

 

They all seemed to work and than the smoke!!! I pulled the fuse and it stopped right away (smoke) so will order that manual and I thank you so much for the info.. Will look again on the pulling of the seat and then the panel and carpet. Will keep you posted. Thanks Ron


Thanks

 

When you pull the seat bottom use care with the air lines. There are two sets three air lines that interconnect with black plastic sockets.
I use a very small flat-blade to carefully separate the sockets as they are prone to breakage.

 

Thanks Again. That helps so much... Dumb questions What does MAM stand for? I could not find it anywhere to order those manuals.. Newbie!!!

 

MAM = Mid America Motorworks.

http://www.mamotorworks.com/