Everything you wanted to know about: "Memory Seats"

[NICE59FORDF100]

As the first thread in a planned number of my 'Everything you wanted to know about' series, I thought I would offer up details, explainations, diagrams, and just general information about different areas of ford electronics and electrical know-how. Everyone has their special area, and being as how mine is all things 12v, I thought I would try and share just what I know (or don't know, hey, I'm still learning). These threads shouldn't be looked at as a 'How-to', but more like a 'How-Does' in the context of modifications or repair. So now that the boring stuff is out of the way, let's take a look at how Ford's memory seat functions work!

General​

So what exactly is memory seating? Well, in a nutshell, it allows the driver to have 1-3 programmed positions for the seat to reside in. This is helpful for vehicles that have more than one driver - instead of constantly moving the seat trying to get in the exact spot you like, the memory functions allows the position to be recalled from, well, memory. Or perhaps if you like two different driving positions (normal and offroad lets say) then the memory function is just as useful to have around. So what makes the difference between non memory and memory seats? Well, lets take a look...

1) Memory Control Module (or Driver Seat Module)
This is the brains of the operation. This, like many other solid state electronics, is a microprocessor control unit the receives inputs from various states and commands outputs based on those inputs.

2) Memory Seat Track
You may be thinking that the seat tracks will be the same, but actually there is one small difference (the seat position sensor, but we will cover that in a bit)

3) Memory Seat Switch
This is the user input that allows selection of the different seating positions and the programming of new ones.

4) Electrical Harness
What allows everything to communicate with everything else.

Now what does this all mean for the explorer? It means with a little patience and time, you can add memory seating to you explorer with relative ease. But let's look first on how the system works in order to understand it a bit better.

(Figure 1)

(Figure 2)

As you can see from the above diagram, the memory seating electrical is really not all that bad (1997 Explorer pictured, varies slightly by year). The main difference between memory seats and non memory seats is how the 6 way power seat motors are controlled. On a non memory seat, power is routed through the switch to the motor itself. On the memory seat (pictured above), power is routed through the switch to the module, and then the module directs voltage/ground to the motors to correspond to the movement of the switch. When the memory buttons are pressed (Labeled 1, 2, or pressing both at the same time for setting number 3), the module receives voltage directed through the switch, and using the hall effect sensors embedded in the motors themselves, the module is able to move the seat to the desired programmed position! Now let's look at what it takes to add memory seats to your explorer!

On any explorer equipped with power seats, you have 12 volts and ground that run to the seat track. (12 volts [Hot At All Times] 91-94 - Dark Green wire, 95-01 - Black/White wire). In a memory seat application, you have several more, as well as a 12V Hot In Start Circuit (Red/Black wire). The purpose of this circuit it to only allow the memory recall function to operate when the vehicle is in park or neutral. Also on 98+ Explorers, the DSM (driver seat module) became data link capable, meaning it was tied into the multiplex communcation network, and allowed scan tools to scan, diag, and access PID data for the module via the data link connector under the dash. Starting with Figure 1 going clockwise:

BK/W (Large Gauge) - Circuit 171 - Hot at all times. This will be spliced into the current 12V wire under the carpet. This is fused circuit that supplies voltage to the motors and lumbar system.

P/W - Circuit 266 - Signal return. This goes to the memory switch and allows the circuit to become comple when the Set, 1, or 2 button is pressed

BR/LG - Circuit 267 -Switch #1 - When pressed, allows voltage to flow from the module, through the P/W wire, and back to the module.

BK/O - Circuit 268 - Switch #2 - When pressed, allows voltage to flow from the module, through the P/W wire, and back to the module.

BR/O - Circuit 270 - Set Switch - When pressed, allows voltage to flow from the module, through the P/W wire, and back to the module.

LG/W - Circuit 271 - LED signal return - Ground wire for the LED inside the Set Switch

W/O - Circuit 272 - LED - When voltage is applied on this wire by pressing the set switch, the LED will illuminate.

R/BK - Circuit 1000 - Hot In Start. When voltage is present in park or neutral, the memory seat will function.

LG/Y - Circuit 54 - Hot at all times. This fused circuit supplies voltage to the Driver Seat module. Can be spliced into the 12V Hot at all times circuit coming from the carpet)

BK - Circuit 57 - Ground. Can be spliced into existing ground wire coming from the carpet.

BK/WH (Small gauge) - Circuit 570 - Ground. Can be spliced into existing ground wire coming from the carpet.

Figure 2

Y/LB - Circuit 990 - Front Tilt Up. 12 volts is sent from the switch to the module to raise the front of the seat.

R/LB - Circuit 979 - Front Tilt Down. 12 volts is sent from the switch to the module to lower the front of the seat.

Y/W - Circuit 980 - Entire Seat Rearward. 12 volts is sent from the switch to the module to move the entire seat rearward.

R/W - Circuit 981 - Entire Seat Forward - 12 volts is sent from the switch to the module to move the entire seat forward.

BK - Circuit 57 - Ground. Circuit that supplies the ground signal to the switch.

Y/LG - Circuit 982 - Rear Tilt Up. 12 volts is sent from the switch to the module to raise the rear of the seat.

R/LG - Circuit 983 - Rear Tilt Down. 12 volts is sent from the switch to the module to lower the rear of the seat.

BK/W - Circuit 171 - Hot at all times. Voltage present from the BK/W wire in figure 1

Y/LG - Circuit 982 - Rear Height Motor Signal Return. Provides signal return (12V or ground) depending on direction of motor desired. Sent from the module to the motor.

R/LG - Circuit 983 - Rear Height Seat Motor. Receives either 12V or ground depending on the direction of motor desired. Sent from the module to the motor.

LG/BK - Circuit 444 - Seat Position Sensor. Provides the rear height sense to the memory module.

O/W - Circuit 446 - Seat Position Sensor Voltage. Provides positive (usually 5 volts) to the hall effect sensors.

Y/W - Circuit 980 - FWD/RWD Motor Signal Return. Provides signal return (12V or ground) depending on direction of motor desired. Sent from the module to the motor.

R/W - Circuit 981 - FWD/RWD Motor. Receives either 12V or ground depending on the direction of motor desired. Sent from the module to the motor.

LG/O - Circuit 442 - Seat Position Sensor. Provides the horizonal height sense to the memory module.

Y/LB - Circuit 990 - Front Height Motor Signal Return. Provides signal return (12V or ground) depending on direction of motor desired. Sent from the module to the motor.

R/LB - Circuit 979 - Front Height Motor. Receives either 12V or ground depending on the direction of motor desired. Sent from the module to the motor.

LG/R - Circuit 443 - Seat Position Sensor. Provides the front sense height sense to the memory module.

O/R - Circuit 447 - Seat Position Sensor Voltage. Provides negative (clean ground for 5 volts) to the hall effect sensors.



Ok, take a breather, I know that was a lot of information to process. But if you are adding memory seats, it is best to utilize the entire electrical harness out of the Limited seat and pretty much stuff it into your existing seat (If you are wanting to retain your existing seat. If you are upgrading to limited seats, the wiring can stay in place). When using the stock harness, you really dont have to worry about the electrical in figure 2, since it all plugs in the same and nothing has to be cut or splice. Another neat thing about the electrical harness/module/seat frames that in 98+ explorers, the seat frames are identical between XLT and limited seats...meaning everything will fit right inside your exisiting seat! If you have a 92-97 XLT type seat with leg extenders, this is can be a little bit more tricky as the thigh extender tucks in the same spot as the memory seat module mounts to. It just takes some creative mounting.

So there you have it for now! I will add pictures as I convert another non-memory seat to a memory one (next truck I will be doing this on will be a 99 Mountaineer). Please, feel free to ask any questions or contribute below!

Wiring Diagrams, Connector Views, Diagnostics​

Below are the different wiring setups for the general years of Explorers in which they were used. The most basic design was of course in 93-97, then changed in 98.

1993-1994

Module, Programmable Memory Seat, Explorer Limited Edition

The memory seat module has a built-in diagnostic feature that greatly enhances its serviceability.

NOTE: If the seat is stuck in the most rearward and down position, it may be necessary to remove the seat to test the module.

To place the module into the diagnostic mode, press the white button located on the top of the module.
Place the module in either of the two available diagnostic test modes by pressing the test button. This button is recessed into the top rear inboard edge of the driver side memory module. The memory module is mounted to the seat track on the inboard side.
The test results are viewed as coded pulses of the test LED. This LED is located inboard of the 21 pin receptacle on the rear of the memory module. The driver side module test results may also be read on the LED located in the memory SET/RECALL switch on the driver side door.

Module Diagnostic Test

Ignition in RUN or ACC position.
Press self-test button. Each motor will be momentarily activated. Observe brief set of seat movements and listen for motor activation.
Observe test LED. Test passed: five flashes. Test failed: one flash observed.

Range of Motion Test

Ignition in ON or ACC position.
Press diagnostic test button. Each motor will be momentarily activated. Look for brief set of seat movements and listen for motor activation.
Observe test LED. After five flashes, but before the two flashes, move the seat horizontally and return to original position. Move the driver side seat switch either forward then back or back then forward.
System will enter the RANGE OF MOTION TEST. Seat will move on each of its axes to the extremes of travel. Each axis will be activated individually and at the end of this test the seat will be in the original shipping position.

Seat Switch Test, Programmable Memory

Use a self-powered test light or an ohmmeter to test memory seat switch.

NOTE: Check all terminals at the switch connector.

With button 1 pressed, there should be continuity between terminals P/W and BR/LG.
With button 2 pressed, there should be continuity between terminals P/W and BK/O.
With SET button pressed, there should be continuity between terminals P/W and BR/O.
To test LED light in SET button, ground terminal L/W, and connect terminal W/O to positive battery feed. Light should glow.
If switch does not test as described, replace switch and wiring assembly.

MEMORY SEAT DOES NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY — TEST F

F1 USE MEMORY SWITCH TO DIAGNOSE DRIVER SIDE SEAT POSITION SENSORS
*Ignition switch in RUN or ACC position.
*Press either a memory SET or RECALL button.
*Does the SET LED flash more than once? Note the number of LED flashes:

->Three flashes
LOCATE and SERVICE open/grounded seat position sensor signal line and/or an open/grounded sensor power supply line.
->Four flashes
LOCATE and SERVICE open seat position sensor ground line.
->Six flashes
LOCATE and SERVICE both an open sensor ground line and an open/grounded signal line and an open/grounded sensor power line.


F2 USE SEAT CONTROLS TO DIAGNOSE POSITION SENSORS
*Ignition in ON or ACC.
*Using seat control buttons, command an axis move.
*Does the axis motor run for 0.8 second, then stop?

Yes
LOCATE and SERVICE open sensor ground, open/grounded sensor signal line, open/grounded sensor power supply line.

No
GO to Power Seat Motor Diagnosis for axis in question. REFER to Power Seat Diagnosis in this section.

Memory Seat Switch Removal and Installation

1) Remove finish panel. Using a screwdriver, disengage retaining stud at rear edge of bezel from door panel and remove finish panel.
2) Gently snap switch from bezel.
3) Disconnect switch connector and remove switch.
4) To install, reverse removal procedure.

Seat Processor Assembly, Programmable Removal and Installation

1) Remove seat and track assembly as described in this section.
2) Place seat upside down on clean padded surface.
3) Remove two nuts and screw holding processor assembly to seat track assembly.
4) To install, reverse removal procedure. Verify seat occupied switch condition and proper installation in center of cushion frame flexilator. Tighten nuts to 10.2-13.9 Nm (8-10 ft-lb).

1995-1997

The only real change that was made for the 95-97 style memory seats was the electrical connectors that attach to the module itself. Otherwise, everything is pretty much the same as 91-94.

Programmable Seat, Explorer Limited

This system allows automatic positioning of the driver's seat to three programmable positions.

*To program position 1, move driver's seat to desired position using seat regulator control switch (14A701) . Depress the set button. Within five seconds (before the LED goes out) depress button 1.
*To program position 2, repeat the previous procedure using button 2.
*To program position 3, repeat the previous procedure but depress buttons 1 and 2 simultaneously.
*To recall position 1, depress button 1. To recall position 2, depress button 2. To recall position 3, depress buttons 1 and 2 simultaneously.

A position can only be recalled when the transmission selector is in PARK or NEUTRAL. A position may be programmed at any time.

When power is first applied to the vehicle, the current position of the driver's seat is stored in all three memory locations.

The seat regulator control switches are wired through the memory seat module. If the module is not installed, or not functional, the memory or seat regulator control switch will not work.

Sensors on the front seat track (61705) determine movement. If these sensors are not connected, the memory or seat regulator control (14776) will not work.

Circuit Protection

The power seat circuit is protected by a 20-amp circuit breaker. The circuit breaker is mounted in the fuse panel.

The power seat circuit in Explorer is protected by a 60-amp maxi-fuse in the power distribution box located in the engine compartment.

Module, Programmable Memory Seat, Explorer Limited Edition

The memory seat module has a built-in diagnostic feature that greatly enhances its serviceability.

NOTE: If the seat is stuck in the most rearward and down position, it may be necessary to remove the seat to test the module.

*To place the module into the diagnostic mode, press the white button located on the top of the module.
*Place the module in either of the two available diagnostic test modes by pressing the test button. This button is recessed into the top rear inboard edge of the driver side memory module. The memory module is mounted to the front seat track (61705) on the inboard side.
*The test results are viewed as coded pulses of the test LED. This LED is located inboard of the 21-pin receptacle on the rear of the memory module. The driver side module test results may also be read on the LED located in the memory SET/RECALL switch on the driver side door.

Module Diagnostic Test

1) Ignition switch (11572) in RUN or ACC position.
2) Press self-test button. Each seat regulator motor (14547) will be momentarily activated. Observe brief set of seat movements and listen for seat regulator motor activation.
3) Observe test LED. Test passed: five flashes. Test failed: one flash observed.

Range of Motion Test

1) Ignition in ON or ACC position.
2) Press diagnostic test button. Each seat regulator motor will be momentarily activated. Look for brief set of seat movements and listen for seat regulator motor activation.
3) Observe test LED. After five flashes, but before the two flashes, move the seat horizontally and return to original position. Move the driver side seat back control switch either forward then back or back then forward.
4) System will enter the RANGE OF MOTION TEST. Seat will move on each of its axes to the extremes of travel. Each axis will be activated individually and at the end of this test the seat will be in the original shipping position.

Seat Switch Test, Programmable Memory

NOTE: Check all terminals at the switch connector.

1) Use a self-powered test light or an ohmmeter to test memory seat switch.
2) With button 1 pressed, there should be continuity between terminals P/W and BR/LG.
3) With button 2 pressed, there should be continuity between terminals P/W and BK/O.
4) With SET button pressed, there should be continuity between terminals P/W and BR/O.
5) To test LED light in SET button, ground terminal L/W, and connect terminal W/O to positive battery feed. Light should glow.
6) If switch does not test as described, replace switch and wiring assembly.

Seat Processor Assembly, Programmable Removal and Installation

1) Remove seat and track assembly as described in Removal and Installation in this section.
2) Place seat upside down on clean padded surface.
3) Remove screws and X-mas tree fasteners holding processor assembly to seat cushion assembly.

For installation, follow removal procedures in reverse order. Verify seat occupied switch condition and proper installation in center of cushion frame flexilator. Tighten nuts to 10.2-13.9 Nm (8-10 lb-ft).

Programmable Seat Processor Assembly

1998-2001

Ford made a few more changes to it's memory seating system starting in the 98 model year. First, the actual processor shrunk about 25% in size, the connectors changed again, some of the wire colors changed, and the memory switch no longer drew power and ground from the module, but from a separate circuit and separate ground. It also became data link capable allowing scan tools to communicate with it via the multiplex communication network. But, the general operation and theory remained the same.

Programmable Seat, Explorer Limited
Programmable Seat Switch



This system allows automatic positioning of the driver seat to three programmable positions.

• To program position one, move the driver seat to the desired position using the seat regulator control switch. Depress the set button. Within five seconds, depress button one.
• To program position two, repeat the previous procedure using button two.
• To program position three, repeat the previous procedure but depress buttons one and two simultaneously
• To recall position one, depress button one. To recall position two, depress button two. To recall position three, depress button one and two simultaneously.

A position can only be recalled when the transmission selector is in PARK or NEUTRAL. A position may be programmed at any time.



Inspection and Verification

1. Verify the customer concern by operating the power seat(s).

1. Visually inspect for obvious signs of mechanical and electrical damage.

1. If the concern remains after the inspection connect the New Generation STAR (NGS) Tester to the data link connector (DLC) located beneath the instrument panel and select the vehicle to be tested from the NGS menu. If the NGS does not communicate with the vehicle:
   • check that the program card is properly installed.
   • check the connections to the vehicle.
   • check the ignition switch position.

1. If the NGS still does not communicate with the vehicle, refer to the New Generation STAR Tester manual.

1. Perform the DATA LINK DIAGNOSTIC TEST. If the NGS responds with:
   • CKT914, CKT915 or CKT70 = ALL ECUS NO RESP/NOT EQUIP, refer to Section 418-00.
   • NO RESP/NOT EQUIP for DSM, go to Pinpoint Test K.
   • SYSTEM PASSED, retrieve and record the continuous diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), erase the continuous DTCs and perform self test diagnostics for the driver seat module (DSM).

1. If the DTCs retrieved are related to the concern, go to DSM Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Index to continue diagnostics.

1. If no DTCs related to the concern are retrieved, proceed to Symptom Chart to continue diagnostics.

DSM Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Index

DSM Parameter Identification (PID) Index

DSM Active Command Index

Component Test

Switch — Seat Regulator Control
Seat Regulator Control Switch

Remove the seat regulator control switch. Measure the resistance between the following indicated terminals while pressing the requested switches.

The resistance should be less than 5 ohms for each direction.
If the resistance is not less than 5 ohms for each switch, replace the switch; otherwise, return to the calling pinpoint test.

Switch — Memory Set
Memory Set Switch

Remove the memory set switch.
Measure the resistance between the following indicated terminals while pressing the requested switches.

The resistance should be less than 5 ohms for each switch position.
If the resistance is not less than 5 ohms for each switch, replace the switch; otherwise, return to the calling pinpoint test.

NOTE: Refer to Multimeter User's Manual for testing diodes.
To check the memory set switch LED, connect the positive meter lead to terminal 8 and the negative lead to terminal 9. The meter should indicate greater than 0.3 volts. Reversing the leads, the meter should read O L.
If the meter readings are not as indicated above, replace the switch; otherwise, return to the calling pinpoint test.

Seat—Track, Limited and 6-Way Power

Removal

1. Remove the front seat; refer to Seat—Front Bucket.

1. Place the seat on a clean workbench.

1. Remove the safety belt slide bar.
   1. Remove the nut.
   1. Remove the bolt.
   1. Remove the safety belt slide bar.

4) Disconnect the seat track wiring harness electrical connectors.

1. Disconnect the seat module electrical connectors.

• Disconnect the seat track motor electrical connectors.

5) Remove the seat track.

1. Remove the bolts.
2. Remove the seat track.

Installation

1. NOTE: When installing the power seat track, start at the corner with the round hole and work around the seat base in a horseshoe patter.
   To install, reverse the removal procedure.

Seat Module—Driver

Removal

CAUTION: Electronic modules are sensitive to static electrical charges. If exposed to these charges, damage may result.

1. Remove the seat track assembly; refer to Seat—Track, Limited and 6-Way Power.

1. Remove the driver seat module (DSM).
   1. Disconnect the electrical connectors.
   1. Remove the screws.
   1. Remove the DSM.

Installation

CAUTION: Electronic modules are sensitive to static electrical charges. If exposed to these charges, damage may result.

1. Install the DSM.
   1. Position the DSM.
   1. Install the screws.
   1. Connect the electrical connectors.

1. Install the seat track; refer to Seat—Track, Limited and 6-Way Power.

(reserved for 02-05 wiring)

 

[Kris Guilbeaux]

Thanks for the info Russell ill use it to put memory seats in all my explorers...

 

[rolleye]

Very Timely.

I will be - hopefully, after almost 2 years - putting some '00 Limited heated/power/lumbar seats into my '02 Sport, replacing non-powered seats. Can't rush these things ya know ...

I was thinking of adding memory to the passenger side as well as I have another set of Limited seats/tracks from a '94 I think. No stock memory switch location for me though so finding a mounting spot for 2 memory switches will be a challenge so I might not do the memory for the passenger side.

Subscribed !!!

 

[rolleye]

I have been working on bench testing my seats and so far so good, all position switches do what they should , front of seat up/down, rear of seat up/down, whole seat backwards/forward, lumbar inflates and deflates. That is a good thing...

The seats I have - from a '00 Limited - are also heated and the switch valence has the heat on/off switch. The connector on the seat - 12 pin female - is fully populated - there are wires in all 12 pin locations. Pic below.

The connector I have for the body side - from an unknown year/model truck, I think it may have been a Expedition... , it was a real pain finding this connector - plugs in correctly to the seat side connector. Though there are some different wire colors, the seat motors and lumbar pump all seem to work correctly so it looks like the pinouts are at least compatible.

But,

1 of the pins is not populated on the body side connector. The seat side connector wire color looks like light blue/white - not a heavy gage wire, but not thin either. Some wiring diagrams I have found for heated seats show that a LT BLU/WHT wire is for heated seats but gets its feed from a 30 amp fuse so I would expect that the wire would be fairly thick... Pic Below.

I really want the heated seats for our frigid Canadian winters. It looks like the rest of the power functions are working as they should so maybe its simply a matter of adding a wire & pin - or adding a large enough wire and bypassing the connector by splicing into the seat side wire.

Though I would prefer using the correct body side connector - fully populated - the one I have took a lot of sleuthing to find.

Any recommendations on how to best wire in the heated function ?

Also, is it possible to simply not hook up the memory switch and still retain the functionality of the seats ?

I really appreciate the post and the help you gave me 2 years ago - and I have reviewed the wiring diagrams you provided as well - but am stuck right now with what to do next.

Thanks Russell.

 

[NICE59FORDF100]

You are correct that the LB/W wire is used for the heated seats (as the hot at all times feed) however, there will be TWO LB/W wires in the connector (On a factory 2000 Limited with heated seats) One is the above wire, the other is the Data Link wire that splices into the LB/W circuit going to the data link connector. The empty space you showed above is for the data link wire, not the heated seat wire.

Hopefully that answers your question!

 

[rolleye]

Thanks for the reply. Funny how there's no mention of "heated" in any of your connector descriptions.

Looks like my body side connector is not really suited for my use as the BLU/WHT wire I have looks to small for the possible current.

Back searching I guess.

 

[NICE59FORDF100]

Yea, I didnt mention the heated seats as I was going to do a separate thread on heated seats.

 

[rolleye]

Ahh, something to look forward 2 - thanks. Memory seats with heat is my situation but there are probably lots others with simpler heated seats

If you have it, could you please post a full pinout of the seat side connector for memory seats - I have 2000 Ltd seats ? I have found that it is very simple to re-pin the body side connector but want to make sure I don't really screw something up ...

Looks like I can get a nice gauge wire for the heater feeds with a simple re-pin.

Thanks

 

[vroomzoomboom]

russ, i just wanted to say, i dont know how you figure this stuff out without loosing your sanity, and havent turned into a raging alcoholic.....

 

[Kris Guilbeaux]

I dunno how he keeps it straight and he even explains it to me but I get lost...

 

[CDW6212R]

That is a bunch or wiring diagrams and charts, thanks for the resource. When you get to it, can you fully detail where the #100 circuit connects to? That is the red/black wire, critical to make the seats function. I know it goes to the GEM module for 98-01 models, it's there in my 99 Limited.

I have plans to add the memory seats to both of my 98 seats, I have extra memory seat motor sets, and a couple of new seat tracks.

I'm hoping to scavenge memory seats and mirrors from a 95-97 Town Car, for my 91 Mark VII. Those never came with any of the parts, but my door panel does have a spot for the switch to bolt into. I will have to make a seat track though, those older seats used more complicated remote motors and flexible cables. I think I can cut the feet off of my spare new right Explorer seat track, and weld the Lincoln track feet onto it.

Fun fun fun, have it it.

BTW, anyone can mount the memory seat switch on an Explorer door panel, here it is on my 99 Limited, which has my 98 Mountaineer panels in it. Regards,

 

[rolleye]

I have a set of those seats Don - out of a '94 Limited. Cleanest junk yard vehicle I have ever seen. I should have taken the entire interior - spotless, looked like the back seats had never been sat on.

Sorry for the thread jack ...

 

[CDW6212R]

I have a set of those seats Don - out of a '94 Limited. Cleanest junk yard vehicle I have ever seen. I should have taken the entire interior - spotless, looked like the back seats had never been sat on.

Sorry for the thread jack ...

You should get the wiring from that truck, from the left seat to the left door, plus the small memory seat harness in the door. With that you would have everything needed to add the feature to your truck. You would have to use the 94 seat track, the motors in that one don't fit your current one. The seats should swap directly, if the bolt pattern stayed the same from the 01 Explorer to the Sport and Sport Trac. I don't know much about those later seats.

 

[rolleye]

Sounds like a great idea but the truck was crushed about 2 years ago shortly after I pulled those seats. I am pretty sure that I pulled the switch and a lot of the harness which i am trying to use now with a '00 Limited graphite set now.

Sorry for the confusion... I just wanted to remark that i happen to have a set of the seats you posted - will proably sell them soon.

Currently the seat motors and lumbar are working but I haven't got the heat or memory going yet. Heat is important to me and the memory would be interesting but not as important as heat.

I think the seats will bolt up fine and I have to run new wiring anyways as my truck has manual seats at present. I started a bench testing thread, it seems electrical is at the top of my list these days lol.

I do need some more help though to try and figure out the heat and memory component issues - i have some testing procedures that will probably help, but the memory aspect has me baffled. I read in this thread that there has to be at least some goodness - with respect to the memory module - for the motors to work at all - but i may be completely wrong about that.

I think you may have hit the nail on the head with your mention of the circuit 100 details.

 

[CDW6212R]

Yes, I've had at least two other people ask me about getting the heating section to work, and/or just the seat controls.

I think the module has to receive power, given that here in this tread it mentioned the motor signals going through the module, to the motors. But I've been told that sending power to the module(green/yellow) didn't help.

Hopefully the details of what's needed are here in this thread. I have a 99 Limited seat set as spares, and I wasn't able to get the memory seat to move at all.

 

[rolleye]

Some progress on my end. I decided to swap the heater module from the passenger side to the driver side and see if it worked.

D'oh !!, it did... so it looks like my driver side heated seat issue is solved and I will find a replacement module for the passenger side. I wonder if there are any other vehicles that use the same heater modules, both of mine are marked YL14-14c724-AA ?

So now I can move the seat with power, lumbar works, and the heat works. Just need to tryy and figure out the memory component. I took a closer look and it looks like the switch I am using is an earlier one - probably from the '94 that I have the spare seats from. I will take some time and see if I can figure out the wire color mapping.

Don, could you check your memory module - off your '99 seats I think - and see if the white button is there ? I have seen pictures - and my '94 memory module has it I think - but the module in my '00 seats does not have a button for the diagnostics mentioned in the thread. Maybe Russel could chime in as well if he knows.

I also had a closer look at the wiring diagrams for the 98-01 memory seats and circuit C349F which joins C349M - right next to the Capital "A" - appears to be a -12V feed. I don't see the -12V marking in the schematics for the other years, they are marked as 12V only. Though i only know enough about electronics/electrical to be dangerous I do have some understanding about positive and negative voltage. Do you have access to the details about C346, maybe it does require a -12V signal... That could explain a lot of things.

Russel, any thoughts on the -12V marking and its source C346 ?

Progress anyways.

 

[CDW6212R]

I have my 99 Explorer built with the original wiring, and some additions. The seats are the 93's, with the 93 module and wiring. Other than the heat feature, they are plug and play, the outer seat connectors are the same, and the wire functions are the same. I have the 1993 memory switch in it also, the only change for the later switches is the connector in the door. The switch wires are the same though.

I tried to trace where the "Park/Neutral" wire went in my old 93 dash. I looked into it for about 10-15 minutes, and didn't completely track it to the source. In the 95+ models that one wire goes to the GEM module, so the signal telling the module that it's in Park or Neutral comes from the GEM. I was expecting the older 93/94 wire to lead to the trans, the neutral safety circuit in some way.

I think my 99 module has the white switch. I noticed that between the early and late modules, some have the switch, some have a fuse, and others don't.

I have an extra module to use for my right seat, I hadn't found another one yet besides this 99 module that hasn't worked yet.

 

[rolleye]

Interetsing ...

I opened my memory module up and no sign of a fuse that I could identify ... and no switch either.

Here is the part number on mine - YL-24-14C708-AA. I also have 2 memory switches one new and one used, wiring colors are the same and the only difference is that the gender of the plug is different between them as well as the wire length :scratch: Thread indicates different power/ground arrangemnet and some color changes ...

here's some pics:

Module:

Module Internals:

Switches:

Switch Plugs:

That -12V indication might be key ... Maybe someone has detailed wiring diagrams available to them and can shed some light on it.

I still might try and use the '94 module in the passenger side but would need to get another plug ... not fun. I have started the search for another heat module and will ask some electronics guys if changing what looks to be a transistor might fix the one i have. I wonder if my bumbling around might have killed it lol.

 

[NICE59FORDF100]

Don, could you check your memory module - off your '99 seats I think - and see if the white button is there ? I have seen pictures - and my '94 memory module has it I think - but the module in my '00 seats does not have a button for the diagnostics mentioned in the thread. Maybe Russel could chime in as well if he knows.

The white button is indeed for diagnostics of the memory module, but only on vehicles that are typically 97 and older. When the driver seat module became data link capable, the need for the little white button was no longer needed. So if you dont have the white button, then your DSM is data link capable and also have the newer 98-ish style and newer. When ever I add memory seats, I treat the wiring (and use the wiring diagrams) for the year of the module - for instance:

If you have a 99, but grabbed the wiring and memory functions from a 96, I would wiring the entire system like a 96, not a 99. If you have a 97, but got the components from a 2000, i would wire everything like a 2000. This helps keep future diags pretty simple, and limits the confusion on wire colors and differences in wiring altogether (like how the memory seat switch has 6 wires going to the module on 97 and older types, but only 4 on 98+)

Hope this clears some confusion up.

 

[rolleye]

Thanks Russell.

I am trying to wire up my '00 seats as '00's as they are going in an '02 Sport. My research has indicated that the physical switch is the same over the various years but that that some of the pinouts - and wire color connections - have changed. From reading the thread I think I saw that with memory seats the routing to the motors is via the memory module.

Is it correct to conclude that if the motors all function - using the valence switches - up/down, back/forward, etc - that the memory module is functioning ?

This makes me think that if the memory module died for some reason then the memory equipped seat could not be adjusted... This doesn't seem right to me but I dunno...

As I am using a body side harness of unknown origin - the connector is the correct one and most of the wire colors/gauges look correct - especially the larger gauge wires for seat power/heat - color matching has become a bit of a challenge - and my old eyes don't help the situation either.

As i mentioned in an earlier post, I have all functions except the memory capability working right now. The body side harness that I am going to use is not pretty but i can clean that up somewhat when I do the actual install.

One test hookup I tried made the switch indicator light be always on ... not correct of course, but seems to indicate that at least some of the components are working - at least the indicator light in the switch. I have yet to be able to program a position or even have it look like the memory system is waiting for me to select a position number.

It looks like diagnostics/troubleshooting on my '00 module is now done a different way using diagnostic tools that I don't have available to me.

Any thoughts on the -12V reference on the 1998 - 2001 schematics for the LG/Y wire from C346 ? This looks like it could be a significant detail but I don't know.

Thanks