Driver seat won't adjust

[JFAComanche6]

The power driver's seat in my 97 XLT 4-door won't scoot up or back more than about 3 inches. It's real far back, but not far enough for me and too far for my sisters. The bracket on the seat goes about flush with the front of the rails on the floor, it's even still a little behind the end of the rails. When I get it as far forward or back as it will go, it doesn't really cut off like a normal power seat, it just sorta dies towards the end of where it stops. I can't find any obstructions in the rails or those threaded rods that adjust the seat, so does this mean the motor is just going bad?

 

[koda2000]

if the motor is dying (certainly a possibility) after "resting" for a while it should work again. being about 17 years old, it's also possible that parts need to be cleaned and lubricated. if you remove the 4 bolts that hold the seat to the floor, you can tip it back to get a better look at the workings underneath to see how much crud may have built up. try cleaning up the tracks and screw rods and lubricating them with white lithium grease and see if that helps. if not, the motor may be shot or something may be bent.

 

[vroomzoomboom]

look at the plastic cover on the seat belt rail. i have had a few that it binds up, starts to bow out, then stops the seat dead.