1990 Lexus LS 400 seat is stuck in upright position

Hello -

To make sure I understand you correctly..... The seat back needs to recline back some as it is sitting too straight up... Is this correct?

There isn't too much data on this but we will do what we can to assist.....

Will wait for your reply.

Hello -

I will give you a couple of things to check. It could be the switch or the motor. Both checks below.

POWER SEAT SWITCH

Continuity

Inspect the power seat switch continuity between terminals. See Fig. 30 and Fig. 31 . If continuity is not as specified, replace the switch.

Operation (Passenger's Seat)

1. Connect the positive (+) lead from the battery to terminal 1 and the negative (-) lead to terminal 2. Check that the motor turns counterclockwise. See Fig. 34 .

2. Reverse the polarity, check that the motor turns clockwise. See Fig. 34 .

3. If operation is not as specified, replace the motor. See RECLINING MOTOR under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION.

Circuit Breaker Operation (Passenger's Seat)

1. Connect the positive (+) lead from the battery to terminal 2 and the negative (-) lead to terminal 1 on the seat wire harness side connector, and put the "seat back" in the most forward position. See Fig. 38 .

2. Continue to apply voltage, check that there is a circuit breaker operation noise within 4 to 40 seconds. See Fig. 38 .

3. Reverse the polarity, check that the "seat back" starts to fall backwards within approximately 60 seconds. See Fig. 39 .

4. If operation is not as specified, replace the motor. See RECLINING MOTOR under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION.

Hello â€

Sorry about that...I should have answered that part. I am almost positive that the answer is no. You would have to pull the seat to check. Most actuators like this are screw drive and connected so that the seat cannot be adjust any other way. This keeps the seat save for driving. So even if the motor is bad... There still may not be a way to adjust the seat since the motor attaches to the two points. It is kind of like electric windows..... Boy they are nice until the motor dies... Then you are stuck in whatever position they are in.........

Once you check it, it may just be the switch..... That may only be 40 dollars..... It may be a motor....... You won’t really know until you do the check.......

Or if you are unable to purchase the switch and it is the switch (hopefully not the motor) then you may be able to adjust it to where you want it and then you have the problem solved.

I would check the dealer for the part number of the switch and motor and their cost.

Then try theses websites for the price.......

You may also be able to check salvage yards for used parts.......

Either way until you do the check or flip the seat upside down I am almost positive there is no way to adjust the seat without that motor moving....... We don’t show any of that in the manual and on the seats I have worked on the motor is the only way.

Hello -

Also, it looks like you may have some recalls on your vehicle. The dealer may fix these for free. Please contact the dealer service department, give them the VIN number of your car and have them check on these to see if they apply to you.

89V211000: CRUISE CONTROL ACTUATOR
NHTSA RECALL BULLETIN
Reference Number(s): 89V211000
Related Ref Number(s): 89V211000
ARTICLE BEGINNING
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION
Model(s): 1990 Lexus ES 250
Campaign No: 89V211000
Number of Affected Vehicles: 8301
Beginning Date of Manufacture: 1989 MAY
Ending Date of Manufacture: 1989 OCT
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION:
Passenger cars.
SYSTEM:
Speed Control; Cruise Control.
FAULT:
Cruise Control Actuator.
CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT:
This can increase stopping distances, which could result in an accident.
DESCRIPTION OF DEFECT:
Cruise control actuator may not release from its most recent setting due to sticking of clutch mechanism.
CORRECTIVE ACTION:
Replace cruise control actuator.

CENTER BRAKE LAMP HOUSING COULD DISTORT DUE TO HEAT
NHTSA RECALL BULLETIN
Reference Number(s): 89V212000
Related Ref Number(s): 89V212000
ARTICLE BEGINNING
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION
Model(s): 1990 Lexus LS 400
Campaign No: 89V212000
Number of Affected Vehicles: 10234
Beginning Date of Manufacture: 1989 MAY
Ending Date of Manufacture: 1989 OCT
Passenger cars.
SYSTEM
Stop lamp housing / FMVSS 108.
COSEQUENCE OF DEFECT
Bulb might move from its original position due to distortion, affecting luminous intensity required by FMVSS 108.
FAULT
Does not meet specs, Material, Heat treatment
DESCRIPTION OF DEFECT
Lamp housing of center high mounted stop lamp could become distorted after prolonged illumination, particularly under high temperatures.
CORRECTIVE ACTION
Replace lamp housing with one of higher temperature resistant material.