www.jec.org.uk

The motor that controls the back rest of my seat has stopped working; I know it isn't the fuse because the lumbar support and back and forwards controls are still working. The removal of the seat seems fairly straightforward but haven't worked out how I might test the motor.

If I can't fix it can the back rest be moved manually in any way?

Has anyone had a similar problem and how was it remedied?

This has presented a bit of an opportunity because I am fairly long in the back and have never found the seat movement to be that accommodating; has anyone fitted seats from a different car or aftermarket options?

Depending what style seats you have fitted the easiest way to access your seat motor is to remove the backing panel from the seat and on the outside of the seat is the motor.
You can check the resistance through the motor - should be 2-3 ohms -
Or you can disconnect the motor and put a 12v feed directly to it and see if it moves.
It could be the motor,the seat module or the harness wiithin the seat causing the fault.

I offer you my assistance if you are in the swindon area PM me if you require it.
Good luck

thanks for that, i have the standard fit seats. Since posting the topic I have discovered that recaro seats were an option until 2005 when they became standard - I'd be interested to know how anyone else has got on with recaro seats. In the meantime I have had a look at the back of the seat and taking the back off doesn't look that simple - if I do that do I need any special tools?

No special tools needed just 2 screws on the bottom of the panel facing up. then a big pull on the top of the panel to release the securing clips