A winder tool isn’t specifically mentioned in the original text, but the process described involves manually adjusting a power car seat using drills after the manual adjuster has been damaged. This article will outline the steps and tools required to perform this task, serving as a guide for those facing a similar issue.
Manually Adjusting a Power Car Seat
A malfunctioning power car seat can be a major inconvenience. When the manual adjuster is also damaged, accessing the seat track and adjusting the seat’s position requires a workaround. The following method uses drills to simulate the function of a winder tool, allowing for forward and backward movement of the seat.
Tools Required:
- Two drills with a drill bits kit
- Philips head screwdriver
- 6mm Allen wrench
- 18mm wrench (for leverage)
- Small torch (for heating Allen heads)
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Access the Seat Mechanism: Remove the front plastic panel covering the seat base.
- Disconnect the Motor: Detach the “paperclip” securing the motor and driveshaft tubes. Remove the clip behind the left driveshaft tube to allow for its removal.
- Prepare the Drills: Pull both driveshaft tubes forward. Mount 1/4 inch of each driveshaft’s square end into the chuck of a drill.
- Control Seat Movement: With one drill set to forward and the other to reverse, slowly rotate each drill, pushing towards the seat to engage the gearing. Observe the seat’s direction of travel.
- Access Front Allen Bolts: With the seat all the way back, locate the two exposed Allen heads in the seat track. If stripped, they may need to be drilled out.
- Access Rear Allen Bolts: Reverse the drill directions and move the seat forward to expose the four rear Allen heads.
- Loosen Allen Bolts: (AT YOUR OWN RISK) Carefully apply heat to each Allen head with a torch for 20-30 seconds to soften factory threadlocker. Use the 6mm Allen wrench with the 18mm wrench for leverage to loosen the bolts.
- Free the Seat: Once all Allen bolts are removed, the seat should be free from the track.
- Disconnect Electrical Components: Tilt the seat back, remove the gold plate held by two Philips head screws, and unplug the switch harness. Unplug the seatbelt receiver harness.
- Remove the Seat: Carefully remove the seat from the vehicle.
This procedure allows for manual adjustment of a power car seat with a damaged manual adjuster. While it doesn’t utilize a specific “winder tool,” the drills effectively serve the same purpose by engaging the seat’s internal mechanism. Remember to proceed with caution, especially when using heat, and consider consulting a professional if you’re uncomfortable performing this task.
