Driver Power Seat With Memory

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2009 Mercury Sable, 2009 Ford Taurus X, and 2009 Ford Taurus. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: A memory recall can be initiated only if the vehicle is in PARK or NEUTRAL gear and the ignition switch is not in START. A memory recall in progress will not be affected by moving the ignition switch to START or by moving the gearshift lever out of PARK or NEUTRAL.

NOTE: Verify good battery condition before diagnosing the memory seat system. Poor battery condition may interfere with memory seat operation, even if vehicle starting is possible.

The memory driver seat feature allows the driver to program a personalized seat position that can be recalled using the memory switch or a remote keyless entry (RKE) transmitter (if associated). There are 2 memory settings possible. The outside rear view mirror positions and power adjustable pedals position are also stored and recalled with the power driver seat positions. For information on programming memory positions or recalling a stored memory position, refer to Memory Position Programming .

The driver power seat is controlled by the driver seat module (DSM), if equipped. The DSM is located underneath the driver seat cushion frame. Programmable module installation (PMI) must be carried out when installing a new DSM. Refer to MODULE CONFIGURATION article. The DSM does not require calibration to the driver seat track.

The driver seat control switch provides voltage to the DSM when activated. The neutral position of each driver seat control switch position is a ground state through the seat control switch contacts. A voltage input causes the DSM to power the appropriate motor until the input is removed. Ground is the normal state of the motor circuits through the DSM and is not switched to control the motors. The DSM internally switches the appropriate circuit from ground to power for operating the motors.

As the seat is adjusted, the DSM constantly monitors the motor position sensors to record the current seat position. The DSM will remove power from the motor upon termination of the seat control switch input or if the DSM does not see movement from the motor by monitoring the position sensor.

The DSM has the ability for soft stops both at the upper and lower limits on all axis of the driver seat. When an axis reaches the hard stop and the switch is held for approximately one second it will then back up 180 msec and establish the soft stop for that axis in that direction. The DSM uses this 'back up' strategy to check sensor integrity any time movement has stopped prematurely due to a sensor failure or obstruction.

The DSM communicates DTC and other information using the medium-speed controller area network (MS-CAN) communication bus. It should be noted for diagnostics that because controller area network (CAN) bus communication is more robust and reliable than other methods, it may be possible to have limited module communication with one of the CAN bus circuits disconnected or shorted to ground. Refer to MODULE COMMUNICATIONS NETWORK article for additional information concerning MS-CAN bus communication.

This article only diagnoses concerns specific to the memory seat. To diagnose a memory power mirror concern, refer to REAR VIEW MIRRORS article. To diagnose a power adjustable pedal concern, refer to BRAKE SYSTEM - GENERAL INFORMATION article.