Repairing inoperable rear seats power headrests

[550Maranello]

Chaps,

Last year DerFuror posted a very useful thread on how to repair inoperable front seats power headrests but the rear headrests are different, I have the feeling that it has something to do with a vacuum. Mine do not operate.

Please advise.

Thanks

Orazio

 

[gsxr]

Orazio, the rear headrests will only drop when the engine is running, and you hold the switch for a few seconds. If that is not working, then you'll need to check both the electrical and vacuum components. The solenoid is located under the left rear passenger seat cushion.

Also, the headrests do not move up by themselves, you must pull them up by hand. The console switch will only lower them.

 

[Hollybrook]

Check to see if your rear sunshade is fully down. My headrests only drop when this is the case. I sometimes have to wiggle it and try the headrests again -- something else on my to-do list...

 

[gsxr]

YES! I forgot about that... thanks for the reminder, Hollybrook!

 

[550Maranello]

I tried following your instructions but to no avail. I could replace the solenoid but if it is the vacuum line I don't know how to do it. Here is the photo. A line coming from the dash and two lines going to each headrest.

 

[gsxr]

I tried following your instructions but to no avail. I could replace the solenoid but if it is the vacuum line I don't know how to do it. Here is the photo. A line coming from the dash and two lines going to each headrest.

There are a few basic tests:

1) Check for vacuum at the single inlet tube with the engine running
2) Check for +12V at the electrical connection when the switch is pressed
3) Manually apply vacuum to the two outlet tubes and see if the rear headrests drop
4) Use a MityVac to see if the two outlet tubes hold vacuum (i.e., no leaks in trunk area)

Depending on the results you should be able to figure out what the problem is...

 

[550Maranello]

Great, Dave. Will do it after lunch.