Analysis: Seat Moves Forward, not Backwards

Hello F-Chatters! Long time viewer, first time poster.

I am in the midst of purchasing a F355, and have found a potential candidate .

It is a no story, beautiful car, with an engine out serviced recently. But, just like everything else, there is a catch.

The driver side seat will only move forward and it will not power backwards. I haven't had a chance to diagnose yet as I do not own the car but I certainly want to factor this into the sale. I have read a lot about replacing the seat potentiometers, but it seems that the symptoms are the opposite of those usually found with malfunctioning seat potentiometers. What I have read, you can typically only move backwards and not forwards.

The top still operates normally although it does require a little bit of guidance . Could this potentially be a seat potentiometer issue or am I looking at much bigger dollars? I know this is somewhat vague but just trying to get a sense of what I should be expecting!

Thanks, looking forward to being an active poster!

 

It could be the potentiometer but it could also be the ECU or the relay on the ECU board. If it's a relay it can be replaced.

 

Easy to diagnose: unplug the seat pot and see if it moves both ways.

 

I am guessing that it is in your controller board.