Seat potentiometer override | FerrariChat

Seat potentiometer override

Discussion in '456/550/575' started by belfry, Oct 29, 2022.

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  1. belfry

    belfry Formula Junior

    May 14, 2015
    487
    UK
    Full Name:
    Robert Batt
    The passenger front seat will go up, down and tilt forwards but not back. Nor does the auto return function on that side after the seat has been tilted fully forward to get something out of the back seat.

    I have ordered a potentimeter repair kit. But it wont arrive here for almost a month.

    I'd like to override the system to get the seat into a comfortable position while I wait. Can I apply 12 v to the tilt motor? Or is there a manual knob that I can turn?

    I'd like my wife to be able to sit comfortably for the next month if possible.

    Many thanks

    Belfry
     
  2. Qavion

    Qavion F1 World Champ
    Silver Subscribed

    Feb 20, 2015
    14,334
    Sydney
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    Ian Riddell
    Do you have a 456 or 456M? All your posts seem to say 456.

    I don't see a potentiometer on the recline mechanism of a 456

    456:

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    456M:

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    Either way, you could put power directly on the motor. Unfortunately, you would probably have to remove/lift up the seat to get to the motor (#8).
     
  3. belfry

    belfry Formula Junior

    May 14, 2015
    487
    UK
    Full Name:
    Robert Batt
    Thank you so much for your reply.
    It's really interesting about the lack of recline pot on a 456 (mine is a 1995 456GT). My symptoms are the seat base rises and lowers, the seat back tilts forward fine but will only recline a couple of mm. As I continue to test this the seat back is getting into an uncomfortable position.
    I am tempted to remove the bolts and to tilt the seat backwards while still in the car. Then apply 12v to the motor to see if it moves backwards freely.
    You are kind to have included the diagrams as this will be super helpful.
     
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  4. Qavion

    Qavion F1 World Champ
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    Feb 20, 2015
    14,334
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    Ian Riddell
    Unfortunately, we don't have any wiring diagrams for the 456, but I think the motor power wires should be easy to spot (large gauge black and red, I suspect).

    It may be a good idea to disconnect the ECU under the seat when applying power directly to the motor (or disconnect the terminals on the motor before applying power) just in case putting the wrong polarity on the ECU damages it (The ECU normally supplies power to the motors).

    Hopefully nothing mechanical has broken (gearbox, driveshafts, etc)
     
  5. belfry

    belfry Formula Junior

    May 14, 2015
    487
    UK
    Full Name:
    Robert Batt
    I took the seat out, applied 12v to the seat back recliner in order to get it into a comfortable position, and then reinstalled the seat and plugged the connectors back in. The motor moved back smoothly so I don't think anything is wrong with the gears/mechanism.

    The seat still wont recline but it is now comfortable and in a great position for my wife. I have also removed the fuse on the front/underside of the seat and left it on the carpet in case I need to adjust things again.
    For anyone in this situation, the seat recline motor wires are the second set down in the connector holding the red and black power wires for the various motors.

    I was not able to see anything wrong with the seat but I have ordered a potentiometer repair kit and this can be a job for a dark winter's afternoon in a few months.
     
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  6. Qavion

    Qavion F1 World Champ
    Silver Subscribed

    Feb 20, 2015
    14,334
    Sydney
    Full Name:
    Ian Riddell
    On the 456, the only potentiometer appears to be on the fore/aft drive. See #13 in the first image (post 2).

    Could it simply be the control button not working? (which is now NLA)

    Anyway, glad you got your recline into a comfortable position.
     

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