I suspect my driver's side electric seat reclining motor has partially died. When the control is moved it clicks in one direction, but does not recline, and in the other direction it makes no noise...

I see one on ebay for less than $40. that is a 1998.

My question is are the 98 units the same as the 2002/ aren't these 98-2003 the same??

 

on something like a motor, it'll almost def be the same.

why not check that the cable spindles are connected properly, as the ends go into square female plastic connectors, the spindles can round them out, this causes a failure to move the seat.
I think you remove the back panel on the seat by pushing it forward, pull and ease the sides out to release the clips at the sides. The base is held with 2 pozi screws that hold the plastic hinges to the base. Then inspect the motor, it's drive spindle and wiring...

 

People like you is what makes this board so amazingly great...

22 minutes after my post I have a knowledgeable answer

 

Please see attached pic.

I've taken the back of the seat off and unscrewed the motor, but it is still skewered with the shaft.. How to remove it from the shaft? How to remove the shaft (does it move to the left? does this simply take lots of force after removing the fragile looking retaining ring thingybob on the shaft outside the seat?)



p.s. I used the working switch from my 2002 XJR to test, the seat reclines back, but not forward. I also cleaned the connectors which made no change. I've just ordered a replacement motor, but would like advice of how to get the existing one off the shaft.

 

So did you get the motor off the shaft? Was that the problem?