Today a new surprise. When my wife went to adjust the driver's seat it wouldn't move. In fact, none of the seat controls work, even the heat. I've checked the fuses. I found a 20amp blown in the LH Facia fuse box. I replaced it and it blew immediatly. Does anybody have any idea of what may be shorting out?

 

What year is the XK8? What is the last 6 of the VIN?

 

Its a '97. Vin 002460.

 

Ok thanks.

Take a 10mm and take out the module from under the front of the drivers seat. A little tight but you can get it without taking seat out.

Disconnect the 3 connectors and replace fuse. If it does not blow, take out the module from under passenger seat and plug it into the drivers side. See if fuse stays in one piece. If it does, see if seat moves. If fuse still blows, you probably need a seat harness.

Hope this helps.

 

Thanks FJT, I'll try it this weekend. I sure hope it works. A harness sounds better (and cheaper) than a control module. I guess the same little test also will tell me if the module is fried, depending on when the fuse blows.

 

Exactly the process I would use to determine which is at fault.

Please let us know how you make out for the benifit of another who may have the same concern.

Good Luck.

 

Okay, I've tried to pull the module, but its connected from the back and I can't get to the connectors with out pulling the seat. I did disconnect the main yellow multiplug, and now the fuse no longer blows.
I hope someone knows how to remove the seat when it won't move. It is stuck all the way back, so I have access to the front bolts. How do I get access to the back bolts?Is there a way to jump the switch?

 

If you look under the seat at the module (it is right at the front) you should be able to take out the two 10mm nuts that hold it up there even with the seat all the way down.
If you disconnected a yellow connector, sounds like it is the one for the airbag system. 9 times out of 10 it is the seat harness. Had one though that was the side airbag itself.
Anyway, if you can get the two 10mm nuts off, you can pull the module forward and access the 3 connectors on the back. I would still try to swap module with one from other side just to make sure.

 

Thanks FJT, Okay, In pulled harder tan I thought I should. And it came rite out. I unplugged the unit. I then plugged the yellow multiplug back in. I could see a flash inside the plug. The fuse had blown again.
Are you sure about the yellow plug being exclusively for the air bags? I ask because I traced the wire down to the carpet. It looks to me like it is the main power source of the seat. And don't the safety fuses have yellow covers on them?
Anyway it does sound like the harness has shorted. I can't see any sign of arcing or sparking. I'm still looking.
Greatful for the help, Thanks again.

 

If the yellow connector was in the module, then it is not for the airbag. I am sorry, but I am doing this out my head and sometimes is hard to visualize everything.
Did you plug in the other module from the other seat? If not do that and see if fuse still blows. If it doesn't it likely is module not harness. If fuse still blows then I would go for harness.
Better to be sure than to repalce wrong part.

 

I was poking around looking for the short and "Eureka" FJT nailed it. The main power loom, about 3 inches down from the yellow plug is shorted to the seat frame.
Once again, I can see it, I can touch it, but I need to get the seat out to replace or repair it. I'm thinking if I could jump 12v to the right pin on the module loom I should be able to move the seat forward and access the rear seat retainer bolts. With the module out and laying on the bench I'm assuming ther isn't any other delicate electronics to harm by energizing the wrong pin.
My question, Am I going about this logically or am I about to diagram ***-u-me? How far does thismelted loom go? And should I have a fire extinguisher handy when I start jumping power to the module loom?

 

According to JTIS for a '97 XK series with memory seats, the pink/slate and pink/orange wires supply power to the fore/aft seat motor. Applying 12 vdc and ground to these wires should move the seat forward or aft; reversing the polarity will reverse the direction of seat motion. Both connections (+12V and ground) are required to run the motor.

 

if you can see and touch it, why don't you pull it away from frame, replace fuse and move seat normally? Much safe than jumping power into the module. Before you make repair, disconnect battery.

 

Once again, Thanks FJT! After trying every possible combination and nothing ever moved I took your advise. Got the seat out. Repaired the 6 burnt wires and reinstalled the seat. Everything works great!
BTW... I cant believe this isn't a common occurance in Jag Land. The way the wires are routedaround the seat frameit is a real fire hazard. This car only has 65k. The wires are attached to the seat frame and never move when the seat does. The only thing that moves is moved by vibration. I put the best part if a roll of friction electrical tape on the offenders. So it should be good for a while.
Thanks to everyone who participated in my adventure under the seat. Especially Factory Jag Tech, your 2 cents is allways welcome. Go Chargers! Grant

 

Happy you got it sorted mate.
Enjoy your ride.