I've started lifting my seat back forward in the sun to attempt to keep them cooler this summer. Black on black can get darn hot!!
When I use the side release and push it forward, there's a loud motor sound but nothing seems to move. Is it supposed to mechanically lift? The passenger side makes no sound at all.

 

The headrest is motorized for lifting up and down. They often fail because of a loose cable, but the motor runs anyway. It is making sure the headrest is all the way down so it will clear the headrail.

To repair I refer you to the great Rev. Sam:

Or do what I did and run the headrest control all the way "down". The control is on the side of each seat bottom along with the other seat controls. That way it thinks it is already down and does not run when the seat is tilted forward.