Power seat modules -- help me get to the truth.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,513
Likes: 0
C32 AMG
Power seat modules -- help me get to the truth.
After a few feeble efforts to replace my "bad" passenger power seat module (works fine, but creates a drain on the battery), I decided to get a quote from an independent shop. Here's what I got back from them:
1. They can source a "reman" unit for $250.
2. They recommend replacing BOTH driver and passenger because replacing one may affect the other.
3. They need to do it at the shop because the units need to be PROGRAMMED to the car in order to work.
4. They quote 4 hours of labor of the installs and programming. I've done an install, and if you're half-competent, it's 1/2 hour -- maybe 1 hour for two.
So, they quote like $1,000 for the job. Not a chance I'm going that way. I've had no success using "salvage" units; and new units go for $400. But I'll pay $400 if I can just plug it in and go. Does it really need to be programmed to the car???
1. They can source a "reman" unit for $250.
2. They recommend replacing BOTH driver and passenger because replacing one may affect the other.
3. They need to do it at the shop because the units need to be PROGRAMMED to the car in order to work.
4. They quote 4 hours of labor of the installs and programming. I've done an install, and if you're half-competent, it's 1/2 hour -- maybe 1 hour for two.
So, they quote like $1,000 for the job. Not a chance I'm going that way. I've had no success using "salvage" units; and new units go for $400. But I'll pay $400 if I can just plug it in and go. Does it really need to be programmed to the car???
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 3,466
Likes: 10
From: Southern Cali (Ontario)
i never heard of programming the unit to work?
thats crazy.
search for the W211 seat modules, those are the replacement units for the W203.
Probably can find in a salvage yard.
I have been holding off fixing my seats.. due to cost.
thats crazy.
search for the W211 seat modules, those are the replacement units for the W203.
Probably can find in a salvage yard.
I have been holding off fixing my seats.. due to cost.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 2,000
Likes: 20
From: East Bay, Bay Area
2002 C32, 2012 S550
After a few feeble efforts to replace my "bad" passenger power seat module (works fine, but creates a drain on the battery), I decided to get a quote from an independent shop. Here's what I got back from them:
1. They can source a "reman" unit for $250.
2. They recommend replacing BOTH driver and passenger because replacing one may affect the other.
3. They need to do it at the shop because the units need to be PROGRAMMED to the car in order to work.
4. They quote 4 hours of labor of the installs and programming. I've done an install, and if you're half-competent, it's 1/2 hour -- maybe 1 hour for two.
So, they quote like $1,000 for the job. Not a chance I'm going that way. I've had no success using "salvage" units; and new units go for $400. But I'll pay $400 if I can just plug it in and go. Does it really need to be programmed to the car???
1. They can source a "reman" unit for $250.
2. They recommend replacing BOTH driver and passenger because replacing one may affect the other.
3. They need to do it at the shop because the units need to be PROGRAMMED to the car in order to work.
4. They quote 4 hours of labor of the installs and programming. I've done an install, and if you're half-competent, it's 1/2 hour -- maybe 1 hour for two.
So, they quote like $1,000 for the job. Not a chance I'm going that way. I've had no success using "salvage" units; and new units go for $400. But I'll pay $400 if I can just plug it in and go. Does it really need to be programmed to the car???
I highly recommend it. Even if you don't think you can do it, any shop can do it for maybe $50?
https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w203/262131-temjinx2s-20-seat-control-battery-drain-fix.html#post3068555
Thanks again Temjinx2!!
Senior Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 251
Likes: 1
From: Aberdeen, MD
CLA
I pulled two fuses from drivers side fuse box for the drivers and passenger seat modules. Its a quick way to stop the drain until you do the relay fix. You just wont be able to move your seats.
