Chrysler 200s Electric Seat Motor Failure & Repair Tips

As someone with some repair experience, I had a similar issue with my 2013 Chrysler 300. The power seats completely stopped working, with the same clicking sound you described. The problem turned out to be a heavily discharged battery that wasnt providing enough power to the seat motors. After a full diagnosis, I learned that when the battery voltage drops too low, the electric seat system often shuts down to prevent damage to the motors. The repair cost me 290€, which included testing the electrical system, replacing the battery, and recalibrating the power seat control module. This fixed the issue completely and the seat motors started working normally again. Before you head to the shop, could you share: Does the battery warning light show on your dashboard? Have you noticed other electrical issues like slow starting? Are all seat adjustment directions affected or just certain movements? Does the seat memory function still work if equipped? The clicking sound from your seat switch could indicate either a power supply issue or a failing motor, but knowing these details would help narrow down the exact cause.

Thanks for the detailed response. Just wanted to add that yes, the battery warning light has been showing intermittently. My vehicle has 179803 KM now and the last battery replacement was done during the 160000 KM service. After testing further, I noticed the seat adjustment works occasionally in the morning but fails during the day. The seat harness connections look secure, though I only checked visually. The seat memory buttons dont respond at all. The forward/backward motion is completely dead, while the height adjustment makes the clicking sound mentioned earlier. The battery is probably worth checking first before replacing the entire seat motor assembly. Maybe the seat switch itself needs attention too since the problems seem to get worse with repeated use.

This definitely sounds like a classic battery-related electrical issue affecting your seat controls, just like what I experienced. The intermittent warning light and the pattern of working better in the morning when the battery is more rested strongly suggests this is your primary problem. The clicking sound from the height adjustment combined with no response from forward/backward movement points to insufficient power reaching the seat motor through the seat wiring system. In my case, the weak battery caused similar selective functioning of different adjustment directions. Since your battery is approaching 20000 KM since last replacement, and considering the symptoms match almost exactly what I dealt with, I recommend: 1. Get a battery load test first, much cheaper than replacing seat motors 2. Have the seat harness connections professionally checked 3. Test the seat switch voltage output 4. Only consider seat motor replacement if these steps dont resolve the issue My repair costs broke down to: Battery test and replacement: 180€, Electrical system diagnosis: 110€, Total investment was far less than a new electric seat assembly would have cost The sequential failure pattern (memory functions first, then movement directions) is textbook for a power supply problem rather than a mechanical seat motor failure.

Thanks for breaking this down so thoroughly. After following your advice, I got the battery tested and you were right, it was operating at only 65% capacity. The mechanic found the automotive seat system was drawing more power than normal due to some corrosion in the seat harness connections. The total repair came to 295€: New battery: 185€, Cleaning/fixing seat harness: 70€, Labor and testing: 40€ The passenger seat motor and all adjustments are working perfectly now. Both front seats move smoothly in all directions and the memory settings are responding again. Much better outcome than having to replace the entire seat assembly. The mechanic mentioned car seats often have these electrical issues when the battery starts failing, so keeping up with battery maintenance seems pretty important. Really appreciate the help in diagnosing this, saved me from unnecessarily replacing expensive parts when it was mainly a power supply problem causing the seat controls to malfunction.