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Dodge Ram 2002-2008: How to Replace Power Seat Motor

Has the power seat in your Dodge Ram stopped in its tracks? This article will help you get it moving again.

By Brett Foote - July 16, 2015
Contributors: Loghopper

This article applies to the Dodge Ram 3rd Generation (2002-2008).

Power seats are a nice addition to any vehicle, but just like any other power option, they have a lot of moving parts that can break. Unfortunately, a failing power seat motor is a fairly common issue in 3rd generation Dodge Rams. Adding to the problem, Dodge only sells the entire power seat assembly, which runs around $500 for a new one. Often, the plastic gears inside the motor break or wear off and it's only necessary to replace them. You'll know that this is the case if you press one of the power seat switches and hear the motor running but don't feel the power seat moving. While you can purchase a used assembly on eBay for around $150, you might also have some luck at a junk yard if you find that only the gears are worn. Motors are also available by themselves on eBay for around $80, which can save you a great deal of money if the motor or its gears are the root of your problem.

Materials Needed

  • Channel lock pliers
  • Flat head screwdriver
  • Hammer
  • Punch down tool (optional)
  • 1/2" and 18mm sockets and ratchet
  • Grinder or Dremel tool
  • Grease

Step 1 – Remove the seat

If you are removing the driver's seat, loosening the passenger's seat bracket will make the removal much easier. First, remove the two front bolts under the passenger's seat using a ratchet with 1/2" socket. Then remove the two 1/2" bolts under the front of the driver's side seat, followed by the two 18mm bolts behind it. Remove the four 1/2" center console bracket bolts by sliding the seat all the way forward to access the rear bolts, and all the way back to access the front bolts. Disconnect the two electrical plugs underneath the seat. Remove the seat belt from the center console. And finally, pull the seat out of the truck by tilting it forward.

Figure 1. Location of the driver's seat bracket bolts.

Step 2 – Remove the power seat motor

Using a pair of channel lock pliers and a flat head screwdriver (or a hammer and punch down tool), remove the 1/4" knurled pin that attaches the tube nut to the seat frame lever (see Figure 2). Hammer the roll pin until it is flush with the housing, but do not remove it. Use a grinder or Dremel tool to grind 3/16" out of the roll pin between the motor housing and the seat track (see Figure 3). Finish hammering out the roll pin and pull the motor out. Then, remove the tube nut from the old motor to be reused in the new motor (see Figure 4).

  • Figure 2. Remove the knurled pin.
  • Figure 3. Remove 3/16" from the roll pin.
  • Figure 4. Remove and save tube nut from the old motor for reuse.

Step 3 – Install the new power seat motor

Coat the tube nut with grease, and install it to the new power seat motor. Use your grinder or Dremel tool to smooth out the roll pin where it was cut, set the new motor in place, and gently hammer the roll pin back in. Attach the tubing nut to the seat frame lever, and reconnect the knurled pin. Plug the electrical connections back into the motor.

Figure 5. Install the new power seat motor.

Step 4 – Re-install the seat

Fold the seat forward, and place it back in the truck. Re-install the center console and seat bracket bolts. Put the seat belt receptacle back in place. Re-tighten the front two passenger's seat bolts. Reconnect the two power connections under the seat, and test the seat to make sure it works properly.

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