Seat Parts and Accessories

What are seat parts and accessories and where are they located?

Seat parts and accessories may not be an aspect of your car you give much thought to, but they can be crucial to your safety and comfort as a driver. Located right on the seat, these can range from a seat switch, switch trim panel, seat adjustor knob/recliner handle, seat belt stop button,  or seat heater to the cushion itself. Many of these are safety-oriented, which is important, especially when it comes to positioning your seat and yourself in relation to the steering wheel. To protect yourself, you want to have good posture and you don't want to be too close to the air bag or too far from the brakes; seat switches and adjustors can help you get into just the right spot. 

How do I know if my seat accessories need to be replaced?

In most cases, it's fairly simple: they simply stop working. The power switches might not adjust like they used to, your seat heater might refuse to warm up, or maybe your seat adjustor knob falls off and the stub nicks at your pants when you get in and out of the car.

Of course, some parts might be replaced purely for aesthetic reasons. You might be tired of looking at a chewed up and worn out seat cushion, or maybe that cracked switch panel is a real eyesore every time you open your door. Regardless, it's important to fix any switches or adjustors as soon as possible so you or any other person you let drive your car can adjust the seat to a desired position. Also, in some states, a broken adjustor can prevent you from passing an inspection.

Can I replace the seat parts and accessories myself?

For the most part, any do-it-yourselfer can tackle a seat accessory repair. Some jobs might be as easy as pressing a seat back adjustor lever into place. Other jobs, such as a seat heating element, might be a bit more complicated and may require plenty of steps, time, and patience. We recommend following a repair guide that pertains to your vehicle to help you through the process and to gauge how long and/or difficult it will be.