I have a 2009 HHR LT with 2.4L engine. I have never had an issue with the seats until today. The driver power seat will not go back, only forward and tilt. The motor is working so it seems the switch might be bad. If it is would it be possible to repair the contacts in the switch or would I need a new switch?

 

You would have to actually put eyes on the switch to decide if you are capable of repairing it. Probably easier to go to the local pick a part.

 

Replace the switch

 

The cheapest power seat switch at Rock Auto is $19.22.

Steve

 

I find it kinda fun to see if I can take switch assemblies apart and clean the contacts. Sometimes it actually works. If you don't enjoy that sort of thing, just get a new switch. A junkyard switch is probably worse than the one you already have. Nine times out of ten, they've been exposed to the weather.

 

I decided to get a new switch. When removing the seat the two bolts in the back wouldn't budge until I heated them. Once I got the bolts out the threads were coated blue which I assume is thread locker. I replaced the switch and now the seat works fine. I need to drive the car tomorrow so I had to put the seat in and didn't put more thread locker on the bolts because I wanted to make sure it is thread locker. Is that what it is? How critical is the thread locker if it is?

 

Blue is threadlocker, the temporary kind. Red is the more permanent, requiring heat to remove. Not sure why it was so difficult.

If they become loose, the sestbelts and airbags won't be as effective in protecting the driver in the event of a crash. You should install the bolts with the same threadlocker.

 

Thanks. I will apply blue thread locker.

 

Just a drop will do

 

Don't worry about the Locktite.