2010-2012 Taurus & 2009-2012 MKS Passenger Seat Track Failure: Diagnosis and Replacement

Symptoms of a Failing Seat Track

When the passenger seat track assembly begins to fail, it can show a variety of symptoms. Because the assembly houses multiple motors and gears, a failure in one area can affect a single adjustment or the entire seat's movement.

• Seat Won't Move: The most obvious symptom is a complete lack of movement in one or more directions. Pressing the switch results in no action or sound. This often points to a failed motor, a bad switch, or an electrical issue like a blown fuse or loose connector.
• Partial or Jerky Movement: The seat might move in one direction but not the other, or it may start and stop. For example, a common complaint is that the seat will recline back but won't return to the upright position. 🎬 Watch: Diagnosing a seat stuck in the reclined position. This often indicates a problem with the seat control switch or internal contacts for that specific function.
• Grinding or Clicking Noises: Loud grinding or clicking sounds when trying to adjust the seat usually mean there's a mechanical problem. This could be stripped plastic gears inside a motor's gearbox or an object physically obstructing the track.
• Seat Wobbles or Feels Loose: If the seat feels like it's shifting or clicking during acceleration or braking, it could be due to worn-out bushings or loose mounting bolts within the track assembly itself. This is a significant safety concern and should be addressed immediately.

Known Issues, Recalls, and TSBs

While there are no specific recalls or Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) for the seat track assembly itself on the 2010-2012 Ford Taurus or 2009-2012 Lincoln MKS, these vehicles were subject to several other recalls. It's important to be aware of these, especially when working in or around the seats.

• Airbag Recall: A notable recall (NHTSA 16V247000) was issued for the driver's side frontal airbag, which could inflate improperly. This affected 2010-2012 Taurus and 2009 & 2011 MKS models. While this doesn't directly involve the seat track, it highlights the importance of properly handling all safety-related components.
• Door Handle Recall: Another recall (NHTSA 15V040000) involved an interior door handle spring that could fail, potentially allowing a door to become unlatched in a crash. This applied to 2010-2013 Taurus and 2011-2013 MKS models.

Buying a Used Seat Track Bracket

A new OEM seat track assembly can be extremely expensive, often costing over $800. This makes a quality used OEM part an excellent value. Here’s what to look for when buying a recycled seat track for your Taurus or MKS.

1. Verify Part Number and Compatibility

The primary OEM part number for this assembly is CG1Z-5461710-A. This number supersedes the older part number, AG1Z-5461710-A. It is crucial to confirm you are buying the correct part for the front passenger side. This assembly is specifically for the 10-way power seat. Your vehicle must have the corresponding features for the track to work. Inspect the electrical connectors on the used part and compare them to your original; they should be identical.

2. Physical Inspection

• Check for Rust and Corrosion: Inspect the entire metal frame for any signs of heavy rust or water damage. A part from a flood-damaged vehicle is a major red flag.
• Inspect Motors and Wiring: Check that all motors are present and the wiring harness is intact. Look for any cut wires, damaged connectors, or signs of previous, improper repairs.
• Examine Gears and Cables: If possible, look at the drive gears and flexible drive cables. These are common failure points. Damaged or stripped plastic gears will cause grinding noises and prevent movement.
🎬 See how to fix common clicking and grinding gear issues.

3. Test Before Installation (If Possible)

If you have a 12V power source, you can briefly test the function of each motor before installing the track onto the seat. By applying power and ground to the correct pins on the motor connectors, you can verify that they operate in both directions. 🎬 Watch: How to diagnose power seat motors, switches, and wiring. This can save you the significant hassle of installing a defective part.

Replacement Overview

Replacing the seat track is a moderately difficult job that a skilled DIYer can accomplish. The main challenge is handling the bulky and heavy seat assembly.

Difficulty: 3/5
Estimated Time: 1.5 - 2.5 hours

Basic Steps:

1. Disconnect the Battery: Wait at least one minute to allow the SRS system to discharge.
2. Unbolt the Seat: The seat is held to the floor by four bolts, typically at the corners of the seat rails. You may need to move the seat forward and backward to access all the bolts. If the seat is inoperative and blocking the bolts, you may need to manually power the motors with a 12V source or use drills on the drive cables to move the track.
3. Disconnect Electrical Connectors: Carefully tilt the seat to access the main wiring harnesses underneath. There will be several connectors for the seat track motors, airbag sensors (OCS), and any heated/cooled seat functions.
4. Remove the Seat: Carefully lift the entire seat assembly out of the vehicle. Be mindful of the door frame and interior trim.
5. Swap the Track: Place the seat on a workbench. You will need to unbolt the seat cushion and frame from the old track and transfer it to the new one. Pay close attention to the routing of all wiring harnesses. You will likely need to transfer the seat belt buckle from the old seat to the new one.
6. Installation: Installation is the reverse of removal. It is critical to follow the correct bolt tightening sequence and torque specifications for the main seat bolts to ensure the Occupant Classification System (OCS) functions correctly. Typically, the front bolts are installed and torqued before the rear bolts.

Cost Comparison

Prices can vary significantly between new OEM, aftermarket, and used parts. Labor costs for a professional installation typically range from $138 to $203.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)