Hi Guys
I have a 2008 Mk3 with a height adjustable drivers seat. Problem is the seat goes up and down ok but if your raise it the left hand side locks while the right hand side collapses when you put any weight on it. Ended up with a very sore lower back until I discovered the problem.
Anybody else had a similar problem? Any idea what’s wrong with it?
Didn’t think they did a height adjustable seat on a 2008 model?
Found some references saying that it was an optional extra from 2008 onwards
Yes.
My 2008 Niseko has adjustable driver’s seat height. Fortunately it is OK.
I think you might have to take out the seat to be able to repair the mechanism underneath, the fault will be obvious when you can see it. It might even be easily fixable.
Beware of the air-bag system built in to the seat and also the belt tensioners, they have explosives for the quick action. It is IMPORTANT that you disconnect the car battery to be safe when working on the seats.
See below for how to take the seat out, (mirror it for UK) but alas nothing about the height adjustment. Heed the safety warnings!
http://www.mellens.net/mazda/Mazda-Miata-2006-2007/seats.pdf
Thanks Richard
The dangers with the airbag has made me reluctant to take the seat out. I’ve had a good look underneath as I’ve operated the mechanism but can’t see anything obvious. When the seat is at its lowest settings it stays level but I would still like to solve the problem. If I disconnect the battery will the the airbag system need to be reset by a dealer?
I cannot see anything about special tools reset in the Mellens notes if ABs and Ts have not been replaced nor tested and merely disconnected when power is fully off, with the SAS backup battery also allowed time to discharge (so the computer doesn’t know). Dealer should not be needed. Otherwise how do you change a car battery when it has died?
To be on the safe side, have a read for yourself, but remember most of it is not relevant because you are not repairing any air-bag or tensioner problems.
http://www.mellens.net/mazda/Mazda-Miata-2006-2007/airbags.pdf
Be careful
I’ve taken my seats out twice, once to clean the carpets thoroughly and the second time to change them completely. It’s a simple job, 4 bolts and a 1 multi plug connection.
Do of course disconnect the battery as advised above and as I’ve been advised wait 30 mins or so for the airbags to discharge. Whether that is necessary or not I can’t say but followed that procedure when disconnecting steering wheel airbags.
Of course there is a procedure when reconnecting the battery when all done. The ECU needs to relearn to the engine so idle will be a little erratic. Just drive it a few miles for it to settle. And just incase your radio is coded you will need it, on reconnection of the battery. Mine wasn’t coded, depends if the supplying dealer bothered I’ve heard.
BTW the seat runners are held on with 4 nuts, easily removed, best with a ring spanner, that’s if you need to go that far.
Thanks guys for your help. When the weather gets a bit better, no garage facilities, I’ll follow your advice in relation to the airbag before I take the seat out. Hopefully it will be something simple I can fix myself.