Yes it looks like the one in picture BUT it doesn't have the memory buttons the 12345, and I did push them to my desired direction with some loving force and nothing. Hmm I would have to say I am pretty smart with taking things apart and putting them back together so I'd say a solid 7-8 :)

so, lets see... the seat moves, but in one direction, not the other... so, the fuse 21 is probably good...

below is the pin assignment to the 15-pin connector at the seat switch. the 3-pin connector is probably not used, but it is of no concern at this moment.

the signals for the motors to operate are plain +- 12VDC, nothing fancy (some other places are using fancy modulated waves for the voltage)

I would suggest making two probes that you will have the battery voltage (+ and -), and disconnect the switch plug under the seat and apply the battery voltage directly to the desired motors and see if the motors will operate.


DO NOT DISCONNECT YELLOW PLUG UNDER THE SEAT (if there is one). IF YOU DO, YOU WILL HAVE AIRBAG LIGHT ON THE DASH

if the motors operate, you have faulty switch, if the motors do not operate, you might still have a faulty switch, but the issue is more likely with the motors...

tell us what you find out with this technique, then we will take it further...



S56 Seat adjustment switch, front passenger's seat

Plug connector overview

Number X-pin, colour Description
X18841 3-pin, black Plug connector Seat adjustment switch, front passenger's seat
X604 15-pin, black Plug connector Seat adjustment switch, front passenger's seat
Pin assignments at plug connector X18841

Pin Type Description / Signal type Connection /
Measuring notes
1 M Ground Lumbar support switch, passenger's seat

2 Not used

3 A Voltage supply terminal 30 Lumbar support switch, passenger's seat

Pin assignments at plug connector X604

Pin Type Description / Signal type Connection /
Measuring notes
1 A Downward inclination signal Passenger's seat Passenger's seat cushion tilt motor

2 A Upward inclination signal Passenger's seat Passenger's seat cushion tilt motor

3 A Slide back signal Passenger's seat Passenger's seat movement motor

4 A Slide forward signal Passenger's seat Passenger's seat movement motor

5 A Signal, raise seat height Passenger's seat Passenger's seat height adjustment motor

6 A Ground Ground point

7 A Signal, seat backrest back Passenger's seat Passenger's backrest recliner motor

8 E Pin assignments at plug connector 3 Fuse F21

9 Plug connector

10 A Signal, lower seat height Passenger's seat Passenger's seat height adjustment motor

11 Plug connector

12 Plug connector

13 Plug connector

14 A Signal, seat backrest forward Passenger's seat Passenger's backrest recliner motor

15 Plug connector

I had a similar problem in my x5 but on the driver side. I switched the controls from the working passenger seat to the driver seat and tested. The passenger switch moved the driver seat in all directions so I knew it was the driver switch/control panel that was bad. You could try this approach in opposite.

This sounds easiest!

My passenger seat won’t recline forward. All other functions work. There is no noise (motor not running, gear not grinding) when I move the switch. So I suspect the switch.

I removed the side trim to get access to the switch but I can’t figure out how to test it (I have a multimeter). I’m trying to actuate the motor from the connector, and then to test the switch function. So I removed the connector from the switch.

Which pins? From the above I t looks like I should get a positive read on pin 7 since recline works, but I can’t figure out where to put the second lead. Or I could jump 7 to ...? to actuate the motor. From there I would retain the second lead and try 14 to see if I can actuate the motor forward or look for the switch to close (testing from the connector and from the switch).

Any help appreciated!

Here's the wiring diagram...

https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/e...stment/ahJJsaG

You can test the switch but connecting your multimeter (set to read volts DC) to pins 7 and 14 on the module - pushing the recline switch in either direction should result in the multimeter showing 12v - the polarity reversing when you push the switch the other way.

You can test the motor by applying 12v (from spare battery etc.) to pins 7 and 14 - the motor should run and reversing the connections should cause the motor to run in the opposite direction.

Thanks - that makes sense now!

Was the switch: 12v one way and 0 the other. Ordered one from eBay.

I just had this happen on my '05 X5 3.0 w/125k miles. All of sudden, the passenger seat would tilt backwards, but not forwards. No clicking sounds. I couldn't take the car with a passenger on a long trip because of it.

Based on reading here, I took a chance and bought a used pass-side seat switch from an '03 in a junkyard. It appears that all pass side seat switches are compatible (don't hold me to that - check REALOEM)

The replacement switch solved my problems. I may open up my old switch and look for anything obvious.

The toughest part is getting the seat switch cover off to access the switch without breaking tabs. find a picture online of the inside of a seat switch cover to familiarize yourself with the 4 tabs that hold it. The trick is removing four seat bolts, tipping seat back - don't unplug it, and accessing bottom 2 tabs from underneath. Remove the single t-20 screw from back of cover. You can then access top 2 tabs with a screwdriver - pressing down on them to release.