I have a 1990 Lexus LS400. The adjustment knob for the seat back recline broke off at the stem. The seat is stuck in the most forward position. The dealership says I need to replace the entire switch assembly which cost $300 for parts and $150 for labor. I just want to recline the seat a little bit and leave it. Is there a way I can do this without buying any parts?

Hi. Thanks for your question. Check all the fuses first and then look under the seat to see if something has stuck in the track assembly. You might find that the wire connectors have disconnected from the seat switch somehow. However, you can also visit https://www.reliable-store.com and download the entire workshop manual for better understanding. It has all the information along with the diagrams which are really helpful. Good day!

You must remove the motor, move the seat to the desired position and then reinstall the motor to lock the seat in the position.

On both sides of the headrest spokes are little adjuster rings. Adjust the headrest up to the highest position. Push down on both of the adjuster rings. While doing that, pull up on the headrest and it will pop right up. Here is a link to help you with all other questions: http://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls400/18383-trying-to-remove-front-seat-headrest-on-ls400-dont-want-to-break-it.html

put the seat in the full back position remove the two front bolts securing it to the floor, move it all the way forward now, remove the two rear bolts securing it to the floor now tip the seat back allowing it to rest on the back seat. make sure there is no additional wiring plugged in. use the recline function the make the seat flatter, now with two people roll the seat and remove throught the front door utilizing the rear for the helper

On W-Body vehicles, the front seats are secured to the floorpan by two front hook attachments and two rear bolts installed to nuts welded to the floorpan.
The manually operated two-way front adjusters provides only fore and aft movement of the seat. When the seat adjuster handle located on the front seat is pulled up, the seat adjusters unlock, permitting travel of the seat. When the seat is in the desired position and the seat adjuster handle is released, the seat locks in place.
A power operated six-way seat adjuster is available. The adjusters are activated by three 12 volt, reversible, permanent magnet motors with a built-in circuit breaker. The motors are energized by a switch bolted on the seat side panel.
The three motors drive the front seat and rear vertical actuators and a horizontal actuator. When the adjusters reach the limit of travel, torque is absorbed through the rubber mounted grommets located between the motor and the support. An overload relay is provided in the circuit and will open should excessive stall be applied.
The optional 60/40 split bench front seats have seat back head restraints on the driver's and passenger's seat back. The head restraints are designed so they cannot be removed from the seat back without first inserting a small rounded tool inside the head restraint support tube to release the locking tab. The 60/40 split bench seat is equipped with a reclining mechanism on both the driver's and passenger's side. The recliner lever is located on the outboard side of the spring cushion. When the lever is pulled upward, the spring loaded dual linear reclining unit located in the cushion frame is released, allowing the seat back to be pushed rearward or allowing the spring loaded reclining unit to bring the seat back forward.
Bucket seats are equipped with manual reclining mechanisms. An optional six-way power seat adjuster is available. Some bucket seats are equipped with inertia seat back locks. This system allows the seat back to fold forward without requiring the occupant to release a locking lever or access to the rear seat area. During a sudden stop or deceleration, or if the front of the vehicle is nose down, the inertia system of the seat back lock will engage, holding the seat back in its rest position. A release lever is provided to allow manual release of the seat back lock when the vehicle is in the nose down position. The release lever is located at the lower rear outboard corner of the seat back.
Some W-Body vehicles (notably Pontiac coupes) have passenger front seats equipped with an E-Z Entry device. This is actuated, in an unoccupied seat, by completely folding the seat back forward disengaging the adjuster, and sliding the front seat forward to gain access to the rear seat area. To return the seat to its normal position, return the seat back to its rest position, and slide the entire seat rearward, engaging the adjuster.
W-Body rear seats are available in several styles including a rear seat with an integral child restraint device.

in 1990 LS400, the amp is only for the sub, its located between the fuel tank and trunk liner. you can reach it by removing the trunk liner which cover the fuel tank right behind the rear seat. hope this helps

Hey,

just purchased a 1991 lexus LS400....

I did not realize the manual was in the car under the seat so I looked for a free download, no luck.

However I can scan and attach pages and /or answer direct questions from my manul if you would like.

[email protected]

Motor on the seat may have gone out, contacts in switch got dirty or worn, or assembly reached limit and stuck. Try sitting in it pushing back hard and adjust. If not youll need to replace switch,b take seat apart to fix or replace.

I don't remember which knob adjusts that area for the seat but if it's like the one I used to own, much older model, it had a turn knob on the side of the back rest that you had to actually turn to get it to do that recline position. Look at your seat and see if it has a large knob on the side of the back rest and if it does, turn it until the seat reclines. I think it does. but not sure. if it doesn't then look on the side of the seat by the door for a lever there to see if that is the lever to make the seat recline. Vw has more than one knob most of the time. you can also check your owner's manual for seat adjusting and it should tell you something.