Audi a3 Front seat won't ratchet up or down

[A3car19tdi]

Hi. 

Before I go tearing the seat apart into a 100 pieces that won't go back together!!

 

My front manual driver seat A3 09 plate won't ratchet up. It's stuck in the low position. Are there any issues with these or any faulty parts in the lifting mech , before I destroy it lol

[Steve Q]

I suspect the seat adjustment cable as either come loose or snapped. This video (for a golf) might help as I suspect it's similar system on the 8p 

 

[Jade]

We have exactly the same problem. Did you manage to fix the issue? 

[A3car19tdi]

No not yet. But it's highly annoying .I did take the seat out and start to look at it but didn't have time so put it back in. 

 

 

 

 

[Jade]

Ok. If I find out how to fix it I will let you know. Was it easy to take the seat out? I may do that to see. 

[A3car19tdi]

Yes. Simple. Just 4 torx bolts and lift it straight out. Possibly had a wire plugged in underneath and it just unpluged.

Thanks

 

I'd appreciate that

[A3car19tdi]

On 9/8/2021 at 5:25 PM, A3car19tdi said:

If anyone else gets this issue it's the ratchet mechanism.  They are prone to failure. Non user serviceable as you can't open it up as it's welded together and a bit breaks inside . Buy a used one from eBay or the likes second hand.  Unbolt the seat and remove the old one. Will take an hour to fiddle about swapping. remove the plastic seat side trim( there is a screw in the front storage  tray under the seat and a plastic lug at the rear. Then you'll see the 3 bolts to remove the ratchet and a single nut.  Remove and reverse process to refit 🙂

 

[RichardEScott]

This has happened to my car (Audi A4 Avant 2.0TDi B9). Anyone know the part number for the ratchet mechanism? Presume its the same across most Audis/VWs

[A3car19tdi]

No but whip the seat out. Remove the ratchet bit. and grab one off eBay.  Should get one for a tenner or so.  A small part breaks inside .

Easy fix mate 

[Magnet]

Hello Dan,

’whip the seat out……just 4 Torx bolts’. Did you disconnect the battery half an hour or so before disconnecting the plugs? 
Kind regards,

Gareth. 

[A3car19tdi]

Yes it's 4 torx . No,  in all honesty, I didnt disconnect the battery.

However if that is the stated procedure, best to do that.  I didn't encounter any problems though to be honest.  

 

 

 

 

 

[Magnet]

As I understand it Dan, you run the risk of letting the airbags off if you don’t disconnect the battery a half hour or so before unplugging. 
Kind regards,

Gareth.

[A3car19tdi]

Probably.