P38 Manual seats to Electric (again)

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TITCH SANDERS

TITCH SANDERS

Active Member
Posts
79
Location
STAFFS/SHROPS BORDER
Hi again folks..
I have searched inevitably, but I'm just overwhelmed by it...
How can I tell, other than the 'sticker' on the BECM fuse box.. which on my 1998 2.5 DSE is simply illegible.. although I 'think' I did see a letter 'L' on the lower front Left.. as opposed to the top left.. I was hoping I'd seen an 'H' but have to accept that putting a set of Leather electric seats , which I have, and the loom, isn't going to be straight forward..
So, would anyone be kind enough to send me to the best 'link' or whatever that explains to me, a not too bright electrical guy, how I could otherwise get power to the electric seats.. memory etc of no interest, simply the forward & back, up & down motions really.
I have watched You Tube videos etc of folk putting P38 seats in camper vans etc, simply getting a live to the seats independently to power them up, but relays etc etc.. I find it a bit overwhelming.. or should I give up & accept manual seats.
Still got my V8 on the road, which I do love, but I'm hoping this diesel one will be 'kinder' on the pocket (ish)
Regards all,
Titch
 
Fuses F10 & F20 are the power feeds for the seats. All you need is to feed the power to the relays, and connect the required ground wires to simulate what the BECM does. There are some other ground wires on various connectors under the seats, but all the 12V goes via these relays.

1724143252904.png
1724143290894.png
 
Thanks on this... I shall study the images.. I guess you're saying how I need to just get 12v Live to the seats existing electrics and Earth it all of course...
I shall have a good look later today.
Thanks for the response!
Titch
 
If you put the elecric seat upside down on a workmate or table, it's easier to access the connectors. If I remember correctly when I was fixing a short on mine, I simply applied 12V and ground to C951, and then all the motors worked.

Pins 1 & 2 = 12V
Pins 3, 4 & 7 = ground

But check the pins !!

1724146572988.png
 
TITCH SANDERS said:
Hi again folks..
I have searched inevitably, but I'm just overwhelmed by it...
How can I tell, other than the 'sticker' on the BECM fuse box.. which on my 1998 2.5 DSE is simply illegible.. although I 'think' I did see a letter 'L' on the lower front Left.. as opposed to the top left.. I was hoping I'd seen an 'H' but have to accept that putting a set of Leather electric seats , which I have, and the loom, isn't going to be straight forward..
So, would anyone be kind enough to send me to the best 'link' or whatever that explains to me, a not too bright electrical guy, how I could otherwise get power to the electric seats.. memory etc of no interest, simply the forward & back, up & down motions really.
I have watched You Tube videos etc of folk putting P38 seats in camper vans etc, simply getting a live to the seats independently to power them up, but relays etc etc.. I find it a bit overwhelming.. or should I give up & accept manual seats.
Still got my V8 on the road, which I do love, but I'm hoping this diesel one will be 'kinder' on the pocket (ish)
Regards all,
Titch
Click to expand...

You could get a Highline BECM and then swap your logic board over into it.
 
Last edited:
Heck!!! No, I couldn't cope with that but thanks ...
I have tried on the wiring too, but nothing happened...I even put an inline fuse on the Positive side too, just in case. .
Titch
 
Grrrrrr said:
I don't think much will happen without a Highline power board.
Click to expand...
Fair comment of course, but then there's the key etc to be synchronised etc isn't there...

Whilst I appreciate the most helpful comments here, my plugs layout does seem a little different on the drivers seat outstation though, or am I trying in the wrong place? Mine are seen as all in one with no gaps between?? I'll take a picture tonight thanks gents.
Titch
1724224213673.png
 
You can wire up the seats to work without the BECM but you do not get the features such as being synced to the FOB. If you want the features, you need a Hi line BECM. I'm surprised your car does not have the Hi Line BECM, my DSE certainly does. The Lo line was only fitted to the poverty spec cars as far as I know.
 
Datatek said:
You can wire up the seats to work without the BECM but you do not get the features such as being synced to the FOB. If you want the features, you need a Hi line BECM. I'm surprised your car does not have the Hi Line BECM, my DSE certainly does. The Lo line was only fitted to the poverty spec cars as far as I know.
Click to expand...

Odd that he has manual seats in a DSE really, although I think the designation meant less and less as time went by because everything became an option.

My DT was lowline but has aircon. As far as I can see the stereo wasn't as good, no cup-holders in the cubby-hole, no high-intensity brake-light, 7J wheels, no dipping wing-mirrors, no chromo-whatever rear mirror, no trip computer stuff on the indicator stalk, it had no fog lights, no sunroof and manual seats. The only real difference in the BECM seems to be the power-board which lacks the fogs and electric seats on the lowline model. There may be others but I cannot recall coming across any. Most of the extra stuff just seems to go wrong as far as I can see and I am happy with the simpler kit.
 
Just realised the info I posted bove is for the non-memory power seats. If your are memory seats then things are a bit different, but you can still power them without BECM mods, but not sure how the memory outstation behaves. My memory seats definitely worked on the bench withouyt BECM when I was fault finding. It also depends if your car has the loom from BECM to seat ?

Have you check all the relavant fuses ?

So for memory seats locate C902 under the seat. L & R seats both have similar connectors.
Right Seat
Pins 3, 4 & 6 = 12V
Pins 9 & 10 = Ground



1724227785577.png


1724228371566.png
 
pwood999 said:
Just realised the info I posted bove is for the non-memory power seats. If your are memory seats then things are a bit different, but you can still power them without BECM mods, but not sure how the memory outstation behaves. My memory seats definitely worked on the bench withouyt BECM when I was fault finding. It also depends if your car has the loom from BECM to seat ?

Have you check all the relavant fuses ?

So for memory seats locate C902 under the seat. L & R seats both have similar connectors.
Right Seat
Pins 3, 4 & 6 = 12V
Pins 9 & 10 = Ground



View attachment 324267

View attachment 324268
Click to expand...
Many Thanks again,
Yes, sorry, I should have said that yes, these new seats (new to me) leather again, does have the memory function, same as my V8, but I'm not really bothered about memory in all honesty.
Hoping to make time tonight and I'll re look at all as I have the seats on a bench for easy working on them. I do have the loom which came with them too.
Again, as usual, I appreciate everyone's input here thank you.
Titch
 
Grrrrrr said:
Odd that he has manual seats in a DSE really, although I think the designation meant less and less as time went by because everything became an option.

My DT was lowline but has aircon. As far as I can see the stereo wasn't as good, no cup-holders in the cubby-hole, no high-intensity brake-light, 7J wheels, no dipping wing-mirrors, no chromo-whatever rear mirror, no trip computer stuff on the indicator stalk, it had no fog lights, no sunroof and manual seats. The only real difference in the BECM seems to be the power-board which lacks the fogs and electric seats on the lowline model. There may be others but I cannot recall coming across any. Most of the extra stuff just seems to go wrong as far as I can see and I am happy with the simpler kit.
Click to expand...
Hi There,
yes I thought that too manual seat BUT leather?? but again, when new it may have been the spec. when ordered I guess. and so many variations appeared in later life, I'd assume to use up what was 'on the shelf' on the production line. It's rare to see two P38's side by side of the same 'model' with 100% exact spec.
Mine's a 1998, suspected to have been a Police issue, rare as an Auto, but it has been suggested as a 'Commanders' car as opposed to a motorway or highway car.. this I'm yet to get verified, as often, reg. plate changes over the years cause complications, but I am in contact with someone using the chassis number.. probably not too important, but just to have any interesting 'history' on the car.
Thanks again,
Titch
 
Grrrrrr said:
Odd that he has manual seats in a DSE really, although I think the designation meant less and less as time went by because everything became an option.

My DT was lowline but has aircon. As far as I can see the stereo wasn't as good, no cup-holders in the cubby-hole, no high-intensity brake-light, 7J wheels, no dipping wing-mirrors, no chromo-whatever rear mirror, no trip computer stuff on the indicator stalk, it had no fog lights, no sunroof and manual seats. The only real difference in the BECM seems to be the power-board which lacks the fogs and electric seats on the lowline model. There may be others but I cannot recall coming across any. Most of the extra stuff just seems to go wrong as far as I can see and I am happy with the simpler kit.
Click to expand...
Did it at least come with Tyres @Grrrrrr🤭
 
Datatek said:
You can wire up the seats to work without the BECM but you do not get the features such as being synced to the FOB. If you want the features, you need a Hi line BECM. I'm surprised your car does not have the Hi Line BECM, my DSE certainly does. The Lo line was only fitted to the poverty spec cars as far as I know.
Click to expand...
In all honesty, I'm not 100% sure on the Hi Line or Lo Line on it.. but, with Pwoods kindly added pictures, maybe I can work it out.
But also, I'm just concerned if it isn't Hi Line will it cause me any problems with the key being synched to the car or not if I cahnge the becm??
Possibly a phone call to Les Edwards on the becm will help?
Other than the leather seats, there isn't much other 'spec' that's different I don't think.. but it is an Auto DSE too, again, probably on spec ordered when new..
There is some suspicion relating it to an ex Police vehicle, although most weren't Auto's on highway cars.. this is becoming more interesting albeit confusing too.
Bottom line is that I'd like to have electric seats, drivers.. not bothered about passengers and just want to wire the Live & Earth to the seat direct.. just like the seats being used in a 'camper conversion' really..
I'll be aiming to have a look later tonight..
Again, thanks to you all to commiting to my post..
Titch
 
Grrrrrr said:
Odd that he has manual seats in a DSE really, although I think the designation meant less and less as time went by because everything became an option.

My DT was lowline but has aircon. As far as I can see the stereo wasn't as good, no cup-holders in the cubby-hole, no high-intensity brake-light, 7J wheels, no dipping wing-mirrors, no chromo-whatever rear mirror, no trip computer stuff on the indicator stalk, it had no fog lights, no sunroof and manual seats. The only real difference in the BECM seems to be the power-board which lacks the fogs and electric seats on the lowline model. There may be others but I cannot recall coming across any. Most of the extra stuff just seems to go wrong as far as I can see and I am happy with the simpler kit.
Click to expand...
My DSE does not have electric seats, nor do I want them, just one more thing to go wrong.
 
Quite true Datatek! Just being a 'Titch' by name & nature, most vehicles I've had make it awkward getting in & out.. and with gates to open on our driveway..I just find it easier.. the hand lift also gets in my way getting out too...
Or am I just getting lazy..
However, I hope to get out into my workshop tonight.....
Regards,
Titch
 
pwood999 said:
Just realised the info I posted bove is for the non-memory power seats. If your are memory seats then things are a bit different, but you can still power them without BECM mods, but not sure how the memory outstation behaves. My memory seats definitely worked on the bench withouyt BECM when I was fault finding. It also depends if your car has the loom from BECM to seat ?

Have you check all the relavant fuses ?

So for memory seats locate C902 under the seat. L & R seats both have similar connectors.
Right Seat
Pins 3, 4 & 6 = 12V
Pins 9 & 10 = Ground



View attachment 324267

View attachment 324268
Click to expand...
Hi Pete (?),
I am hoping to just get a live to the seats, but I guess the outstation helps with the forward & reverse of the motors.
It would be nice if there's someone close (ish) to me that I could bring the seats to.. and some pennies..
Staffs/Shropshire border..
Titch
 
pwood999 said:
Just realised the info I posted bove is for the non-memory power seats. If your are memory seats then things are a bit different, but you can still power them without BECM mods, but not sure how the memory outstation behaves. My memory seats definitely worked on the bench withouyt BECM when I was fault finding. It also depends if your car has the loom from BECM to seat ?

Have you check all the relavant fuses ?

So for memory seats locate C902 under the seat. L & R seats both have similar connectors.
Right Seat
Pins 3, 4 & 6 = 12V
Pins 9 & 10 = Ground



View attachment 324267

View attachment 324268
Click to expand...
Dare I ask, just to settle my confused head... Am I to power up no's 3,4 & 6 and ground to no's 9 & 10 into the Green connector, Male, actually on the cable under the driver's seat itself? Now to try adding my picture from my phone.........
Thanks,
Titch
 

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