HELP! 2003 Expy EB Heated/Cooled seats broke

[2003ExpyEB]

Had my wifes Expy at the stealership for electrical weirdness.
Bad alternator, so they replaced it. Also, they diagnosed the heated/cooled seats that quit working. Said they could fix it for $300, that all I needed was new switches. I declined.

I had my trusted mechanic order me 2 new switches from Ford. Paid $120 for the switches. Put the switches in, seats still will not heat or cool, and the lights won't even light up on the switches. Mechanic guy said that power is getting to the switches (he used some kind of test light/set).

Any ideas?

It's been said that there was possibly an other problem, that Ford knew about, that was an easy fix, but they were just going to charge me $300 to "replace the switches", and the switches weren't even bad. Well, I just put the new switches in, and the climate controlled seats still do not work. So, I am assuming there is another problem (I've checked the fuses), that Ford did not tell me about.

Anyone ever had a similar issue? Thanks.

[rhandwor]

If you have power to the switches I think the ground connection is loose.
Ask your mechanic to look in his mitchell manual for the wiring diagram. It tells the ground locations. http://www.alldata.com/ sells a years subscription for around $25.00 they have good wiring diagrams. I would look very carefully under the seat for the ground connection. Use a flashlight and move the carpet somewhat. Move the seat all the way back and then forward.You can also buy a used seat at a scrapyard. I think if you unbolt it from the floor you will find the problem. You can do it your self on a weekend morning.

[2003ExpyEB]

Thanks for the reply.
I just had a look under both seats, and too many wires to figure out what's what. I can't imagine BOTH switches going out at the same time? Anyway, I'll try to hunt down the ground wire in question, when I get home from work tonight.

My trusted mechanic said he was going to print out some wiring schematics, so he could chase the problem down, then schedule a time for me to bring it in. I was hoping to do a DIY fix before I dumped anymore money into it. Was hoping to hear from people who are familiar with this problem, which sounds like you.

I refuse to take it back to the Ford stealership.

[rhandwor]

Your looking for either a studwelded to the floor or a bolt threaded into the floor. It is probably either loose or corroded. Either tighten up or sand clean and reinstall. Probably a 1/4 inch socket set is all the tools you need.