Yes, I have done that (well, not taking it right out, just tilted it forward to have a look), even tried moving things around a bit to see if it was a loose connection to no avail. Still very intermittent operation when trying to move the seat backwards.

Thanks for the quick reply. I am assuming that the seat has to come right out to gain access to the switch and do the repair? I was thinking I would try a shot of contact cleaner in there to see if that works.

 

Most closed contact switches will require taking them apart to get to the contacts to clean them.

 

Hints to me that it is the motor dying. Get your VOM out and test things.

 

Hmmmm, that is a bit more of an issue then. I don't think I want to get in that deep. But it is still possible. Perhaps I ought to just get a new switch?

 

Is it not the same motor that moves the seat forward? That direction works just fine. Would it die in one direction only? The seat gets moved only when I vacuum the car to get under the seat. I am the only driver. Seems a rather short cycle life for a motor. Of course, I just had the power steering motor just replaced, so, you know, they cheap out in one place with motors, they would in another just as easily.

 

Here is a link to exploded views of the seats, they might help.
FRONT SEAT COMPONENTS for 2009 Chevrolet HHR | GMPartsOutlet.net

I can't seem to find any info on the tracks and motors.

I suggest taking the part number and GoOgle it and/or put it into eBay for real pricing.

 

I think the seat motors are the usual brushed PMDC motors, it is possible that the brushes are worn to the point that they lose contact in one direction from tipping in the holder if they're just about worn to the limits, but I'll bet it's one of the contacts in the switch that's damaged - the seat motors rarely wear out because they just don't get a lot of use compared to say window lift motors.
The power steering motor is also a brushed motor, since the currents involved in that application are fairly high, and there's a recognized issue with the brushes sticking on that motor, so certain years at least were given a lifetime warranty on the motor after failures started.

 

You could bypass the switch with a jumper wire to test the motor.
I suspect the switching also, dirt and things do mess them up. Take the time to clean the contacts and ensure the connections are tight. Most time this fixes the issue.

The new switch really isn't that expensive

http://m.oreillyauto.com/h5/r/oap/si...2044&ppt=C0039

 

Thanks for the links folks. Looks like I will just order a switch and change it. Seems the most logical thing to do.

 

Did you change the switch yet. And does your lumbar adjusting switch work?