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Topic: Knoedler Power Chief Seat Switch Replacement (Read 538 times) previous topic - next topic

Knoedler Power Chief Seat Switch Replacement

Last two trips found that my Knoedler Power Chief drivers seat electrical 8-way switch lost the ability to adjust the front seat bottom and back motors.  This can literally became a PAIN as I sometimes like to put some miles between stops... That Knoedler seat saves me all kinds of hurt on my lower back!

Found that getting a replacement switch from the vendor became impossible.  Thanks to my buddy Craig Berger, he was able to figure out that Knoedler actually uses a switch from the Kia Sedona 2001-2005 sedan.  Easy to order on ebay for a $100, if you are in a pinch. Tried for a few days to acquire from a junk yard, no luck likely could have got it for a fraction of the ebay cost, however we're leaving next week for Cape Cod and I need my Knoedler to be perfect!

Simply took the switch off the chair side, (two screws). Pry off the plastic cover, line the two switches up and note the wire positions. A quick strip and crimp with butt connectors, re-install.  Takes about 20 minutes...

Best, J & K
Jeff & Kristen
2002 U320 build #6039
Living the Dream!

Re: Knoedler Power Chief Seat Switch Replacement

Reply #1 –
Gotta love that seat!  Nice find Jeff!  We are sitting here in Wilmington, OH with temps in the mid 40's, brrrrrrrr.  Hope it gets warmer soon.  Will be in CT on May 1st. 
Joe & Dottie Allen
Sold!  December 2023.      2000 U320; build # 5645
Our coach " Maxine"
Motorcade #  15922;  Escapee 150950; FMCA F330833; Boondockers Welcome;  Harvest Hosts;  Thousand Trails
'98 U320 from 2000-'06
USAF '62-'66

"Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for." ―Epicurus

Re: Knoedler Power Chief Seat Switch Replacement

Reply #2 –
Lucky you. Just bought a new one and the completely removed the mechanism to adjust the bottom seat section. It is still advertised as having it. They claimed they cant get the mechanism from thier vendor, so they just didnt include it?
Seat was the same cost.
Anybody have a contact at knoedler?
Left a couple messages at there canadian location with no return call.
1998 u320 3600 build 5200

Re: Knoedler Power Chief Seat Switch Replacement

Reply #3 –
Nice detailed report.  Pictures AND part number.

jk
Jack and Cathy
1992 U280 Unihome 36' Build #4034
Cummins 8.3 /  Allison MT647/ PacBrake
Apopka, FL / Barre Center, NY

Re: Knoedler Power Chief Seat Switch Replacement

Reply #4 –
Quote from: Ldillow –
Lucky you. Just bought a new one and the completely removed the mechanism to adjust the bottom seat section. It is still advertised as having it. They claimed they cant get the mechanism from thier vendor, so they just didnt include it?
Seat was the same cost.
Anybody have a contact at knoedler?
Left a couple messages at there canadian location with no return call.


Ldillow-  That's the same response I received from Seat Specialists, who is Knoedler US parts distributor. They said the switch was no longer available. WHAT?

So, either contact local junk yards, you might get lucky... Or search eBay, that's our exact purchase screen for the seat switch on ebay.

Easy to install, just pull the black plastic cover off both switches, lineup the wires so you know how to reconnect. Took me about 15 minutes once I had the plastic seat side with the air and electric switch off. Three screws, seat bottom tilts up from the front to get at the top screws. Works fantastic again...

J&K
Jeff & Kristen
2002 U320 build #6039
Living the Dream!

Re: Knoedler Power Chief Seat Switch Replacement

Reply #5 –
Sorry didnt mean to hijack the thread, are you saying its the actual switch on the side that moves the seat fore and aft that needs replacement to get the up and down?
Thx
Larry
1998 u320 3600 build 5200

Re: Knoedler Power Chief Seat Switch Replacement

Reply #6 –
This is awesome. Thx
1998 u320 3600 build 5200

Re: Knoedler Power Chief Seat Switch Replacement

Reply #7 –
Its not the mechanism, its the switch!
Thank you?
1998 u320 3600 build 5200
 

Re: Knoedler Power Chief Seat Switch Replacement

Reply #8 –
Hi Larry -  There also is an "air-valve"  switch on the side of these chairs, next to this electronic switch which adjusts the up/down vertical movement or height of the seat via fill or exhust of the air bag under the seat mechanism.

Best, J&K
Jeff & Kristen
2002 U320 build #6039
Living the Dream!