Service Bulletin

19-029

November 4, 2019

Version 1

Buzzing or Whining When Adjusting Front Seat Forward and Backward
AFFECTED VEHICLES
Year

Model

Trim

VIN Range

2013-19

Accord

ALL

ALL

2014-15

Accord Hybrid

ALL

ALL

Accord Plug-In
Hybrid

ALL

ALL

2017-19
2014

SYMPTOM
There is a loud buzzing or whining when adjusting the driver's or front passenger's seat forward and backward.
POSSIBLE CAUSE
The flex cable in the seat adjustment mechanism is not correctly lubricated.
CORRECTIVE ACTION
Replace the flex cable assembly.
PARTS INFORMATION
Part Name

Order Part Number

Quantity

Flex Cable Assembly

81656-T2F-A31

1

Part Name

Part Number

Quantity

Snap-On Plastic Trim Tool (or equivalent)

SILTRIMTL10

1

Snap-On Trim Pad Remover (or equivalent)

ASG186BR

1

TOOL INFORMATION

CUSTOMER INFORMATION:The information in this bulletin is intended for use only by skilled technicians who have the proper tools, equipment, and
training to correctly and safely maintain your vehicle. These procedures should not be attempted by “do-it-yourselfers,” and you should not assume
this bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle has the condition described. To determine whether this information applies, contact an
authorized Honda automobile dealer.
©

2019 American Honda Motor Co., Inc. — All Rights Reserved

Page 1 of 7

WARRANTY CLAIM INFORMATION
The normal warranty applies.
Operation
Number

Description

Flat Rate
Time

Defect
Code

Symptom
Code

Template
ID

Failed Part Number

8511J5

Replace the driver's
seat flex cable
assembly.

0.5 hr

07409

04201

A19029A

81526-TVA-L11

8521J2

Replace the front
passenger's seat flex
cable assembly
(includes weight sensor
operation check).

0.6 hr

07409

04201

A19029B

81201-TBA-A61

Skill Level: Repair Technician
REPAIR PROCEDURE
1. Remove the seat track end covers to expose the rear seat mounting bolts.

2. Remove the four seat mounting bolts.

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3. Prepare the seat for removal.
•

Adjust the seat slide to the middle of its travel.

•

Raise the seat to its maximum height (driver's seat only).

4. Write down the customer's radio station's presets on the repair order.
5. Disconnect the 12-volt battery.
6. Tilt back the entire seat and disconnect the seat harness.

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7. Pry the flex cable away from the metal motor bracket.

8. Remove the two screws that hold the motor to the metal bracket.
NOTE
Do not to damage the motor mounting tabs on the bracket.

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9. Gently push the metal housing clip on the front of the motor. Push upward at the cable end of the motor to allow
removal of the flex cable.

10. Remove the flex cable assembly by first disconnecting it at the motor end. Then, pull the other end of the cable out
of the seat rail gearbox
NOTE
The cable may be tight in the gearbox. Use needle nose pliers to remove the cable.

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11. Install the new flex cable in the reverse order of removal. Start by inserting the cable into the seat rail gearbox side,
then insert the other end fully into the motor.
NOTE
Make sure to not bend or kink the cable during installation.

12. Snap the cable end of the motor back into its mounting bracket, and make sure the flex cable is fully inserted and
horizontal.
13. Center the flexible plastic tube on the flex cable.
14. Snap the flex cable assembly back into the metal bracket, and make sure it is straight. If the cable is not straight and
flat, it will make noise when the seat is adjusted.
15. Connect the seat harness and harness clip.
16. Connect the 12-volt battery.
17. Install the seat, then hand tighten the bolts.

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18. Torque the bolts to specification as shown.

•

2013 -17 Accord (ALL): 41 N·m (30 lbf·ft)

•

2018 -19 Accord (ALL): 43 N·m (32 lbf·ft)

19. Check the seat for proper operation. Make sure the buzzing or whining noise is gone.
20. Install the seat track end covers.
21. Using the i-HDS, do the Front Passenger's Weight Sensor Operation Check (only if the passenger seat flex cable
assembly was replaced).
22. Enter the radio station presets from step 4.
END

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