Electrical fire under seat

[8 Ball]

I have a 2001 Boxster S, pretty much stock. today I had an electrical fire under the drivers seat, in the area where the seat belt locks down. I just started the car in a parking lot, put down the top and drove to the ticket booth to pay and while I handed the guy the ticket I saw some smoke at my right elbow. I then looked down and started seeing more and more smoke. I opened the door to get out and there was enough smoke that if the top was down it would have been solid inside. I started trying to open the space between the seat and the carpet next to it and blow out the fire and I saw a red ember about 1/4" wide down in there. I then turned off the car which turned off the fire but the smoke kept coming for a while. Pretty much once the smoke settled down I figured out the electric controlls for the drivers seat don't work any more. the passenger seat works and everything else works. Lucky me had the top down or the burned rubber smell would have been in the top forever. Any idea what happened?

8 Ball

From the sounds of it, there was/is something on fire under your seat. Yup, I reckon so. Unless you have taken out the seat and jacked around with stuff I dont see how it could happen. Was water present, making a short?

[MNBoxster]

Hi,

Pretty much impossible to diagnose without seeing it. But, I wouldn't be surprised if some of the wiring chafed and grounded out against the chassis or seat rails. Carefully inspect the existing wiring for signs. Do you adjust the seat often? Allow stuff to collect under the seat?

Happy Motoring!... Jim'99

[8 Ball]

I hardly ever move the seat, I am the only one that drives the car. Maybe I move the seat when I clean. I don't keep anything under the seat, there actually is no room with all the wires and motors. I didn't even have the seatbelt on when it happened because I was getting my wallet and going to pay form my parkng. I was lucky I wasn't driving. My best guess is maybe a coin fell out of my pocket and just happened to hit the right spot. The fire was just forward of the seatbelt latch. At this time I can't tell because I can hardly see down between the side of the seat and the center carpeted area. I tried looking under the seat from the front but don't see anything melted or anything. I can't move the seat because the motors are not working now. I suppose my next step is to figure out how to remove the seat and see what went on. I don't have heated seats so that is not the problem. Also there was no water present.

8 Ball

[8 Ball]

Now here is the latest. We need to remove the seat so we can see what cought on fire. It is an electric seat and the fire burned out the electrical and the seat will not move. We need to move the seat in order to remove it. Move it forward to remove the back two screws and back to remove the front two and out it comes. I've called my local mechanic, talked to Porsche friends and even went so far to call the dealer, nobody knows how to remove an electric seat if the power does not work. The dealer suggested taking the seat apart starting with the leather and working your way down. Looking for suggestions

8 Ball

Finish what the fire started and collect insurance money....lol.
Well, think logically, what makes the seat move, and what locks it into place. Find that out and your getting somewhere. Then you just have to unlock it. maybe unbolt the motor?