2009 impala driver side power seat won't move up/down, makes whirring sound when attempted. Moves forward backward. Passenger seat works properly.

If they are power seats, there is a small cable the drives the track from the motor under the seat. It is possible that the cable has come off on one side. But it is possible the seat track is broken and will require replacement.

first check to see if anything is blocking the tracks if so remove. next it could be the switch if passenger side has controls try swapping them if passenger side does not have controls take switch off and check the resistance in the switch when in the on position (forward or back) if it is not the switch motor is probably burned out if passenger side again has motor try swapping. (passengers don't need to be comfortable) or just buy a new motor. hope this helps

That is the way it was designed.

Check that the seat belt mount (often solid plastic or metal that holds the button side of the belt in place next to the center console) is not pinching and preventing the seat from moving forward and back. This happens on many Fords, so it might happen on some GM's too.
If you can hold the buckle mount out of the way while someone else moves the seat backward (or forward), it usually starts working OK again until someone moves the seat to the max forward or max backward position and it gets stuck again

try to look under the seat for coins that have fallen down and got stuck in the track. it happened to mine!

sounds like you might have a switch problem if the memory for seat position works ok. If you have a multimeter that checks for continuity then you could start there at the switch but you would also need a wiring diagram for the seats

Check for a blowin fuse, Defective relay, Loose wires break in one of the wires, Switch could be shot, OR evan the motor has burn,t out,

I have a 2007 Impala. Thank you razor67 for the tap. I did not even remove the seat motor. All I used was an 18 inch rod and a hammer from the rear and hit the motor a couple of times and it's freed.

The back and foward movement uses the same motor. So if it moves one way but not the other it's most likely the switch. Try to blow it out or clean it out. If pop or somthing spilled on it you will prob. need to pull switch out and take it apart to clean contacks inside.

Good day;
What year is you car? Does the other controls work for the seat? and just to clarify the seat won't go forward of back?


Cheers