Thread: Heated seat functionality problems

A while back, my heated seat started acting up by getting really hot regardless of what position the switch was in (HI or LO) to the point that I had to shut it off before I got branded on my rear. It did this anytime I tried to use the heat feature. Then it stopped working altogether for a bit, and has now returned to the "gets too hot" thing. I did some research on the issue, but can't seem to find another situation quite like mine. I've read about several instances where the seat gets too hot like mine, but in every one of those cases, the heat won't shut off at all, not even with the CAR shut off, let alone the switch, which points to the module being faulty. That is not the case for my car. If I set the switch in the off position, the scorching stops.

I also noticed another odd problem. The HI and LO lights work when the switch is activated, but the orange light for the power seat graphic that comes on with the parking/dash lights doesn't function. It's not the switch itself, as I've tried 6 or 7 other switches (yes, I have a collection), and it's the same exact situation with all of them.

I will be digging into this shorty, but I'm not sure where to begin. I don't THINK it's the module, because the heat will stop when the switch is in the off position, though I suppose it could still be causing the seat to get too hot while on. Obviously it's not the heating element itself, as it does still work. If it's a wiring issue, what would make it function so erratically while causing the power to the light bulb to go out? Maybe a short issue somewhere is connected to causing a problem in the wiring supplying power to the light bulb? I'd like to just switch out seats, but I have the Special Edition interior, so slim to no chance of coming by one in the yard, and I don't feel like ripping the leather covers off the seat to swap them over to a regular one.

Anyhow, I was hoping someone has had/heard of a similar situation, and might have some insight as to what I should check out first. I'd like to get this functioning again before the really cold weather hits.

I'd try swapping the module from the passenger side to the driver side and see if the problem follows the module. Being electronics, it can be tough to have an all in or out situation. Yours may be the exception.

If that doesn't fix it up, then it may be one of the element wires having trouble making contact or partially coming apart and causing the super heating issue.

Module from the passenger side? Doesn't it have to be specifically for a heated seat? I only have driver's side heat.

If that doesn't fix it up, then it may be one of the element wires having trouble making contact or partially coming apart and causing the super heating issue.

This was my problem. I would turn the seat on, even on low, and it would get so freaking hot I couldn't stand it. But only in one spot I noticed eventually. So I pulled the seat cushion off and found there were two wires touching and shorting causing it to heat more than it is supposed to. You may need to replace the seat cushion.

Or resolder the wires like in the heated seat fix thread.

Sorry..thought your car was new enough that it had dual heateds.. Damn GP's..

not to thread jack, but while we're on the subject, my HI is pretty warm, but not enough for branded ass (which i would like the option to have lol). and my LO is quite the joke. it gets lukewarm at best.

why is dis?

/end jack.

Make your own thread Brando...

mah bad u can erase.

Originally Posted by BillBoost37

Or resolder the wires like in the heated seat fix thread.

Sorry..thought your car was new enough that it had dual heateds.. Damn GP's..

This thread?

http://www.grandprixforums.net/how-f...eat-39518.html

The elements are what caused my issues. Not the wire connections. That fix won't work. Just sayin...

If the element is broken 1" into it... I resolder it to the main wire and call it a day. I've resoldered as far in as 3-4" on one that was acting similar to this one. I'd kinda think it was the way the wire layed in the heater and then having pressure of someone sitting on it finished the job.