Topic: Heated seats (Read 8178 times)

Sir Sideways · « **on:** 05 August 2006, 08:25:03 »

My drivers heated seat doesnt work, ive checked the fuse but thats fine, the wiring is connected. Height adjustment works fine up and down. I set the heat controll to 6 the light comes on but nothing happens, the passenger seat heats up like normal.

Any Ideas on what to do next?

Many thanks

Jim

Hillper · « **Reply #1 on:** 05 August 2006, 09:19:37 »

Most likely culprit is the heater mat or thermostat.

Is it the seat base or back, or both that don't work?

Sir Sideways · « **Reply #2 on:** 05 August 2006, 09:42:13 »

both seat and back dont heat up

Andy B · « **Reply #3 on:** 05 August 2006, 09:48:28 »

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both seat and back dont heat up

Assuming face lift seats are wired the same as earlier cars, the 2 mats are wired in series with each other. My pre face lift seat was cured by cutting out about the first 2" of the base heater element that had burnt out. My previous Senator's seat was cured in the same way. Take the seat out & have a look - the worst result is a seat heater that doesn't work!!

The seat is bloody heavy though

Hillper · « **Reply #4 on:** 05 August 2006, 09:54:14 »

It's probably the integral thermostat in the mat. I guess it switches both mats. However, when this goes, it normally fails switched on, causing the mat to overheat and potentially a fire!

First check for voltage at the connectors under the seat. Compare with the other side with the settings the same. (Don't unplug the airbags accidently, if you have them).

The connector will look something like this.

The airbag connectors are the outside yellow pair. The heater mat wires are the centre four, I believe.

Are they leather seats?

Sir Sideways · « **Reply #5 on:** 05 August 2006, 10:33:34 »

yes they are leather, and they do have airbags.

ill go and check the voltage now.

Thank you all so much for the help

Sir Sideways · « **Reply #6 on:** 05 August 2006, 11:27:33 »

Right, i checked the voltages on both seats and they both gave a reading of 28v (btw for future reference it was the green plug, i switched them on and off to varify) . i set both seats to no.5, as the passenger seat warmed up i felt where the heat was and felt in the same place on the drivers seat but no part of the drivers seat warmed up at all.

Hillper · « **Reply #7 on:** 05 August 2006, 11:36:20 »

I'm pretty certain you'll have to remove the seat and bottom cover to inspect and test the mat.

New ones are very expensive, but they do come up on Ebay occasionally.

I have got instructions 'somewhere' to remove leather covers. I'll try and dig them out. Unless anyone else can tell you.

By the way, before you disconnect any airbags, disconnect the battery first and wait a minute.

Sir Sideways · « **Reply #8 on:** 05 August 2006, 11:47:48 »

Ok cheers Buddy, your help is much appreciated

Many Thanks

Jim

Kev · « **Reply #9 on:** 06 August 2006, 13:55:33 »

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I'm pretty certain you'll have to remove the seat and bottom cover to inspect and test the mat.

New ones are very expensive, but they do come up on Ebay occasionally.

I have got instructions 'somewhere' to remove leather covers. I'll try and dig them out. Unless anyone else can tell you.

By the way, before you disconnect any airbags, disconnect the battery first and wait a minute.

I would also appreciate some instructions for removing the leather covers.

My drivers seat has suffered the same fate.

I was really lucky though and was able to pick up a replacement cover on eBay which was brand new.

It just needs fitted and plugged in.

If my memory serves me correct i phoned Vx with the part no. and was quoted over £300!

The heating pad is sewn into the leather covers, but i think with the standard seats you can replace the heating pad on it's own.

Elite Pete · « **Reply #10 on:** 06 August 2006, 14:08:42 »

I have a problem with the drivers side heated seat. The seat heats up but its like sitting on a George Foreman grill you can smell the flesh burning [smiley=laugh.gif]. Its a leather seat. Any info would be much appreciated

Hillper · « **Reply #11 on:** 06 August 2006, 15:39:27 »

Same applies as above.

Thermostat is dead. You need a new pad I'm afraid.

But don't use it, or you may start a fire!

Robin Hood · « **Reply #12 on:** 06 August 2006, 18:24:40 »

Again, passenger seat fine, driver's seat touch and go.

Sitting still it works fine, leaning forward it cuts out (switch light goes out) and this will repeat a few times before the fuse blows. I assume that there is a break in the bottom pad - could it be repaired, joined or bypassed ?

BTW sitting still is not an option.

Kev · « **Reply #13 on:** 06 August 2006, 23:06:45 »

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I have a problem with the drivers side heated seat. The seat heats up but its like sitting on a George Foreman grill you can smell the flesh burning [smiley=laugh.gif]. Its a leather seat. Any info would be much appreciated

That's exactly what happened to mines before it gave up the ghost. :-?

Elite Pete · « **Reply #14 on:** 07 August 2006, 15:41:01 »

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Same applies as above.

Thermostat is dead. You need a new pad I'm afraid.

But don't use it, or you may start a fire!

Am I right in thinking that on the pre facelift the pad is fixed to the leather cover meaning you have to change the whole seat cover. [smiley=sad.gif]

Kev · « **Reply #15 on:** 07 August 2006, 20:07:09 »

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Am I right in thinking that on the pre facelift the pad is fixed to the leather cover meaning you have to change the whole seat cover. [smiley=sad.gif]

I think it is the same for both pre and facelift models. If your seats are leather then the pad is sewn in. If your seats are velour then you can just change the pad.

Salty · « **Reply #16 on:** 16 August 2006, 12:53:10 »

Not tried the heaters on mine yet but for other reasons I am interested in the instructions for removing the leather cover.

Kev · « **Reply #17 on:** 16 August 2006, 22:06:27 »

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Not tried the heaters on mine yet but for other reasons I am interested in the instructions for removing the leather cover.

The seat will have to be removed from the car to change the cover.

It's not a difficult job, but it is fiddly. :-/

Salty · « **Reply #18 on:** 17 August 2006, 19:39:55 »

The pocket on the back of passenger seat is hanging off on one side thats why i was interested. I know the heaters work on the rear seats as the kids have been trying to toast each other.

Kev · « **Reply #19 on:** 17 August 2006, 19:48:24 »

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The pocket on the back of passenger seat is hanging off on one side thats why i was interested. I know the heaters work on the rear seats as the kids have been trying to toast each other.

Yup, even in the height of summer the kids insist on having the heaters on.

I suppose i'd have been the same if my dad had heated seats in his Viva.

TheOutcast · « **Reply #20 on:** 28 August 2006, 22:41:54 »

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The pocket on the back of passenger seat is hanging off on one side thats why i was interested. I know the heaters work on the rear seats as the kids have been trying to toast each other.

If these seats are the same as my 96 P reg elite, you don't need to take the seat out to fix the broken pocket.
The pocket is fixed to a plastic panel, which is attached to the back of the seat each with screws at each side.
If it's like mine, the lugs on the pocket will have broken off.
I re-attached the pockets on mine, using small screws, washers, and self locking nuts.
I drilled through the plastic frame on the pocket, where the lugs had been, but not through the pocket itself, so that the screw heads were hidden when the job was done.
I reckon they were better than new. [smiley=thumbsup.gif]

Kev · « **Reply #21 on:** 29 August 2006, 09:35:57 »

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Quote
The pocket on the back of passenger seat is hanging off on one side thats why i was interested. I know the heaters work on the rear seats as the kids have been trying to toast each other.
If these seats are the same as my 96 P reg elite, you don't need to take the seat out to fix the broken pocket.
The pocket is fixed to a plastic panel, which is attached to the back of the seat each with screws at each side.
If it's like mine, the lugs on the pocket will have broken off.
I re-attached the pockets on mine, using small screws, washers, and self locking nuts.
I drilled through the plastic frame on the pocket, where the lugs had been, but not through the pocket itself, so that the screw heads were hidden when the job was done.
I reckon they were better than new. [smiley=thumbsup.gif]

Correct about the pocket, you don't have to remove the seat to fix it.

However, if you're going to be removing any of the leather covers, the seat does have to come out. :-?

MartinP · « **Reply #22 on:** 03 September 2006, 14:07:20 »

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Quote
Am I right in thinking that on the pre facelift the pad is fixed to the leather cover meaning you have to change the whole seat cover. [smiley=sad.gif]

I think it is the same for both pre and facelift models. If your seats are leather then the pad is sewn in. If your seats are velour then you can just change the pad.

Can you not put a sticky (velour style) heater pad under the exsisting leather pad??

Kev · « **Reply #23 on:** 03 September 2006, 14:14:25 »

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Can you not put a sticky (velour style) heater pad under the exsisting leather pad??

You could try, i'm not sure how effective it would be though. The leather pad/cushion is quite thick. :-/

Sir Sideways · « **Reply #24 on:** 23 November 2007, 14:56:08 »

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I have got instructions 'somewhere' to remove leather covers. I'll try and dig them out. Unless anyone else can tell you.

Bit of an old thread i know but, any luck on finding the info to remove the leather? getting to that time of year again lol. jus need to find some pads though.

Andy B · « **Reply #25 on:** 23 November 2007, 15:24:09 »

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Quote
I have got instructions 'somewhere' to remove leather covers. I'll try and dig them out. Unless anyone else can tell you.

Bit of an old thread i know but, any luck on finding the info to remove the leather? getting to that time of year again lol. jus need to find some pads though.

You've checked that you've 12v to the connection to the base of the seat?
Remove the seat from the car - read the info about disconnecting the battery re airbags etc Apart from getting the air bag light on the dash , I should think it's a bit difficult to stuff the airbags back into the side of your seat!

They're heavy too.
The leather covers hold onto a metal channel on the edge of the seat base. The cover has a thick card stitched to the edge of it that tucks up into the metal channel of the seat base. You'll see this when you've removed the plastic covers along the base where the seat switches are. I'm sure you'll work it out. Have a look see at the elements, any damaged bits will be noticable by the scorched bit around it. Remember that the base & lower back sections are wired in series with each other - ie if one section is goosed the lecky can't get to/from the other section. I believe that there are after market heat pads available if need be.

Mr.Slippy · « **Reply #26 on:** 23 November 2007, 15:30:31 »

my drivers seat doesn't work either, Im too lazy to sort it, and knowing my luck the airbag would go off!

I'll stick to the curried beans method in the cold morning! parp!

Sir Sideways · « **Reply #27 on:** 23 November 2007, 18:37:54 »

When I tested the wires, I checked both sides of the conection under the seat and power is definetly getting to the pad/thermostat.

would it be possible to repair the pad if thats the problem? i.e cut out the burnt part and rejoin it?

Andy B · « **Reply #28 on:** 23 November 2007, 21:59:38 »

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......
would it be possible to repair the pad if thats the problem? i.e cut out the burnt part and rejoin it?

It's worked for me ..... twice. In my Omega & in the Senator before it.

Sir Sideways · « **Reply #29 on:** 25 November 2007, 15:31:30 »

great stuff Ill have a look at that next weekend.

Thanks for that

ghondie · « **Reply #30 on:** 26 November 2007, 22:59:31 »

dont know how different it is, ie how its sewn in to the seat, but i have repaired 2 saab 9000 seats where the wire had burnt in a couple of places, worked a treat, this is a gm model car so i guess you could try a transplant of some sort if needed

cheers

Sir Sideways · « **Reply #31 on:** 27 November 2007, 17:48:03 »

I just wish I could do it without removing the seat :-/ to avoid the airbag light coming on.

Golfbuddy · « **Reply #32 on:** 27 November 2007, 20:54:01 »

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I just wish I could do it without removing the seat :-/ to avoid the airbag light coming on.

Don't quote me on this but I believe that if you disconnect the battery and leave alone before you disconnect the seat and then connect all back up BEFORE reconnecting the battery, the airbag light shouldn't come on. Someone else should confirm whether or not I'm talking rubbish again though.

Weds · « **Reply #33 on:** 27 November 2007, 22:39:33 »

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Quote
I just wish I could do it without removing the seat :-/ to avoid the airbag light coming on.

Don't quote me on this but I believe that if you disconnect the battery and leave alone before you disconnect the seat and then connect all back up BEFORE reconnecting the battery, the airbag light shouldn't come on. Someone else should confirm whether or not I'm talking rubbish again though.

I concur
Done that myself..

TheBoy · « **Reply #34 on:** 28 November 2007, 09:27:47 »

Yup, discon battery, have a fag/tea, then all will be well. Do not reconnect battery until seat back in and fully wired up

Sir Sideways · « **Reply #35 on:** 03 December 2007, 21:26:29 »

Great stuff, thanks. I'll give it a while then and have a crack.

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Author Topic: Heated seats (Read 8178 times)

TheOutcast