Heated Seat Problem

[Rivieraracing]

Have any of you had a problem with one of your front seats having the built in seat heater not work? And if so, was the problem with yours having the element in the seat take a dive or was it as simple as reprogramming it again?
The reason I ask is my drivers side seat heater in my '02 Yukon XL Denali hasn't worked since I bought it last year, and when I mentioned it to the dealer to see if it was a common problem on them they mentioned it could be as simple as reprogramming the system(cheap and easy!!). I view the seat heater as a 'want' instead of a 'need' for me, so if it is something simple as reprogramming it for the $50 they want to charge, then it is worth it to me (its my wifes truck, gotta keep her happy). I just don't want to pay the $50 for them to look at it and then say that it is an element and walk out with either $50 less in my wallet and no warm seat or $200 - $300 just to get it fixed, it will just make me mad. Just trying to get a feel for what my outcome will be on this issue, hope I am not alone in this problem!!

 

[Rivieraracing]

Also too, the passenger on works great, button lights up when turned on. On drivers side one the button lights up when you try to turn it on so I know I am getting power to the switch but no warm seat, either on hi or low. Everything else on the seat electric seems to work great. Everything seems to be connected from the switch to the seat, I have messed with the connections behind the switch and by the seat, does anybody know a way to ohm or check volts to the element or switch or anything towards this problem?

 

[Rivieraracing]

Anybody have any light to shed on this subject????

 

[tybardy]

do those things run on a fuse? Pull the fuse panel and take a look... Im not sure but thats a good place to start, even cheaper than $50 if thats all it is

 

[Rivieraracing]

I would think that if it was a fuse, the light on the switch wouldn't even turn on when pushed. You are absolutely, a fuse is better than $50 out of the wallet, wish it was that simple in this situation. Thanks for the help, anyone else??????

 

[Rivieraracing]

Anybody?

 

[CHOPCHOP]

Yup, you are not alone. I just purchased a 1999 GMC Yukon for the same reasons as you and the the driver's side seat will not heat up.

Any one else????

 

[l080100]

We had the same issue with our 03 Yukon, but caught it before we bought it. The switch lit up, but no heat either from the bottom element, or the one that heats your lower back.

Dealer replaced the switch at no cost, works like a champ now.

 

[Rivieraracing]

So in your case the switch lit up when pushed but it ended up being the switch anyways? Do you remember how much the switch was?

 

[l080100]

Yep... Switch lit up, but no heat. Odd.

We asked about it before we signed paperwork for the truck, and the dealer just said they replaced the switch. Didn't mention a price etc. as we didn't pay for it.

The more I think about it, I wonder how the switch could light up, but the elements not work..... :confused2:

 

[treepete]

I have no heat in my drivers side as well. also hear crackeling sound when I leave my back seat heaters on (the kids leave them on)
I would like to know how to fix/test/find the problem here also

 

[CHOPCHOP]

Heated Driver Seat

Something That I Did Not Think About Was To Replace The Switch!!!
I Will Try That And See What's Up.

 

[u2nv]

ok i just looked this up for my 01 kon there are two fuses that run this 1 underhood 1 in door jam fuse box theres also a relay first check power and grnd at switch then chck for power and grnd @ heater element if this isnt clear enough or limited ability on checking this stuff hit me up and i will try step by step for your vehicle year and get wire colors and such hope this helps u guys

 

[Little8]

So I have the same prob....found a 3 pin wire harness under my seat that was unplugged. I plugged it in, but still no heat. Fuses are good, too. ????????????? Must be the switch?????????

 

[Rivieraracing]

Does your switch light up when you try to turn the seat heater on?

 

[Little8]

Yup, it sure does...both high and low settings.

 

[onlycme23]

02 denali heated seat issue as well

same issues. only passenger side though front and back. front one the lights work on the switch and back one the lights don't work. neither seat works. would love to get this fixed so my husband can drive again. i keep driving because i am addicted to the heated seat....

 

[Pigpen4x4]

I have been dealing with a similar issue on the driver seat of my 03 Tahoe. The switch lights up for a min, but then automatically shuts off. After talking with several people, I have decided to replace the heating element (mesh grid looking thing) under the seat cover. It is very common for the heating element to go out and need replacement. From normal wear and tear, the heat element wires crack therefore not providing the correct, or any, electrical current. It is more likely that this is the issue than the switch being bad, and this fix is much cheaper! Infact, I'm heading to the dealership today to pick up the new part so I can replace it. YEA...I can now have a nice warm seat again!

 

[Little8]

Does this require pulling the seat? I see under my seat there is a 3 wire plug that is disconnected. I plug it in, but still nothing. Matter of fact, the first time I plugged it in there was a nice arc! Thanks a bunch.

 

[onlycme23]

Let me know if replacing the heating element fixes the problem. I would also like to know how difficult it is to do. When it was under warranty I had both driver's and passenger side and back passenger side heated seats fixed. I think it is just a common problem. I was laughed at several times because I live in FL however as mentioned they are addicting. Especially on long drives. Good luck!