How do I fix heated seats?

[H2mudder]

How do i fix the heated seats? I have a 2003 I just bought and the interior is new, but the seat heater is not working..

Any idea how to fix it?

Also, the headlights will not turn off in the off position....anyone have a fix??

Thanks for your help

[H2mudder]

Anyone??

[HUMTECH]

I know how to fix them, problem is there can be anything from a broken wire to a failed module, switch, seat element, thermistor, fuse. No easy fix without actully looking at it

[H2mudder]

Originally Posted by HUMTECH

I know how to fix them, problem is there can be anything from a broken wire to a failed module, switch, seat element, thermistor, fuse. No easy fix without actully looking at it

The light goes on in the door - driver and pass side. It just lights up for a second and goes dead. Fuse? That could be I'll check on the fuses.

Anyway you know of trouble shooting this? other than checking the fuses?

[HUMTECH]

If the light goes on then goes out that means its getting powered up, seeing a fault then shutting down. Wont be a fuse. I would guess thermistor or seat element. Spend a little money and have someone qualified check it out. Too tough to diagnose without the truck in my garage sorry

[Rob P]

I have the same problem. Let me know if you figure it out. I am looking into it as well.

[HUMTECH]

Heated Seat Inoperative
Step
Action
Yes
No
Schematic Reference: Driver Seat Schematics and Passenger Seat Schematics
Connector End View Reference: Power Seat Connector End Views
1
Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle?
Go to Step 2
Go to Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle in Vehicle DTC Information
2
Operate the Heated Seat System.
Does the system operate normally?
Go to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections in Wiring Systems
Go to Step 3
3

1. <LI type=1>Install a scan tool. <LI type=1>Start the engine. <LI type=1>Display the Heated Seat Status and Zone parameters in the driver seat module (DSM) Input/Output data list.
2. Operate the heated seat switch in all modes.

Does the scan tool display the correct Heated Seat parameters in relation to heated seat switch operation?
Go to Step 8
Go to Step 4
4

1. <LI type=1>Display the Heated Seat Switch parameters in the door module Inputs data list.
2. Press the head seat switches while observing the scan tool parameters.

Does the scan tool display the heated seat switches as active while the switches are pressed?
Go to Step 5
Go to Step 6
5
Do the heated seat switch indicators operate normally?
Go to Step 13
Go to Step 12
6

1. <LI type=1>Disconnect the heated seat switch harness connector to the door module.
2. Test the resistance through the heated seat switch from the voltage supply circuit terminal to the back only select switch signal circuit terminal while operating the heat level switch.

Does the back only select switch have continuity only when pressed?
Go to Step 7
Go to Step 10
7
Test the resistance through the heated seat switch from the voltage supply circuit terminal to the back/cushion select switch signal circuit terminal while operating the back/cushion select switch.
Does the back/cushion select switch have continuity only when pressed?
Go to Step 12
Go to Step 10
8

1. <LI type=1>Disconnect the inoperative seat heater element connector. <LI type=1>Connect a test lamp from the voltage supply circuit terminal to the control circuit terminal in the harness connector.
2. Operate the seat back and cushion switch to the high mode.

Does the test lamp illuminate?
Go to Step 11
Go to Step 9
9
Test the seat heater element voltage supply and ground circuits in the seat harness for an open or short to ground. Refer to Circuit Testing and to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.
Did you find and correct the condition?
Go to Step 18
Go to Step 13
10
Inspect for poor connections at the heated seat switch harness connector to the door module. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and to Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.
Did you find and correct the condition?
Go to Step 18
Go to Step 14
11
Inspect for poor connections at the heated seat element connector. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and to Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.
Did you find and correct the condition?
Go to Step 18
Go to Step 15
12
Inspect for poor connections at the door module. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and to Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.
Did you find and correct the condition?
Go to Step 18
Go to Step 16
13
Inspect for poor connections at the DSM. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and to Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.
Did you find and correct the condition?
Go to Step 18
Go to Step 17

[HUMTECH]

Replace the heated seat switch. Refer to Front Seat Heater Switch Replacement .
Is the repair complete?
Go to Step 18
--
15
Replace the inoperative heated seat element. Refer to Driver Seat and Passenger Seat Back Cushion Heater Replacement or to Driver Seat and Passenger Seat Cushion Heater Replacement .
Is the repair complete?
Go to Step 18
--
16
Replace the door module. Refer to Control Module References in Computer/Integrating Systems for replacement, setup, and programming.
Is the repair complete?
Go to Step 18
--
17
Replace the DSM. Refer to Control Module References in Computer/Integrating Systems for replacement, setup, and programming.
Is the repair complete?
Go to Step 18
--
18
Operate the system in order to verify the repair.
Did you correct the condition?
System OK
Go to Step 3

[H2mudder]

Originally Posted by HUMTECH

Replace the heated seat switch. Refer to Front Seat Heater Switch Replacement .
Is the repair complete?
Go to Step 18
--
15
Replace the inoperative heated seat element. Refer to Driver Seat and Passenger Seat Back Cushion Heater Replacement or to Driver Seat and Passenger Seat Cushion Heater Replacement .
Is the repair complete?
Go to Step 18
--
16
Replace the door module. Refer to Control Module References in Computer/Integrating Systems for replacement, setup, and programming.
Is the repair complete?
Go to Step 18
--
17
Replace the DSM. Refer to Control Module References in Computer/Integrating Systems for replacement, setup, and programming.
Is the repair complete?
Go to Step 18
--
18
Operate the system in order to verify the repair.
Did you correct the condition?
System OK
Go to Step 3

The guy I bought the H2 from had the seats all reupholstered...
Maybe he removed the heating element. It has suede inserts in the middle of the seat....I'm guessing that is where the heating element is?

[johndjmix1]

Im having the same issue. But only when the truck is cold. If i hit the switch it goes on for a few seconds then off. I press again and the same....but as the car warms up each press seems to stay on a little longer till it just stays on like it should.

It has the Same behavior for driver or passanger seat...

Anyone find the solution?

--John

[ahgoo]

Originally Posted by HUMTECH

Heated Seat Inoperative

Schematic Reference: Driver Seat Schematics and Passenger Seat Schematics
Connector End View Reference: Power Seat Connector End Views

I have the same problem with a recently acquired '03 H2. Both Driver and passenger seat heater lights flash on momentarily and then off when you press either buttons on either side. I hear a little relay switch 'tick' when they are pressed, it sounds like it's coming from the seat heater box below the drivers seat. Your post will help me fix it I'm sure but I can't access any of the links from the tech site, it just says you don't have access. Is there anyway you can post those links/schematics? I don't want to buy any unnecessary parts and I don't want to pay somebody if I can figure it which parts may need replacing.

Thanks

[Hummdinger03]

Just purchased an '03. Same seat problem as you guys above. Push the front heated seats button and the light flashes once. Can hear the relay below. Rear seats work fine.

If you guys have found any fixes, I would greatly appreciate your update.

Cheers, J

[Hummdinger03]

Update: Have taken the H2 into the shop. Turns out the problem is the actual heating element under the seat. All other systems/relays work.

New problem: GM parts department has informed me that the heated seats element for the H2 has been discontinued, and there are none available.

Any advice on hunting down a replacement element aftermarket? Haven't seen any on the internet. Does anyone know if I can use the element from a different vehicle?

Thank you,

J