Heated Seat System: Description

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 Dodge Stratus and 2005 Chrysler Sebring. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Individually controlled electrically heated front seats are available as an factory-installed option on this model. Vehicles with this option can be visually identified by the heated seat switch mounted in the center console. The heated seat system allows the front seat driver and passenger to select from six different levels of supplemental seat heating, or no seat heating to suit their individual comfort requirements. The heated seat system for this vehicle includes the following major components, which are explained in detail later in this article:

Heated Seat Switch - One heated seat switch is used per vehicle. The switch is mounted in the center console, behind the gear selector and has two rotary knobs, one for the driver and one for the passenger front seats. Each rotary knob has six different detents (0-6), to indicate the desired level of seat heating. Zero (0) being off and 6 for the highest level of seat heating. There are three Light Emitting Diodes (LED's) in the heated seat switch. The first LED illuminates the heated seat symbol on the switch anytime the ignition switch is in the ON position. The remaining two LED's illuminate the selected numbers on the switch, indicating that the heated seat system is on and the level of seat heating selected.
Heated Seat Module - Two heated seat modules are used per vehicle, these modules contain the solid state electronic control and diagnostic logic circuitry for the entire heated seat system. Each heated seat module is mounted under each of the front seat cushions. Refer to ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULES - EXCEPT COUPE for additional heated seat module information.
Heated Seat Elements - Four heated seat elements are used per vehicle, one in each front seat cushion and one in each front seat back. These elements, which are integral to the individual front seat cushion and front seat back trim covers are connected in series with the heated seat module.
Heated Seat Sensor - Two heated seat sensors are used per vehicle, one for each front seat. The heated seat sensors are integrated into each of the seat cushion heating elements. The temperature sensor is a negative temperature coefficient thermistor.
Low Voltage Cut-Out Relay - The (12v) power to the heated seat elements are supplied through a relay that removes power from the heating elements when a low battery voltage is sensed by the powertrain control module (PCM). This micro-relay is located in cavity #8 in the Power Distribution Center (PDC).

Following are general descriptions of the major components in the heated seat system. See the owner's manual for more information on the features, use and operation of the heated seat system. Refer to appropriate SYSTEM WIRING DIAGRAMS article for the location of complete heated seat system wiring diagrams.