Heated Seat System Self-Diagnosis

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2008 Dodge Magnum, 2008 Dodge Charger, and 2008 Chrysler 300. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: Before testing the individual components in the heated rear seat system, check the vehicles battery open-circuit voltage and charging system performance. If the vehicles electrical system is defective or weak it may not be suppling sufficient energy to operate the heated rear seat system.

The heated rear seat system is capable of performing some self-diagnostics. The following table depicts the various monitored failures which will be reported to the vehicle operator or technician by flashing the individual heated seat switch/module Light Emitting Diode (LED) indicator lamps. The left heated seat switch/module indicator lamps will flash if a failure occurs in the left rear heated seat, and the right heated seat switch/module indicator lamps will flash for a right rear heated seat failure. If a monitored heated rear seat system failure occurs, the switch/module indicator lamps will flash at a pulse rate of about one-half second on, followed by about one-half second off for a duration of about one minute after the switch/module for the inoperative heated rear seat is depressed in either the Low or High direction. This process will repeat every time the inoperative heated seat switch/module is actuated until the problem has been corrected.

For complete circuit diagrams, refer to the appropriate SYSTEM WIRING DIAGRAMS article. The wiring information includes wiring diagrams, proper wire and connector repair procedures, details of wire harness routing and retention, connector pin-out information and location views for the various wire harness connectors, splices and grounds.

Heated Rear Seat System Self-Diagnosis Table

Heated Seat System Self-Diagnosis
Monitored Failure	Switch/Module High Indicator Lamp	Switch/Module Low Indicator Lamp
Heated Seat Element Shorted	Flashing	Flashing
Heated Seat Element Open	Flashing	Off

Diagnostic logic is built into the heated seat switch/module to help locate the problem by the most efficient means possible. Anytime a problem is suspected, locate the diagnosis and testing procedure for the component in question and follow the steps until the specific problem is located and resolved. Once the problem is thought to be corrected, verify correct system operation. If the heated rear seat system is functioning correctly return the vehicle to service.

If a problem could not be verified such as not finding anything wrong when following the diagnostic procedure, this is a good indication that a INTERMITTENT problem may be present. You must then attempt to find the intermittent problem, such as moving the heating element within the seat while testing continuity or wiggling the wire harness's/electrical connectors under the seat while testing continuity. Always, eliminate all other potential problems before attempting to replace the heated seat switch/module.