Climate Controlled Seat System

The climate controlled seat system is able to heat and cool the front seats. Each climate controlled front seat is controlled by buttons located on the dual automatic temperature control (DATC) module.

Both the driver and front passenger seat has an independent climate controlled seat system installed. A climate controlled seat module mounted to the bottom of the seat cushion electronically controls the climate controlled seat system. The climate controlled seat system receives power from both the battery power and vehicle run circuits. The vehicle must have ignition ON and the dual automatic temperature control (DATC) module switch set to HEAT or COOL 1, 2, 3 or AUTO for the climate controlled seat system to activate.

AUTO mode is achieved by pressing the HEAT and COOL settings simultaneously. The center LED will be illuminated when the CCSM is in AUTO mode.

Cabin air is drawn through the seat fan motor and distributed to each of the thermo-electric device (TED) modules located in the seat cushion and backrest. The TEDs then heat or cool the air. The air is then directed into the foam pad B-surface. Channels in the A-surface of the foam pad are used to distribute the air along the surface of the seat.

The TED uses a "Peltier" circuit of P-type and N-type semiconductors connected in series using copper electrical conductors. The semiconductors are sandwiched between two insulating ceramic plates. When current is applied to the TED, one side releases energy as heat, while the opposite side absorbs energy and gets cold. By reversing the current flow, the hot and cold sides reverse.

The temperature differences between the individual HEAT and COOL settings is minimal. For example, it is difficult to distinguish between LOW COOL and MEDIUM COOL settings. Monitoring the seat temperature at different HEAT or COOL settings should not be done as it is ineffective in confirming climate controlled seat system operation.