leather heated seats

i have a 2000 olds sillouhette the heated seats no longer work is this a common problem in these vans is it a simple fix or do i have to buy a whole new heating element?

probably the element (apprx 300$) it is probably made into the seacover and if you have side impact airbags forget DIY....

Do the lights come on in the switch? Are both seats not working? If so, I'd be really surprised if both sets of seating elements went out at the same time. If both are out, I'd suspect the fuse and/or the switch block. Also, check the connectors under the seat. Sometimes things put under the seat can cause problems.

If it is the elements, you can replace them relatively easy, but you need to get a service manual so you can safely handle the side air bags.

Good luck...Glen

Do the lights come on in the switch? Are both seats not working? If so, I'd be really surprised if both sets of seating elements went out at the same time. If both are out, I'd suspect the fuse and/or the switch block. Also, check the connectors under the seat. Sometimes things put under the seat can cause problems.

If it is the elements, you can replace them relatively easy, but you need to get a service manual so you can safely handle the side air bags.

Good luck...Glen


yes the lights come on with the switch.and yes both seats dont work.do u knowwhere i can get a service manual on the net for free?

Scrapdaddy,

No, I don't know, but our local library has schematics that you can look at - perhaps they have them at you library?

I don't believe that these vans use relays - it is pretty low current so all of it can go through the switch. I assume your power seats work since they may share power leads.

Did they both go out at the exact same time? If so, that seems to indicate that it is something wrong that is common between the two, and I'm betting the wiring splits right after the switch.

I guess the best thing I can suggest is find a schematic and check for the correct voltages, and if you suspect the elements, then you can check continuity of each.

One thing, I do believe they are in series so if either the back or the seat bottom element goes out, I'm thinking neither will then work.

Sorry I'm not more help....Glen

Scrapdaddy,

No, I don't know, but our local library has schematics that you can look at - perhaps they have them at you library?

I don't believe that these vans use relays - it is pretty low current so all of it can go through the switch. I assume your power seats work since they may share power leads.

Did they both go out at the exact same time? If so, that seems to indicate that it is something wrong that is common between the two, and I'm betting the wiring splits right after the switch.

I guess the best thing I can suggest is find a schematic and check for the correct voltages, and if you suspect the elements, then you can check continuity of each.

One thing, I do believe they are in series so if either the back or the seat bottom element goes out, I'm thinking neither will then work.

Sorry I'm not more help....Glen




they've never worked since weve had the van. we bought it used so no warranty. might have to check the library but i havent been in one in 25 years not sure if i even know where it is. i dont think its the heat elements but i'll run sum power checks.

Glen is right - my manual says that the back & seat are in "series"

I also noticed that the MAIN components that the seats have in common are the switch & the CIRCUIT BREAKER that they use to actually drive current through the heating elements. I believe it is circuit breaker # 4 on this page (http://www.my-chevy-venture.com/fuses.html).

I will try to get the schematic, but here is the description of the circuit:

The heated seat module receives battery voltage at all times fron the PWR/HEATED SEAT circuit breaker.

When the heated seat switch is pressed, the heated seat module receives ignition voltage, through the switch, from the HVAC/DIC/DRL/HEATED SEAT fuse.

The temperature sensor inside the seat cushion heater pad senses the temperature of the cushion and signals the control unit to increase or decrease the amount of current to the seat cushion and the seat back heater elements.

Here is what should be on the pins of the Seat Heater Module connector on both sides. I am assuming this connector is under the seat:

Pin - Wire Color - Function - Comment
A - RED - Heated Seat Control - TO Seat Back element
B - Light Blue - Heated Seat Switch Signal - FROM Switch
C - Green/White - Heated Seat Switch Signal - FROM Switch
D - Yellow - Battery Positive Voltage - FROM Circuit Breaker
E - Black/Red - Heated Seat Temp Sensor Signal - FROM Seat Cushion
F - Black - Ground - TO Seat Cushion

That should be a good start for troubleshooting.

Take Care,

Scrapdaddy,

I sent you a PM. Check it out.

Take Care,

Scrapdaddy,

I sent you a PM. Check it out.

Take Care,

Ok i have the same problem both lights work for the seats but no heat.

any help.

thks. Peter