Driver's Seat Removal and Heater Replacement

[Greg Foster]

Has anyone had to replace the seat heaters in a Gen 2? Light comes on but no heat, in reading other post I figure one of the elements is bad. The lumbar just makes noise, no change too. I see on some boards that people have done it. I am just worried about the air bag in the seat going off if disconnected or removed. Dealer wants $100 to tell me what the problem is, $200 to fix it and probably $150 to in parts. I know I can do it myself if the air bags are not an issue. I want to take the seat out to diagnose and fix but I have read things about the air bag on the side of the seat going off. I also don't want to test the wrong wires and set off the air bag as well. Dealer said just pull out the seat, anyone have any thoughts. My In-Laws are buying it and it is really cold where they live so it needs to be fixed. Does anyone have the wiring diagram and exploded view of the seat parts? I have seen the Gen 1 on here but not the Gen 2. I need to figure out which element is bad so I can order it. Any help would be great, especially if someone has done it already.

 

[Todd Z]

Most airbags are disabled by disconnecting the NEG battery cable and simply opening the door to drain the system and leave the battery disconnected for 30 min.....



Some cars have special procedure, But the gen 1 is that way.....



Just be careful not to break a connector or damage the seat during removal and take it apart and replace the parts...



Todd Z

 

[Steve McKellop]

I emailed you some seat stuff.



Depowering Procedure



WARNING: Always wear eye protection when servicing a vehicle. Failure to follow this instruction may result in serious personal injury.



WARNING: Never probe the electrical connectors on air bag, Safety Canopy or side air curtain modules. Failure to follow this instruction may result in the accidental deployment of these modules, which increases the risk of serious personal injury or death.



WARNING: Do not handle, move or change the original horizontal mounting position of the restraints control module (RCM) while the RCM is connected and the ignition switch is ON. Failure to follow this instruction may result in the accidental deployment of the Safety Canopy and cause serious personal injury or death.



WARNING: To reduce the risk of accidental deployment, do not use any memory saver devices. Failure to follow this instruction may result in serious personal injury or death.



NOTE: The air bag warning indicator illuminates when the correct Restraints Control Module (RCM) fuse is removed and the ignition is ON.



NOTE: The Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) must be fully operational and free of faults before releasing the vehicle to the customer.



Turn all vehicle accessories OFF.

Turn the ignition switch to OFF.

At the Smart Junction Box (SJB), located below the LH side of the instrument panel, remove the cover and the RCM fuse 17 (10A) from the SJB. For additional information, refer to the Wiring Diagram manual.

Turn the ignition ON and visually monitor the air bag warning indicator for at least 30 seconds. The air bag warning indicator will remain lit continuously (no flashing) if the correct RCM fuse has been removed. If the air bag warning indicator does not remain lit continuously, remove the correct RCM fuse before proceeding.

Turn the ignition to OFF.

WARNING: Always deplete the backup power supply before repairing or installing any new front or side air bag supplemental restraint system (SRS) component and before servicing, removing, installing, adjusting or striking components near the front or side impact sensors or the restraints control module (RCM). Nearby components include doors, instrument panel, console, door latches, strikers, seats and hood latches.



Refer to the Description and Operation portion of Section 501-20B for location of the RCM and impact sensor(s).



To deplete the backup power supply energy, disconnect the battery ground cable and wait at least 1 minute. Be sure to disconnect auxiliary batteries and power supplies (if equipped).



Failure to follow these instructions may result in serious personal injury or death in the event of an accidental deployment.



Disconnect the battery ground cable and wait at least one minute. For additional information, refer to Section 414-01.



Repowering Procedure



Turn the ignition switch from OFF to ON.

Install RCM fuse 17 (10A) to the SJB and close the cover.

WARNING: Make sure no one is in the vehicle and there is nothing blocking or placed in front of any air bag module when the battery is connected. Failure to follow these instructions may result in serious personal injury in the event of an accidental deployment.



Connect the battery ground cable.

Prove out the SRS as follows:

Turn the ignition switch from ON to OFF. Wait 10 seconds, then turn the ignition switch back to ON and visually monitor the air bag warning indicator with the air bag modules installed. The air bag warning indicator will light continuously for approximately 6 seconds and then turn off. If an SRS fault is present, the air bag warning indicator will:

- fail to light.

- remain lit continuously.

- flash at a 5 Hz rate (RCM not configured).

The air bag warning indicator might not light until approximately 30 seconds after the ignition switch has been turned from the OFF to the ON position. This is the time required for the RCM to complete the testing of the SRS. If the air bag warning indicator is inoperative and an SRS fault exists, a chime will sound in a pattern of 5 sets of 5 beeps. If this occurs, the air bag warning indicator and any SRS fault discovered must be diagnosed and repaired.

Clear all continuous DTCs from the RCM and Occupant Classification System Module (OCSM) using a scan tool.

 

[Greg Foster]

Steve



Looks like it is just what I need, much appreciated.

 

[scott degroot]

I hate doing any seat work...it's truly a PITA. Remove the seat and take it to an auto upholstery shop and let them replace the element

 

[Tom Parker]

My driver's side seat will not heat on my 03. I have the indication light on but no warmth. I noticed through other conversations that there could be a couple of answers but nothing specific. I would like to have a way to diagnose if anyone has a procedure. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[Gavin Allan]

Unplug the connector at the seat and check for voltage. That would be where I would start.

 

[Mark K 2]

Guess which option I won't be ordering on my next vehicle.