Seat heater

[densonfrnc]

Sometimes it will come on and then some times I have to turn off the key and restart it a few times until the seat heaters will come on?

[justdanorm]

Define how it doesn't 'come on'.

Is it just the indicator lights next to the seat heater switch/button wont come on? If so, it may just be the switch/button is bad and doesn't work all the time.

Or is it just not getting warm right away and you're thinking it isn't working? It does take a little while for it to warm up or feel it.

[densonfrnc]

they will not heat up nor will the display light on the switch. If I turn the iignition on and off they eventually come on

[Luv2Camp]

Assuming you are not trying to get them to go on while the vehicle is not started? They will not come on unless the engine is running to avoid rapid battery drain.

[densonfrnc]

No it is running its just sometimes they come on and sometimes they dont

[justdanorm]

No it is running its just sometimes they come on and sometimes they dont


And they both react the same way? Or are you only trying the one side?

What about the back?

If they both react the same way its doubtful both are faulty at the same time, although coincidentally, it could happen.
Probably the switch not working right or you are doing something wrong.

Read the manual again to make sure you aren't pressing the back heater, then the back and butt heather or you are pressing it three times and shutting it off and thinkings it not working.

Sorry, just without seeing it personally its hard to figure out whats wrong other than "user error". No offense.

[densonfrnc]

Its either all or none. If they work the front and back work if not none of them do

[justdanorm]

Then maybe fuse? I'm not sure if they're all on the same fuse. Other than that it could only be an electrical problem in the whole truck.

[etmyers]

Not any help but I had the same issue in a Suburban. Never did figure it out but same symptoms. Eventually they worked again without issue. My only guess was that I had either a self curing short or water issue?

[HUMTECH]

when they do work try moving your weight around in the seat or bouncing in the seat, if they shut down you likely have an intermittant open in the seat element which will disable the entire system Scanning for codes would be a big help

[pdxrealtor]

Humtech-

My driver side comes on and off intermittently. I've searched and found an so many opinions if I followed them all I'd be replacing the entire driver side seat and wiring harness with module.

Do you have any info on where to start?

[HUMTECH]

Start by scanning seat module for codes, if its acting up should set a code then we can go from there

[pdxrealtor]

Thanks!

To be clear, this would be done at the dealer at the actual module under the seat?

I have a code reader, but I'm guessing this ain't the tool you're talking about.

[HUMTECH]

Tech 2 would be my first choice which is a dealer tool. Any good scanner that can read body codes will do. Most code readers will only read powertrain codes so that wont pick it up

[[__--MUD--__]]

You know that viper has the capability to turn on your heated seats.... Alot of people dont know how to activate it or thats its even there.

[pdxrealtor]

']You know that viper has the capability to turn on your heated seats.... Alot of people dont know how to activate it or thats its even there.



My Viper Smart Start? Do tell more......

[[__--MUD--__]]

There is a temp sensor in the viper module. It can be set to automatically start the vehicle and run for x amount of time below x temp. Also below x temp, remote start will activate the seat heaters. Number of other odd features no one ever uses. Timed delay shutoff to cool down turbos, etc.

Think mine is set around 42-45 degrees for the seat heaters to turn on. Pretty damn nice option. Hvac may not be up to temp, but the seats warm up pretty quick.

You need the programmer to access those features. I believe this is all done through the bypass module. You might want to try disconnecting that while you are troubleshooting. If you had that remote start installed, I'd check w your installed before you start yanking ****.

[pdxrealtor]

I've had the Viper for a couple years before the seat heater issue.

I'm aware of all of the functions you mention. I actually requested to have the temp turn on feature activated and Best Buy told me it would not work with the Hummer.

As far as the seat heater auto on, where did you get that info?

I'm pretty thorough when reading about features and have messed with all of them on this Viper. I even have a note in my Outlook that syncs with my phone and lists all the remote key fob codes I thought I'd use.

There is also an option to start if voltage dips below a certain level..... doesn't work on mine.

[[__--MUD--__]]

I've always had "a guy" do all my stereo/remote start ****, so I never really got in balls deep.

There are bypass units that directly plug into the truck and can communicate w/ the bus and there are ones that get cut into the factory harness....old school way.

Doesn't sound like you have the one that will communicate w/ the bus. If so, then you can eliminate the remots start from the possibility list.

[pdxrealtor]

']I've always had "a guy" do all my stereo/remote start ****, so I never really got in balls deep.

There are bypass units that directly plug into the truck and can communicate w/ the bus and there are ones that get cut into the factory harness....old school way.

Doesn't sound like you have the one that will communicate w/ the bus. If so, then you can eliminate the remots start from the possibility list.


I am 'that guy' but the last few years I just haven't felt like diving in like I used to.

Yet another example of 'if you want **** done right, your gotta do it yourself'.

[pdxrealtor]

Until I can round up a tech 2 or the like.....

Does anyone know how to disconnect the heater without pulling one of the fuses or relays that control multiple things.

[[__--MUD--__]]

Seat Heater: Description and Operation
Heated Seats (Front)
HEATED SEATS DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION (FRONT)
HEATED SEAT COMPONENTS
The heated seat system consists of the following components:
- Driver and passenger heated seat switches
- Driver and passenger seat back heater elements
- Driver and passenger seat cushion heater elements
- Driver and passenger seat back temperature sensors
- Driver seat module
- Driver door module
- Passenger door module
HEATED SEAT SYSTEM OPERATION
The driver and passenger heated seats have 2 heat zone operating modules with 3 heat level modes and will operate only while the engine is running.
The heat zones are determined by which of the 2 heated seat buttons are pressed, while the heat level is determined by the number of times they are
pressed. Pressing the seat cushion button 1 time will activate the seat back and cushion heater elements in the high mode. Each time the seat cushion
button 5 pressed the seat back and cushion heat level is reduced from high to medium, low, and off. Pressing the heated seat back button 1 time will
activate only the seat back heater element in the high mode. Each time the seat back button is pressed the seat back heat level is reduced from high to
medium, low, and off. During heated seat operation the heat zone operating mode may be changed without affecting the current heat level mode.
The heated Seat switches are momentary contact switches and are inputs to the driver and passenger door modules. Battery voltage is supplied to the
switch assembly from the door module, and when a heated seat switch is pressed and released a brief switch signal voltage is supplied to the door
module. Whenever the door module receives an active heated seat switch input, the next heated seat operating mode is determined by whatever the
current mode may be. The seat heater elements are controlled by the driver seat module using inputs from the door modules through Class 2 serial
data circuit messages. The driver seat module controls the voltage supply and the ground circuits to the seat heater elements. When a heated seat
function is commanded active, the seat module will switch battery voltage to the heater element supply circuits and ground is provided through low
side drive control circuits.
During heated seat operation both the seat back and cushion heater elements are supplied battery voltage. The seat module grounds the appropriate
control circuits for back only or back and cushion heating modes, and opens or closes the active control circuits as necessary in order to maintain the
desired seat temperature. The seat module relies on inputs from thermistors located in the driver and passenger seat backs to control heated seat
temperatures. The thermistors are 2 wire sensors supplied with a 5-volt referenced signal circuit and a low reference circuit from the seat module.
Resistance through the thermistors varies with temperature causing the heated seat sensor signal circuit voltage levels to decrease as the seat back
temperatures rise. The seat modules allow heated seat operation only while the engine is running which is determined by a Class 2 serial data circuit
message from the powertrain control module.

[[__--MUD--__]]

http://i259.photobucket.com/albums/hh300/__--MUD--__/H2/heatedseatconnector.jpg

[[__--MUD--__]]

Just yank that above plug under the seat. The door module is what powers it.

There is a tsb on the heating elements not working all the time when turned on, but I see nothing about them being on by themselfs.

There is updated firmware for the door control module for 2003-2005 that corrects the issue in that tsb. Might try getting a dealership to reprogram that module. All the diagnostics requires a tech2.

[[__--MUD--__]]

****, you have an 06. guess you already have the newer firmware.

[[__--MUD--__]]

Just sitting here thinking... this poped out at me-

The heated Seat switches are momentary contact switches and are inputs to the driver and passenger door modules.

does the physical button face seem loose? Like the spring broke behind it. If the spring broke and its not holding that button open...as you drive around it could be rattling around closing the contact- activating the system.

Here is the input to the drive door module-

http://i259.photobucket.com/albums/hh300/__--MUD--__/H2/DriverDoorModuleC5.jpg

[[__--MUD--__]]

Pin #3 & #9 are the actual on/off signals.

In theory, if those were disconnected- you have removed the physical input activators and kept the function indicators operational- Switch is disabled, but you can still see if they are on/off.

Door module communicates to the seat module throught the data bus. Like that heated seat option activated through the bypass module for the remote start...I "think" it contacts the seat module directly through the bus. Dont believe it sends any signal to the door module.

Here's the seat modules-

http://i259.photobucket.com/albums/hh300/__--MUD--__/H2/driversseatcomponents.jpg

http://i259.photobucket.com/albums/hh300/__--MUD--__/H2/memoryseatmoduleC4.jpg

http://i259.photobucket.com/albums/hh300/__--MUD--__/H2/memoryseatmoduleC3.jpg

[HUMTECH]

Good call, never thought of that myself']Just sitting here thinking... this poped out at me-

The heated Seat switches are momentary contact switches and are inputs to the driver and passenger door modules.

does the physical button face seem loose? Like the spring broke behind it. If the spring broke and its not holding that button open...as you drive around it could be rattling around closing the contact- activating the system.

Here is the input to the drive door module-

http://i259.photobucket.com/albums/hh300/__--MUD--__/H2/DriverDoorModuleC5.jpg

[pdxrealtor]

Right on MUD- all that info is much appreciated!

Now I have to make some sense out of all of it.

RE: the TSB.... In all my Google searching and result reading I did come across the going off automatically after being turned on. Those problems seem to have been narrowed down to the MCM under the seat, and the actual element itself shorting out.

The only problem solver I've been able to find for the on / off ghost is the door module, which is connected to the bottom of the window switches in an 03 Yukon. http://www.fixya.com/cars/t1790846-03_yukon_driver_seat_heater_comes_goes#solution-heading


A side from that it's a bunch of 'what I do I do' without a bunch of 'this is what you do' when it comes to auto on/off issues.

I really want to avoid the dealer. I think an acquaintance has a body code reader, but it's not a tech 2. That should work, no?

OH- and RE: the actual switch on the door. That little SOB, when turning on a seat heater at will, will really test a man's anger management issues. I was ready to rip the wires right off that damn circuit board and the only reason I didn't is because I was afraid the heater would still come on leaving me really ****ed.

Anyways, it is removed from the door at this time. I too thought it could be a switch problem because when things go haywire the input of the seat heater BACK button doesn't always register, or is delayed. Once you remove the plastic cosmetic buttons you'll find little low profile rubber buttons attached to the circuit board. I don't think there's a spring behind that. I think it is just the rubber molded the way it is that causes the button to auto return from depress. From what I can see there is nothing wrong visually with the circuit board the switches are attached to.

[[__--MUD--__]]

yea, I call'em rubber nipples ;)

I havn't torn into one of those buttons yet, so I had no clue besides there being some type of mechanical tension...spring, nipple what ever...

If there is some type of short or issue in the memory seat module that is activating the heated seats- I would disconnect the drive door module. Obviously you will not have a visual indicator- if the heating element is on...but you should feel it, and it will also tell you that the door module is NOT what is activating the heated seats.

You will have a completely dead door during testing, but w/ no tech2- I think you can live w/ it for a bit.

[pdxrealtor]

That's a very good point and idea, removing the door module connection.

As for this moment.... I WIN!!! That little mother ****er! :raar: :raar: :OWNED:

I disconnected the little green two wire connector as shown above and it causes the heater to fault out and not stay on. So if I turn it on it turns off immediately.

Or.... if it decides to come on by itself it shuts wright back off. That damn thing was going bonkers. On and off over and over..... I was so happy to not have to fight it was actually fun to see it spaz out.....

Ya.... I know.... totally mental. :notallthere: That's what that thing will to a man. :lame: I think really I'm losing.....:confused:

I gotta get to a tech 2 to get rid of the air suspension anyways so that's in the future regardless.

[pdxrealtor]

Can you look at this parts diagram and description and tell me if you think that would include the complete assembly?

I'd hate to end up with just the switches that attach to the casing the circuit board it in.

http://parts.nalleygmc.com/showAssembly.aspx?ukey_product=2713010&ukey_assembly=392248&ukey_make=1027&ukey_model=14605&ukey_driveline=0&ukey_trimlevel=15497&modelYear=2006

EDIT--- On a 2003 Yukon I was told the switch and DDM are sold as one unit. I also can't seem to find the DDM as separate unit.

SO... I'm thinking that this must come as one unit.

Here's a couple pics. I don't see any damage or corrosion to the DDM board.

54110
54111

[pdxrealtor]

DDM module, pictured above, and problem is solved.

Thanks for all of your help!