Heated/Cooled Seats Inoperative
Heated/Cooled Seats Inoperative
Diagnostic Instructions
* Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
* Review Strategy Based Diagnosis Strategy Based Diagnosis for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
* Diagnostic Procedure Instructions Diagnostic Procedure Instructionsprovides an overview of each diagnostic category.
Diagnostic Fault Information
Circuit/System Description
The heat and cool seat functions for the driver and passenger seats are controlled by the climate control seat module (CCSM) that is located under the passenger seat cushion. When a driver or passenger heat or cool seat switch is pressed, a low reference signal is applied through the switch signal circuit to the door lock/window switch. In response to the switch input, the door lock/window switch simultaneously illuminates the appropriate heated/cooled switch indicators and sends a serial data message to the memory seat module (MSM) indicating the heat or cool seat request. The MSM then sends a pulse width modulation (PWM) signal through the appropriate heated/cooled seat mode signal circuit to the CCSM. The CCSM then applies battery positive voltage to the seat cushion and seat back thermal electronic devices (TEDs) and a pre-determined voltage to the blower motors. To determine seat temperature, the CCSM supplies a 5 V signal and a low reference to the temperature sensors that are attached to each TED. The temperature sensors are variable resistors, their resistance changes as the temperature of the seat changes. Then based on the seat temperature, the CCSM controls the voltage level that it applies to the TEDs and blower motors.
Diagnostic Aids
The following conditions must be met in order to perform valid tests when diagnosing the climate control seat system:
* The ignition must be cycled OFF then ON between each test in order to reset the CCSM.
* Most circuit faults will set a DTC within 1.5 minutes. However, some circuit faults may cause a performance problem in one mode and be inoperative and set a DTC in another mode. In some cases it may take 5 minutes or more for a DTC to set. Operate the heated/cooled seat in each of the three modes for 5 minutes or more then check for DTCs.
* The engine must be running in order to supply the CCSM with the amount of current needed to operate the heated/cool seat system.
Reference Information
Schematic Reference
Heated/Cooled Seat Schematics [1][2]Electrical Diagrams
Connector End View Reference
Component Connector End Views Connector End Views By Name
Description and Operation
Heated/Cooled Seats Description and Operation Heated/Cooled Seats
Electrical Information Reference
* Circuit Testing Circuit Testing
* Connector Repairs Connector Repairs
* Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections
* Wiring Repairs Wiring Repairs
Scan Tool Reference
Control Module References Programming and Relearningfor scan tool information
Circuit/System Verification
1. If both, the driver and passenger heated and cooled seats are inoperative, refer to Driver and Passenger Heated/Cool Seats Inoperative.
2. Ignition ON, observe the scan tool Driver Door Switch parameters listed below while pressing and releasing the appropriate switch. The readings should change between Inactive and Active or Off and ON.
* Seat Back Heat Mode Sw.
* Seat Cool Mode Switch
* Seat Heat Mode Sw.
• If the reading does not change between Inactive and Active or Off and ON, refer to the Heated and Cooled Seat Switch component test. If the switch tests normal, replace the driver door lock/window switch.
• If the readings test normal, but the driver heat/cool seat is inoperative, refer to Driver Heated/Cool Seat Circuit System Test
3. Observe the scan tool Passenger Door Switch parameters listed below while pressing and releasing the appropriate switch. The readings should change between Inactive and Active or Off and ON.
* Seat Back Heat Mode Sw.
* Seat Cool Mode Switch
* Seat Heat Mode Sw.
• If the reading does not change between Inactive and Active or Off and ON, refer to the Heated and Cooled Seat Switch component test. If the switch tests normal, replace the front passenger door lock/window switch.
• If the readings test normal, but the passenger heat/cool seat is inoperative, refer to Passenger Heated/Cool Seat Circuit System Test
4. If all heated and cooled seat functions operate normal, but the heated/cooled seat switch indicators do not illuminate or are always ON, refer to the Heated and Cooled Seat Switch component test. If the switch tests normal, replace the appropriate door lock/window switch.
Circuit/System Testing
Driver and Passenger Heated/Cool Seats Inoperative
1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the X1 harness connector at the CCSM.
2. Verify that a test lamp illuminates between the ground circuit terminal M and B+.
• If the test lamp does not illuminate, test the ground circuit for an open/high resistance.
3. Verify that a test lamp illuminates between the B+ circuit terminal E and ground.
• If the test lamp does not illuminate, test the B+ circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance.
4. Disconnect the X2 harness connector at the CCSM.
5. Ignition ON, verify that a test lamp illuminates between the ignition circuit terminal 1 and ground.
• If the test lamp does not illuminate, test the ignition circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance.
6. If all circuits test normal, replace the CCSM.
Driver Heated/Cool Seat Circuit System Testing
1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the X3 harness connector at the CCSM.
2. Connect a test lamp between the signal circuit terminal 14 and B+.
3. Ignition ON, press the HEAT or COOL seat switch through the high, medium, and low positions to OFF. The test lamp should illuminate until the OFF position is reached.
• If the test lamp does not illuminate, test the signal circuit for a short to voltage or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the MSM.
• If the test lamp remains ON with the switch in the OFF position, test the signal circuit for a short to ground. If the circuit tests normal, replace the MSM.
4. Connect the X3 harness connector at the CCSM and disconnect the harness connector at the seat cushion ventilation heating and cooling module.
5. Ignition OFF and all vehicle systems OFF with the scan tool disconnected, it may take up to 2 minutes for all vehicle systems to power down.
6. Test for less than 5 Ohms between the low reference circuit terminal 4 and ground.
• If greater than the specified range, test the low reference circuit for an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the CCSM.
7. Ignition ON, test for 4.8 - 5.2 V between the signal circuit terminal 5 and ground.
• If less than the specified range, test the signal circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the CCSM.
• If greater than the specified range, test the signal circuit for a short to voltage. If the circuit tests normal, replace the CCSM.
Note: The ignition must be cycled OFF then ON between each test in order to reset the CCSM.
8. Ignition OFF then ON, connect a test lamp between the control circuit terminals listed below and ground. Press the HEAT switch when testing the heat control circuit and the COOL switch when testing the cool control circuit. The test lamp should illuminate or slowly illuminate for approximately 2 - 4 seconds after the switch is pressed. On the heat control circuit, the test lamp may exhibit a 4 second delay before it starts to illuminate.
* Seat cushion heat control circuit terminal 1
* Seat cushion cool control circuit terminal 3
• If the test lamp does not illuminate, test the appropriate control circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the CCSM.
• If the test lamp is always ON, test the appropriate control circuit for a short to voltage. If the circuit tests normal, replace the CCSM.
Note: The ignition must be cycled OFF then ON between each test in order to reset the CCSM. This step also requires using a GM approved test lamp, failure to do so may result in a miss-diagnosis of the module
9. Ignition OFF then ON, connect a test lamp between the circuit terminals listed below and ground. The test lamp should illuminate or slowly illuminate for approximately 5 seconds after pressing the HEAT switch.
* Seat cushion blower control circuit terminal 2
* Seat cushion blower speed control circuit terminal 7
• If the test lamp does not illuminate, test the appropriate circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the CCSM.
• If the test lamp is always ON, test the appropriate circuit for a short to voltage. If the circuit tests normal, replace the CCSM.
10. Ignition OFF, connect the harness connector to the seat cushion ventilation heating and cooling module.
11. Disconnect the harness connector at the seat back ventilation heating and cooling module.
12. Test for less than 5 Ohms between the low reference circuit terminal 4 and ground.
• If greater than the specified range, test the low reference circuit for an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the CCSM.
13. Ignition ON, test for 4.8 - 5.2 V between the signal circuit terminal 5 and ground.
• If less than the specified range, test the signal circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the CCSM.
• If greater than the specified range, test the signal circuit for a short to voltage. If the circuit tests normal, replace the CCSM.
Note: The ignition must be cycled OFF then ON between each test in order to reset the CCSM.
14. Ignition OFF then ON, connect a test lamp between the control circuit terminals listed below and ground. Press the HEAT switch when testing the heat control circuit and the COOL switch when testing the cool control circuit. The test lamp should illuminate or slowly illuminate for approximately 4 seconds after the switch is pressed. On the heat control circuit, the test lamp may exhibit a 4 second delay before it starts to illuminate.
* Seat back heat control circuit terminal 1
* Seat back cool control circuit terminal 3
• If the test lamp does not illuminate, test the appropriate control circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the CCSM.
• If the test lamp is always ON, test the appropriate control circuit for a short to voltage. If the circuit tests normal, replace the CCSM.
Note: The ignition must be cycled OFF then ON between each test in order to reset the CCSM. This step also requires using a GM approved test lamp, failure to do so may result in a miss-diagnosis of the module
15. Ignition OFF then ON, connect a test lamp between the circuit terminals listed below and ground. The test lamp should illuminate or slowly illuminate for approximately 5 seconds after pressing the HEAT switch.
* Seat back blower control circuit terminal 2
* Seat back blower speed control circuit terminal 7
• If the test lamp does not illuminate, test the appropriate control circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the CCSM.
• If the test lamp is always ON, test the appropriate control circuit for a short to voltage. If the circuit tests normal, replace the CCSM.
16. If all circuits test normal, test or replace the appropriate seat cushion or seat back ventilation heating and cooling module.
Passenger Heated/Cool Seat Circuit System Testing
1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the X3 harness connector at the CCSM.
2. Connect a test lamp between the signal circuit terminal 6 and B+.
3. Ignition ON, press the HEAT or COOL seat switch through the high, medium, and low positions to OFF. The test lamp should illuminate until the OFF position is reached.
• If the test lamp does not illuminate, test the signal circuit for a short to voltage or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the MSM.
• If the test lamp remains ON with the switch in the OFF position, test the signal circuit for a short to ground. If the circuit tests normal, replace the MSM.
4. Connect the X3 harness connector at the CCSM and disconnect the harness connector at the seat cushion ventilation heating and cooling module.
5. Ignition OFF and all vehicle systems OFF with the scan tool disconnected, it may take up to 2 minutes for all vehicle systems to power down.
6. Test for less than 5 Ohms between the low reference circuit terminal 4 and ground.
• If greater than the specified range, test the low reference circuit for an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the CCSM.
7. Ignition ON, test for 4.8 - 5.2 V between the signal circuit terminal 5 and ground.
• If less than the specified range, test the signal circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the CCSM.
• If greater than the specified range, test the signal circuit for a short to voltage. If the circuit tests normal, replace the CCSM.
Note: The ignition must be cycled OFF then ON between each test in order to reset the CCSM.
8. Ignition OFF then ON, connect a test lamp between the control circuit terminals listed below and ground. Press the HEAT switch when testing the heat control circuit and the COOL switch when testing the cool control circuit. The test lamp should illuminate or slowly illuminate for approximately 2 - 4 seconds after the switch is pressed. On the heat control circuit, the test lamp may exhibit a 4 second delay before it starts to illuminate.
* Seat cushion heat control circuit terminal 1
* Seat cushion cool control circuit terminal 3
• If the test lamp does not illuminate, test the appropriate control circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the CCSM.
• If the test lamp is always ON, test the appropriate control circuit for a short to voltage. If the circuit tests normal, replace the CCSM.
Note: The ignition must be cycled OFF then ON between each test in order to reset the CCSM. This step also requires using a GM approved test lamp, failure to do so may result in a miss-diagnosis of the module.
9. Ignition OFF then ON, connect a test lamp between the circuit terminals listed below and ground. The test lamp should illuminate or slowly illuminate for approximately 5 seconds after pressing the HEAT switch.
* Seat cushion blower control circuit terminal 2
* Seat cushion blower speed control circuit terminal 7
• If the test lamp does not illuminate, test the appropriate circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the CCSM.
• If the test lamp is always ON, test the appropriate circuit for a short to voltage. If the circuit tests normal, replace the CCSM.
10. Ignition OFF, connect the harness connector to the seat cushion ventilation heating and cooling module.
11. Disconnect the harness connector at the seat back ventilation heating and cooling module.
12. Test for less than 5 Ohms between the low reference circuit terminal 4 and ground.
• If greater than the specified range, test the low reference circuit for an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the CCSM.
13. Ignition ON, test for 4.8 - 5.2 V between the signal circuit terminal 5 and ground.
• If less than the specified range, test the signal circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the CCSM.
• If greater than the specified range, test the signal circuit for a short to voltage. If the circuit tests normal, replace the CCSM.
Note: The ignition must be cycled OFF then ON between each test in order to reset the CCSM.
14. Ignition OFF then ON, connect a test lamp between the control circuit terminals listed below and ground. Press the HEAT switch when testing the heat control circuit and the COOL switch when testing the cool control circuit. The test lamp should illuminate or slowly illuminate for approximately 4 seconds after the switch is pressed. On the heat control circuit, the test lamp may exhibit a 4 second delay before it starts to illuminate.
* Seat back heat control circuit terminal 1
* Seat back cool control circuit terminal 3
• If the test lamp does not illuminate, test the appropriate control circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the CCSM.
• If the test lamp is always ON, test the appropriate control circuit for a short to voltage. If the circuit tests normal, replace the CCSM.
Note: The ignition must be cycled OFF then ON between each test in order to reset the CCSM. This step also requires using a GM approved test lamp, failure to do so may result in a miss-diagnosis of the module.
15. Ignition OFF then ON, connect a test lamp between the circuit terminals listed below and ground. The test lamp should illuminate or slowly illuminate for approximately 5 seconds after pressing the HEAT switch.
* Seat back blower control circuit terminal 2
* Seat back blower speed control circuit terminal 7
• If the test lamp does not illuminate, test the appropriate control circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the CCSM.
• If the test lamp is always ON, test the appropriate circuit for a short to voltage. If the circuit tests normal, replace the CCSM.
16. If all circuits test normal, test or replace the appropriate seat cushion or seat back ventilation heating and cooling module.
Component Testing
Heated and Cooled Seat Switch
1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the X4 harness connector at the appropriate door lock/window switch.
2. Test for infinite resistance between the low reference circuit terminal 4 and the signal terminals listed below the with the switch in the open position.
* Seat back only mode switch terminal 7
* Seat back cushion heat switch terminal 6
* Seat cool switch terminal 3
• If not the specified value, replace the heated and cooled seat switch.
3. Test for less than 2 Ohms between the low reference circuit terminal 4 and the signal terminals listed below with the appropriate switch in the closed position.
* Seat back only mode switch terminal 7
* Seat back cushion heat switch terminal 6
* Seat cool switch terminal 3
• If greater than the specified range, replace the heated and cooled seat switch.
4. Connect a 3 A fused jumper wire between the low reference circuit terminal 4 and ground.
5. Connect a test lamp between B+ and each control terminal listed below. The appropriate indicator should illuminate.
* Seat back only mode indicator terminal 11
* Seat cool mode indicator terminal 12
* Seat back and cushion indicator terminal 10
* Low temperature indicator terminal 9
* Medium temperature indicator terminal 1
* High temperature indicator terminal 2
• If any indicator does not illuminate, replace the heated and cooled seat switch.
Ventilation Heating and Cooling Module
1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connectors at the seat cushion and seat back ventilation heating and cooling modules.
Note: If the resistance is measured with the seat still warm or cool, the resistance values will vary. At 68°F (20°C), the nominal resistance value is 1200 Ohms ±5 percent. For warmer or cooler ambient temperatures, refer to the Temperature vs Resistance table below. The delta resistance values between the seat cushion and seat back temperature sensors should not be greater than 2000 Ohms.
2. Test for 300 Ohms - 18 kOhms between the temperature sensor signal circuit terminal 5 and the low reference circuit terminal 8.
• If not within the specified range, replace the ventilation heating and cooling module.
Note: The test leads must be connected in the correct polarity, otherwise lower out of range values will appear. Use the Positive Lead for the COOL control circuit and the Negative Lead for the HEAT control circuit. If the resistance is measured with the seat still warm or cool, the resistance values will vary even if the system was powered up for just a few seconds. The TED must be allowed to stabilize to room temperature prior to a measurement. The conditions listed below will change the resistance to out of range values:
* The test leads are incorrectly connected.
* Air blowing across the TED
* Measuring the resistance at other than room temperature of 70°F
* Holding the TED portion of the ventilation heating and cooling module in your hand
In warmer or cooler climates where room temperature conditions of 70°F (21°C) may be unattainable, resistance values may read above the specified range. Use a heat gun or a blower to warm or cool the TED while measuring the resistance. The resistance values should slowly lower toward the specified range.
3. Test for 0.9 - 10 Ohms between the heat control circuit terminal 1 and the cool control circuit terminal 3.
• If not within the specified range, replace the ventilation heating and cooling module.
Note: The test leads must be connected in the correct polarity, otherwise higher out of range values will appear. Use the Positive Lead for the control circuit and the Negative Lead for the ground circuit.
4. Test for 6 k - 9 kOhms between blower control circuit terminal 2 and the low reference circuit terminal 4.
• If not within the specified range, replace the ventilation heating and cooling module.
Note: The test leads need to be connected in the correct polarity, otherwise higher out of range values will appear. Use the Positive Lead for the speed control circuit and the Negative Lead for the ground circuit.
5. Test for 290 k - 420 kOhms between blower speed control circuit terminal 7 and the low reference circuit terminal 4.
• If not within the specified range, replace the ventilation heating and cooling module.
Repair Instructions
Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification Verification Tests after completing the diagnostic procedure.
* Driver or Passenger Seat Back Ventilation Heating and Cooling Blower Replacement Driver or Passenger Seat Back Ventilation Heating and Cooling Blower Replacement
* Driver or Passenger Seat Cushion Ventilation Heating and Cooling Blower Replacement Driver or Passenger Seat Cushion Ventilation Heating and Cooling Blower Replacement
* Control Module References Programming and Relearningfor the MSM and CCSM replacement, setup, and programming