Heated Seat Heating Element

Heated Seat Heating Element

Description







On vehicles equipped with heated cloth seats the heating elements are an integral part of the seat foam and cover. If the heating element is damaged or inoperative the complete seat cushion/cover or seat back/cover assembly must be replaced. Refer to => [ Seat Cover and Cushion ] Seat Cover and Cushion, or => [ Seat Back Cover and Cushion ] Seat Back Cover and Cushion.

• Seat back heated seat element shown, seat cushions similar.

Vehicles equipped with the optional heated seat system have two, carbon fiber heated seat elements (2), located in each front row and 2nd row seat. One heating element is used for each seat cushion and another for each seat back.

Each of the heated seat element consists of multiple heating circuits operating in parallel throughout the carbon fiber element. The heated seat elements are captured between the leather or cloth trim cover (1) and the seat foam cushion assembly (4). If a malfunction occurs in one or more of the individual carbon fiber circuits, the others will continue to provide heat.

The heated seat elements cannot be repaired. If found to be damaged or inoperative, a new heating element assembly must be installed.

Operation

One end of the heated seat element is connected to ground at all times through a splice under the seat. Battery current is directed to the other end of the heated seat element by the heated seat module. The heated seat module will energize the heated seat element when the heated seat switch is depressed in the low or high position.

As electrical current passes through the heated seat element, the resistance of the wire used in the element disperses some of the electrical current in the form of heat. The heat produced by the heated seat element then radiates through the underside of the seat cushion and seat back trim covers, warming the seat cover and its occupant.