Heated seats on 99 PA

correction85

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Hello, new to the buick community and love my buick wish I would have done this years ago... but anyway I have a question I was hoping all you knowledgeable enthusiasts could help me with. I have a 99 PA and the heated seats do not work on either side. When I turn them on the switch lights up and stays lit up, but every minute or so theres a clicking sound like its trying to turn on. I have checked the fuses and both are fine. I have removed the bottom of the passenger side seat and taken the leather off to expose the heat elements (which are part of the actual seat) but with no obvious burn marks I have not ripped them open. It looks like there are 3 separate elements on the seat. If one is bad will all not work? And is there a way to test the elements for functionality with out ripping each open to narrow my search? I have looked up this issues on the form and found little help with this issue. Any input would be great thanks.
 
My 98 does exactly the same thing (right down to the periodic clicking). If you figure it out, let me know.
 
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Here's a little reading material for you - I'll keep looking for more info:

Heated Seats Circuit Description

Battery positive voltage (B+) is applied at all times to the left heated seat module from the rear junction block HTDST L fuse through CKT 1040 (ORN).

Battery positive voltage (B+) is applied at all times to the right heated seat module from the rear junction block HTDST R fuse through CKT 1440 (ORN).

Each module receives an ignition input from the IP junction block IGN SEN fuse through CKT 241 (BRN). The heated seat modules both receive ground from G201 through CKT 450 (BLK). The system operates only when the ignition is in the RUN position.

When you press the heated seat switch, the heated seat module heated seat switch input terminal momentarily grounds through CKT 450 (BLK). The heated seat module then applies battery positive voltage (B+) to the heated seats. The heated seat module monitors the seat surface temperature through a thermistor. The heated seat module maintains a pre-determined temperature. The heated seat module will set the heated seat temperature to high under the following conditions:

The heated seat is off.

The heated seat switch is pressed once.

When the heated seat switch is pressed again, the heated seat temperature sets to low. After you press the heated seat switch 3 times, the heated seat module stops applying battery positive voltage (B+) to the heating elements. The module also turns off the heated seats whenever the ignition switch is in the OFF position.

Temperature Regulation

GM engineers designed the heated seat system in order to warm the seat cushion and the seat back. In the low position, the seat heats to approximately 37°C (98.6°F). In the high position, the seat heats to approximately 44°C (111.2°F).

The temperature sensor in the seat cushion is a variable resistor called a thermistor. The thermistor regulates the temperature of the seat. The resistance of the sensor varies as the temperature of the seat cushion changes. The heated seat module monitors the sensor resistance at the sensor input on connector C2 cavity C. The module opens the contacts in order to remove battery positive voltage (B+) from the heating elements under the following conditions:

The heated seat switch is in the LOW position.
The heating element temperature reaches 37°C (98.6°F).
The module also opens the contacts in order to remove battery positive voltage (B+) from the heating elements under the following conditions:

The heated seat switch is in the HIGH position.
The heating element temperature reaches 44°C (111.2°F).
The heated seat module cycles on and off in order to maintain the desired temperature. The system remains active until one of the following conditions occurs:

The system is turned off.
The ignition switch is turned to the OFF position.
LED Indicators

When the heated seat is in one of the following positions, the heated seat module supplies battery positive voltage (B+) to the appropriate LED on the heated seat switch in order to illuminate the indicator:

LOW
HIGH
The indicator receives ground from G201 through CKT 450 (BLK).

Load Management

The load management feature controls the amount of power consumed in the vehicle under heavy power load demands. If the vehicle demands high power for over 2 minutes, the body control module (SBM) cycles the power output to the heated seats at approximately 50% of normal capacity. The load management feature occurs under the following conditions:

The blower is set to the HIGH position.
The headlamps are in the ON position.
The rear window defroster is in the ON position.
One of the heated seats is in the ON position.
Due to the load management function, customers may complain that the heated seats do not warm up quickly or warm at a lower temperature than normal. Deactivate one of the above systems in order to deactivate the load management function.
 
I believe you should be able to put a meter on the two leads running to the heated seat elements. The elements are basically resistors like an oven element and if they are broken should not show continuity.

More info - you said you checked the fuse - did you check the one under the dash? I also found two that are under the rear seats.

- HTDSTL Fuse 18 10 A - LH Heated Seat Module

and

- HTDSTR Fuse 25 10 A - RH Heated Seat Module


Also - see attached circuit diagram.
 
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I was unaware that there were fuses under the dash for the seats as the manual only said under the rear seat. Where under the dash might I look to find these fuses? As far as continuity I have put a meter on the pulg from the actual module that is attached to the bottom of the seat and I get a reading when I turn it on but only for 3 to 4 seconds before it stops then it will make a click sound after a minute and ill get a reading.
 
There is a 10amp fuse called IGN SEN underneath the instrument panel on the passenger side. Take off the hush panel and the glove box and get upside down in the seat and you will see the fuses.

I believe that you can do a continuity test on the seat heating element by taking off the wiring harness connector and placing the probes from your meter on the two connectors coming from the seat. Are there two wires in the connector?

You're not looking for voltage - you put your meter in continuity mode and if it's like mine it just beeps when there is a complete circuit through the heating element.
 
okay so I've checked all the fuses locations in all fuses appear good. Taking apart my seat and check for continuity and it appears to be ok no obvious breaks in heater pads. however not getting continuity with white and green wire but I am getting continuity with black and black brown. perhaps seat heater control module under seat is broke and not putting out any voltage? Thoughts? also let me clarify working on passenger seat. Will attempt to fix drivers after
 
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Got it! Element in back of seat broke fixed it and now have heat again. But on high it only gets hot right where the two solder points are but what ever got it fixed. Thanks for alll the help don't think I could have accomplished it with out your knowledge. Thanks again.
 
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