Heated Driver Seat

[aurora20015]

:-[My 2001 V6 has the driver's seat heating not functioning. When I turn it on, I hear a distinct "click" from under the dash then the light goes off. The dealer insists that the heating element needs replaced and claims that GM only sells it with a complete seat covering (leather) for about $700. Is this correct? Is there any other way I can solve this problem?

[aurorabrain]

Find a better dealer.......

Subject: Front Heated Seat Inoperative/Cold (Install Front Seat Heater Package) #01-08-50-012B - (03/31/2005)


Models: 2000-2005 Buick LeSabre

2001-2003 Oldsmobile Aurora

2000-2005 Pontiac Bonneville

with RPO KA1


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This bulletin is being revised to update the model year information. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 01-08-50-012A (Section 08-Body and Accessories).


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Important: This bulletin is being issued to inform the technician that the Aurora Heater Package, P/N 25730798, is also to be used on the 2003-2005 Bonnevilles that have leather front bucket seats (RPOs A51-Front Bucket Seat and IB2-Leather). The 2003-2005 Bonneville leather front bucket seats share the same design as the Aurora front bucket seats.

Condition
Some customers may comment that the front seat assembly heat function is not operating properly.

Cause
This condition may be due to a non-functioning heat element in the front heated seat cushion or back trim cover.

Correction
Determine if the front seat assembly heat element resistance values are within the specified range. Refer to the Diagnostic Procedure in this bulletin.
If the resistance values are NOT within the specified range, install a Front Seat Heater Package between the existing front seat trim cover factory heat elements and the seat cushion and back foam pads. Refer to the Front Seat Heater Package Installation Procedure in this bulletin.
Aurora & 2003-2005 Bonneville w/Leather Buckets #25730798

[aurora20015]

well, they claim that GM recently changed the process because by removing the element, some of the seat padding was getting removed as well thus causing too little space between the element and the actual seat cover.

[aurorabrain]

You're not supposed to try to remove the old elements.....

Front Seat Heater Package Installation Procedure
Prior to installation, connect all of the components (elements) of the Front Seat Heater Package together and measure the resistance values. Refer to the applicable illustration in this bulletin for element connection information.

• At the gray 6-way connector C2, between cavities A and C, the total resistance of the service heat elements will be less than 5 ohms.

• At the gray 6-way connector C2, between cavities D and F, the thermistor resistance of the service heat element will be between 850 ohms and 11.50 K ohms.

Remove the seat back and seat cushion trim covers. Refer to the appropriate seat trim cover removal procedures in the Seats sub-section of the appropriate Service Manual.
Important: DO NOT attempt to remove the factory heat elements from the seat trim covers.

Important: ALL of the elements in the Front Seat Heater Package MUST be installed in order for the system to function properly.

Remove the factory heat element wiring harnesses from the seat trim covers. Use a pair of diagonal side cutters to cut the wiring as close to the factory heat element as possible.
Install each of the service heat elements as follows:
3.1. Remove the backing paper.

3.2. Carefully position the service heat elements, harness side down, onto the seat cushion and back foam pads. For each seat cushion element, insert the harness through a hole in the cushion foam pad.

3.3. Press the heat element onto the seat cushion and back foam pads. Ensure the heat elements are laying flat.

3.4. Connect the service heat element electrical connectors. Refer to the applicable front seat cushion illustration for cushion heat element connection information.

[David]

yeah man i have the exact same problem with my 01 4.0; but i'm just going with out for now. the passanger worksfine though. i know i should get it fixed but i have tuition to pay.