Well, it turns out there was no burn marks in the pad but not continuity either. I ordered a new pad ($110 with shipping) and fixed the problem. It took about one hour total time.
You definitely benefit from an impact wrench on the back bolts. These instructions are the best!! Many thanks for posting them!

Jim

 

Awesome write up sharp! Those back two bolts were kind of a pain in the *** but managed to get em out with just a ratchet, ran into no problems, got the whole project done in about 45 minutes!
Just put on some new firestone destination ATs too so im ready for winter, bring on the snow!!! Thanks again sharp

 

I have to say thanks for this thread. I have had my 2001 Durango since 2006. The drivers seat heat has never worked, the High button would just blink for a minute before turning off.
This opened my eyes and reminded me that sometimes you just need to tear something apart and look at it. I have been a technician of cars, radios and AV and a general DIY guy for most of my life.
I think the younger me would have done this on my first slow weekend or winter day, in a heated garage.
Anywho, I did just as it described and found my burned wire. I trimmed the area back and just shortened the wire path and soldered it back together covered it back in the insulation and reassembled.
I now have heat on my seat. WOW. This is great.
The worst part was getting the six torx 45 bolts off that hold the motors and seat belt bracket to the seat itself. I ended up using an allen wrench on four of them since my torx 45 socket wasn't long enough.