The drivers side heated seat switch just blinks, and no heat. Haven't checked it out yet, but hping it's a simple fix (i.e.-fuse). Any comments?
Bud

 

Had same thing happen on passenger side of my 2001. Burned out heating element. Dealer has to order part ~$450.00. 3 hrs labor to fix it. I'm no mechanic, but I believe that both seats go through the same fuse, so if one is working and the other isn't, can't be the fuse.

 

Most seat heaters have a bottom cushion element, and one in the seat back. Find the connectors under the seat and do a continuity test in each element to find out which one has a open in the circuit. If you have never used a OHMS meter, all you do is connect each end of the meters + & - wires to the circuit wires of each element. The meter should show 1.0 or somewhere in that area. If it shows INF... or _ _ _ it has a open in the circuit.
If say the seat back element is bad, it will cause the other in the cushion to be inop, because they connect and complete the circuit.

Good luck.

 

Is it difficult to replace the element yourself?

 

Its not too complicated. To make it easy, you need to remove the seat. Release the seat cover retainers , and pull the cover back to expose the element.
Some heat elements are sewn into the cover, others are just stuck to the foam cushion by a tape adhesive. If sewn in, just cut off the wires that go to the connector, and leave the element there. ( the new one in this case may come as a complete seat cover anyway.)The sticky type can be removed. Just replace the element, no kinks, or folds in it, reassemble and connect the wires.

 

Could just be the switch. Mine does the same thing. I think I'll get the 50 switch tested before I start tear seats up.

 

Thats right! you dont start tearing things apart untell you verify what the problem is.