Heated Seat Not Working

Winston Wolf · 11-20-2008, 06:09 PM

For some reason my passenger seat heater is not working. Has anyone else had one fail, and if so, what was the problem/issue? My lights light up, but no heat. I do have an appointment at the dealer, but was wondering what the usual cause would be....

roadkillrob · 11-20-2008, 06:36 PM

The seat heater elements burn out a lot of times, so basically the seat heater is an open circuit with no power running through the elements - typically they just replace the elements in the seat and your good (unless it is a fuse, but I would assume the lights don't come on when the fuse is out in these cars, but you never know!)

darkphantom · 11-20-2008, 06:40 PM

hmmm...weird....I've been using mine recently, no problems. (knock on wood)

e93burner · 11-20-2008, 07:05 PM

It sounds like it is likely a broken electrical contact were the wiring meets the the seat heater pad.
I just installed seat heaters in the back of my e93 using a kit from an OEM that manufactures for BMW and I noticed the most likely place for failure is the wire contact point where it joins with the thermostat and enters the seat heater pad. A break at this point would still enable the switch to light up but result in no heating. The newer style seat heaters conduct electricity through the material of the pad itself so it is very unlikely that any small break or two in the pad could result in complete failure.
If you are still under warranty you should just take it in. If not, PM me so I can send you info on how you might fix this yourself for less than $100.
BTW, do it yourself heated seats are a great mod as it costs around $1k from aftermarket installers but only $200 if you DIY.

Winston Wolf · 11-20-2008, 07:58 PM

I'm under warranty. If it is a broken wire, do you think they will need to replace the element within the seat? I really don't think I want a service mechanic ripping my leathers apart.....

BMWMC · 11-20-2008, 09:22 PM

We have the same problem with my wife's 335i, except neither the driver or passenger heated seats work. One day, we actually set both of them to High and left the car, and came back and it wasn't a drop of heat on the seats.

We haven't really worried about it, i will report it to my rep when i turn the car in after Thanksgiving. Just weird for both to not work, nor have never worked.

darkphantom · 11-20-2008, 09:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BMWMC

We have the same problem with my wife's 335i, except neither the driver or passenger heated seats work. One day, we actually set both of them to High and left the car, and came back and it wasn't a drop of heat on the seats.

We haven't really worried about it, i will report it to my rep when i turn the car in after Thanksgiving. Just weird for both to not work, nor have never worked.

Damn dude, if neither of my heated seats worked, I'd be PISSED! it's freakin' almost winter....

BMWMC · 11-20-2008, 09:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by darkphantom

Damn dude, if neither of my heated seats worked, I'd be PISSED! it's freakin' almost winter....

Haha, i know. They work well in my 5, but not in the 3. Who knows. And we have had some really COLD mornings here this week. I think we get another 335i for my wife after the holidays, so hopefully they work!

e93burner · 11-20-2008, 11:20 PM

I'm guessing that they might have to replace the heating elements. If so, they will likely farm out the work to a upholstery shop as you have to remove the covers from the cushions which is not a light task.

Winston Wolf · 11-21-2008, 06:04 PM

Here was the problem, exactly at the Repair Ticket stated it:

CUSTOMER STATES PASSENGER SIDE SEAT HEATER INOP. ADVISE. IF ON LOW LIGHT GOES OUT
AFTERMARKET ACCESORY PLUGGED INTO FUSE #10 OF THE JUNCTION BOX ELECTRONICS.
SCANNED FAULT MEMORY AND FOUND JBE FAULT FOR PASSENGER SEAT HEATING. FOLLOWED TEST PLAN AND FOUND AFTERMARKET ACCESORY PLUG ON THE JUNCTION BOX. UNPLUGGED AFTERMARKET PLUG AND PROPERLY INSTALLED FUSE #10. FOUND SEAT HEATER OPERATION RESTORED WITH AFTERMARKET PLUG DISCONNECTED. CLEARD FAULTS. PERFORMED JBE RESET TO RESTORE COMMUNICATION WITH THE PASSENGER SEAT HEATER MODULE AND FOUND NO RETURNING FAULTS IN THE JBE OR SEAT MODULE.

They charged me 1 hour of labor (125$).

Bottom line, watch what you plug into what fuse. I had my radar detector in # 10 and it ultimately caused the fault.

devilzrule · 11-21-2008, 07:34 PM

why did they charge you if your under warranty?

i dont see why an aftermarket part would make you have to pay for it.

roadkillrob · 11-21-2008, 08:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by devilzrule

why did they charge you if your under warranty?

i dont see why an aftermarket part would make you have to pay for it.

Because he f'd it up by plugging in the accessory to that fuse, you play you pay!

awei130 · 11-21-2008, 08:45 PM

that really does suck... hope my heated seats don't die on me !

nycdoctor · 04-10-2009, 09:35 AM

I have the same problem with the driver passager seat warmer...it got too hot and i smell smoke. My warranty is over and to get it fix will cost me plenty

iheartsole · 04-10-2009, 11:46 AM

take it to the dealer if your still under warranty. they should take care of that.

nycdoctor · 04-10-2009, 11:48 AM

not under warranty...mine expired

bebmw0912 · 05-20-2015, 09:18 PM

Hey Community,

I think this sounds crazy but read on another forum that sometimes the cable might not be seated from the factory 100% and when putting the seat back, it can actually come unplugged. Well, it's true, my cable was unplugged!!!!!!

You will notice a little 3 or 4 wire cable that belongs plugged into small box in the front most of part of the seat about mid-way from side to side (at-least the location on the passenger side)

To get to it you have to put the seat up and forward most of the way. Once plugged in, I started the car and then turned on the seats and all is good

My Symptoms:

1) Getting lights on the headed seat control button showing power
2) back of seat working just fine
3) no crackling noises or bumps in leather indicating a burn thru or failure of seat heater coil pack.

FYI dealer will want 1255.00 for the part as it includes the leather bottom of the seat surface, plus another 5 hours of removal and replace, then reassembly.

Hope this helps someone else out there

I can take pictures of the connecter if someone would like. PM me for more information

Gaspo · 10-26-2016, 05:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bebmw0912

Hey Community,

I think this sounds crazy but read on another forum that sometimes the cable might not be seated from the factory 100% and when putting the seat back, it can actually come unplugged. Well, it's true, my cable was unplugged!!!!!!

You will notice a little 3 or 4 wire cable that belongs plugged into small box in the front most of part of the seat about mid-way from side to side (at-least the location on the passenger side)

To get to it you have to put the seat up and forward most of the way. Once plugged in, I started the car and then turned on the seats and all is good

My Symptoms:

1) Getting lights on the headed seat control button showing power
2) back of seat working just fine
3) no crackling noises or bumps in leather indicating a burn thru or failure of seat heater coil pack.

FYI dealer will want 1255.00 for the part as it includes the leather bottom of the seat surface, plus another 5 hours of removal and replace, then reassembly.

Hope this helps someone else out there

I can take pictures of the connecter if someone would like. PM me for more information

Any pictures?

peacrown · 06-05-2022, 04:39 AM

2009 E92 and there is no power going to the heated seat switches or seats .....I had a look at the fuses and they look ok ?? any ideas?

11-20-2008, 06:09 PM	#1
Winston Wolf Tax Paying, Gun Toting American Veteran 13 Rep 249 Posts Drives: 335xi Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Minneapolis iTrader: (1)	Heated Seat Not Working - Broken PLS READ IF YOU HAVE RADAR DETECTOR For some reason my passenger seat heater is not working. Has anyone else had one fail, and if so, what was the problem/issue? My lights light up, but no heat. I do have an appointment at the dealer, but was wondering what the usual cause would be.... __________________ I'm Winston Wolf, I solve problems... Last edited by Winston Wolf; 11-21-2008 at 06:05 PM.. Reason: .
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11-20-2008, 06:36 PM	#2
roadkillrob Major General 863 Rep 5,448 Posts Drives: 08 335i,22 X3M, 2012 C63 Black Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Boston iTrader: (15)	The seat heater elements burn out a lot of times, so basically the seat heater is an open circuit with no power running through the elements - typically they just replace the elements in the seat and your good (unless it is a fuse, but I would assume the lights don't come on when the fuse is out in these cars, but you never know!) __________________ 2022 X3M Brooklyn Grey 2008 E93 335i FBO 2012 Mercedes C63 Black Series Alanite Grey
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11-20-2008, 06:40 PM	#3
darkphantom Banned 595 Rep 5,946 Posts Drives: E93 335i Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: The place for Bimmers iTrader: (4)	hmmm...weird....I've been using mine recently, no problems. (knock on wood)
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11-20-2008, 07:05 PM	#4
e93burner Enlisted Member 3 Rep 47 Posts Drives: E93 335 Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Bay Area, California iTrader: (1)	It sounds like it is likely a broken electrical contact were the wiring meets the the seat heater pad. I just installed seat heaters in the back of my e93 using a kit from an OEM that manufactures for BMW and I noticed the most likely place for failure is the wire contact point where it joins with the thermostat and enters the seat heater pad. A break at this point would still enable the switch to light up but result in no heating. The newer style seat heaters conduct electricity through the material of the pad itself so it is very unlikely that any small break or two in the pad could result in complete failure. If you are still under warranty you should just take it in. If not, PM me so I can send you info on how you might fix this yourself for less than $100. BTW, do it yourself heated seats are a great mod as it costs around $1k from aftermarket installers but only $200 if you DIY. __________________ 08 335i Cabriolet \| Euro delivery \| 6-MT \| Montego \| Cream-Beige \| ZPP \| ZSP \| Cold Weather \| OEM Alarm \| Euro removable hitch \| Rear heated seats \| Dinan Stage II \| Koni FSD\|
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11-20-2008, 07:58 PM	#5
Winston Wolf Tax Paying, Gun Toting American Veteran 13 Rep 249 Posts Drives: 335xi Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Minneapolis iTrader: (1)	I'm under warranty. If it is a broken wire, do you think they will need to replace the element within the seat? I really don't think I want a service mechanic ripping my leathers apart..... __________________ I'm Winston Wolf, I solve problems...
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11-20-2008, 09:22 PM	#6
BMWMC Lieutenant 39 Rep 487 Posts Drives: '09 528i Sedan and X5 4.8i SAV Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: SC iTrader: (0)	We have the same problem with my wife's 335i, except neither the driver or passenger heated seats work. One day, we actually set both of them to High and left the car, and came back and it wasn't a drop of heat on the seats. We haven't really worried about it, i will report it to my rep when i turn the car in after Thanksgiving. Just weird for both to not work, nor have never worked. __________________ Mine --> '14 BMW 535i - Alpine White / Black Wife --> '14 BMW X5 3.5i - Space Gray / Mocha Personal--> '08 GMC Yukon XL Denali - Dark Slate Black / Gray Personal--> '09 Nissan Maxima 3.5SV - Winter Frost / Charcoal
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11-20-2008, 11:20 PM	#9
e93burner Enlisted Member 3 Rep 47 Posts Drives: E93 335 Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Bay Area, California iTrader: (1)	I'm guessing that they might have to replace the heating elements. If so, they will likely farm out the work to a upholstery shop as you have to remove the covers from the cushions which is not a light task. __________________ 08 335i Cabriolet \| Euro delivery \| 6-MT \| Montego \| Cream-Beige \| ZPP \| ZSP \| Cold Weather \| OEM Alarm \| Euro removable hitch \| Rear heated seats \| Dinan Stage II \| Koni FSD\|
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11-21-2008, 06:04 PM	#10
Winston Wolf Tax Paying, Gun Toting American Veteran 13 Rep 249 Posts Drives: 335xi Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Minneapolis iTrader: (1)	Here was the problem, exactly at the Repair Ticket stated it: CUSTOMER STATES PASSENGER SIDE SEAT HEATER INOP. ADVISE. IF ON LOW LIGHT GOES OUT AFTERMARKET ACCESORY PLUGGED INTO FUSE #10 OF THE JUNCTION BOX ELECTRONICS. SCANNED FAULT MEMORY AND FOUND JBE FAULT FOR PASSENGER SEAT HEATING. FOLLOWED TEST PLAN AND FOUND AFTERMARKET ACCESORY PLUG ON THE JUNCTION BOX. UNPLUGGED AFTERMARKET PLUG AND PROPERLY INSTALLED FUSE #10. FOUND SEAT HEATER OPERATION RESTORED WITH AFTERMARKET PLUG DISCONNECTED. CLEARD FAULTS. PERFORMED JBE RESET TO RESTORE COMMUNICATION WITH THE PASSENGER SEAT HEATER MODULE AND FOUND NO RETURNING FAULTS IN THE JBE OR SEAT MODULE. They charged me 1 hour of labor (125$). Bottom line, watch what you plug into what fuse. I had my radar detector in # 10 and it ultimately caused the fault. __________________ I'm Winston Wolf, I solve problems...
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11-21-2008, 07:34 PM	#11
devilzrule Private 1 Rep 99 Posts Drives: 07 328 xi Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: edison, nj iTrader: (1)	why did they charge you if your under warranty? i dont see why an aftermarket part would make you have to pay for it.
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11-21-2008, 08:45 PM	#13
awei130 Banned 209 Rep 2,492 Posts Drives: E46, E92, 987 Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: SOCAL iTrader: (19)	that really does suck... hope my heated seats don't die on me !
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04-10-2009, 09:35 AM	#14
nycdoctor Registered 0 Rep 2 Posts Drives: bmw x3 Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: nEW yORK iTrader: (0)	I have the same problem with the driver passager seat warmer...it got too hot and i smell smoke. My warranty is over and to get it fix will cost me plenty
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04-10-2009, 11:46 AM	#15
iheartsole Brigadier General 85 Rep 4,929 Posts Drives: 08 335i coupe Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: San Diego iTrader: (2)	take it to the dealer if your still under warranty. they should take care of that.
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04-10-2009, 11:48 AM	#16
nycdoctor Registered 0 Rep 2 Posts Drives: bmw x3 Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: nEW yORK iTrader: (0)	not under warranty...mine expired
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05-20-2015, 09:18 PM	#17
bebmw0912 Enlisted Member 3 Rep 45 Posts Drives: BMW F15 Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Fort Wayne iTrader: (0) Garage List 2014 BMW X5 [0.00]	SOLVED - No Heat, But Lights on Headed Seats - SOLVED Hey Community, I think this sounds crazy but read on another forum that sometimes the cable might not be seated from the factory 100% and when putting the seat back, it can actually come unplugged. Well, it's true, my cable was unplugged!!!!!! You will notice a little 3 or 4 wire cable that belongs plugged into small box in the front most of part of the seat about mid-way from side to side (at-least the location on the passenger side) To get to it you have to put the seat up and forward most of the way. Once plugged in, I started the car and then turned on the seats and all is good My Symptoms: 1) Getting lights on the headed seat control button showing power 2) back of seat working just fine 3) no crackling noises or bumps in leather indicating a burn thru or failure of seat heater coil pack. FYI dealer will want 1255.00 for the part as it includes the leather bottom of the seat surface, plus another 5 hours of removal and replace, then reassembly. Hope this helps someone else out there I can take pictures of the connecter if someone would like. PM me for more information
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06-05-2022, 04:39 AM	#19
peacrown Registered 0 Rep 1 Posts Drives: 2009 bmw e92 coupe Join Date: Jun 2022 Location: dublin iTrader: (0)	Heated seats not working 2009 E92 and there is no power going to the heated seat switches or seats .....I had a look at the fuses and they look ok ?? any ideas?
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