GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Diagnostic Instructions

    • Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
    • Review Strategy Based Diagnosis for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
    •  Diagnostic Procedure Instructions provides an overview of each diagnostic category.

DTC Descriptors

DTC B2508: Driver Seat Heater Relay Circuit

DTC B2509: Front Passenger Seat Heater Relay Circuit

Diagnostic Fault Information

Circuit

Short to Ground

Open/High Resistance

Short to Voltage

Signal Performance

Heated Seat Relay B+

1, B1920, B2165

1, B1920, B2165

--

--

Heated Seat Relay Control

1, B2508, B2509

B2508, B2509

B2508, B2509

--

Heated Seat Relay Ground

--

B2508, B2509

--

--

Heated Seat Cushion Temperature Sensor Signal

B1925, B2170

B1920, B2165

B1920, B1925, B2165, B2170

--

Heated Seat Cushion Temperature Sensor Low Reference

--

1, B1920, B2165

--

--

Heated Seat Heater Element Control

1, B1920, B2165

1, B1920, B2165

--

--

Heated Seat Element Ground

--

1, B1920, B2165

--

--

1. Front heated seat malfunction

Circuit/System Description

The driver and passenger heated seats are controlled by separate heated seat switches. Both switches are located in the HVAC control module. When a heated seat switch is pressed, the HVAC control module sends a class 2 serial data message to the body control module (BCM) indicating the heated seat command. In response to this signal, the BCM applies battery positive voltage through the heated seat relay control circuit energizing the relay coil. The relay closes its switch contacts applying battery positive voltage through the element supply voltage circuit to the seat heating elements. The BCM then sends a class 2 serial data message back to the HVAC control module to illuminate the appropriate temperature indicator.

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • DTC B1327 must not be present.
    • Battery voltage must be between 9-16 V.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

B2508

The DTC will set when the BCM detects a short to ground or voltage in the driver heated seat relay control circuit.

B2509

The DTC will set when the BCM detects a short to ground or voltage in the passenger heated seat relay control circuit.

Actions Taken When the DTC Sets

The heated seat system for the affected seat will be disabled.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

    • The current DTC will clear and set to history 3 seconds after the reference voltage returns to the normal operating range.
    • The condition responsible for setting the DTC no longer exists.
    • A history DTC will clear once 50 consecutive fault-free ignition cycles have occurred.

Diagnostic Aids

When DTC B2508 or B2509 are set as current, the BCM disables the heated seat function not allowing any heated seat relay control functions to occur. Cycling the ignition OFF then ON will reset the DTC and allow relay commands.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

Heated/Cooled Seat Schematics

Connector End View Reference

Component Connector End Views

Description and Operation

Heated Seats Description and Operation

Electrical Information Reference

    •  Circuit Testing
    •  Connector Repairs
    •  Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections
    •  Wiring Repairs

Scan Tool Reference

Control Module References for scan tool information

Circuit/System Testing

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the appropriate heated seat relay.
  2. Test for less than 5.0 Ω between the ground circuit terminal C2 and ground.
  3. If greater than the specified range, test the ground circuit for an open/high resistance.
  4. Connect a test lamp between the control circuit terminal A1 and ground.
  5. Ignition ON, command the appropriate Driver or Passenger Heated Seat ON and OFF with a scan tool. The test lamp should turn ON and OFF when changing between the commanded states.
  6. If the test lamp is always ON, test the control circuit for a short to voltage. If the circuit tests normal, replace the BCM.
    If the test lamp is always OFF, test the control circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the BCM.
  7. If all circuits test normal, test or replace the a heated seat relay.

Component Testing

Relay Test

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the appropriate heated seat relay.
  2. Test for 70-100 Ω between terminals 85 and 86.
  3. If the resistance is not within the specified range, replace the relay.
  4. Test for infinite resistance between the terminals listed below:
  5. • 30 and 85
    • 30 and 86
    • 30 and 87
    • 85 and 87
    If not the specified value, replace the heated seat relay.
  6. Install a 10 A fused jumper wire between relay terminal 85 and B+. Install a jumper wire between relay terminal 86 and ground. Test for less than 2 Ω between terminals 30 and 87.
  7. If greater than the specified range, replace the heated seat relay.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

    •  Relay Replacement
    •  Control Module References for BCM replacement, setup, and programming