GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Heated Seats System Components

The driver and front passenger heated seats each consist of the following components:

    • Body control module (BCM)
    • Heated seat element -- back
    • Heated seat element -- cushion
    • Heated seat relay
    • Heated seat switch
    • Heated seat thermistor
    • HVAC control module
    • HTD SEAT 20 amp fuse -- LH
    • HTD SEAT 20 amp fuse -- RH

Power and Ground

Battery positive voltage is supplied at all times to both front heated seat relays from the HTD SEATS Fuse located in the instrument panel (I/P) fuse block. The driver seat relay coil is grounded through ground G301 and the passenger seat relay coil is grounded at ground G302.

Heated Seat Operation

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.

Temperature Regulation

When the ignition is turned to the ON position, the heated seats will initialize in the OFF state. With each activation of the heated seat switch, the body control module (BCM) will cycle temperature setting in the following manner: HIGH, LOW, and OFF.

The heated seat system is designed in order to warm the seat cushion and seat back to approximately 42°C (107.6°F) when in the high heat position, and 37°C (98.6°F) when in the low heat position. The BCM monitors the seat temperature through the temperature sensor signal circuit and the temperature sensor (thermistor) that is located in the seat cushion. The temperature sensor is a variable resistor, its resistance changes as the temperature of the seat changes. When the temperature sensor resistance indicates to the BCM that the seat has reached the desired temperature, the module removes battery voltage from the heated seat relay control circuit de-energizing the relay. The relay then opens it's switch contacts removing battery voltage from the heated seat element supply voltage circuit and the seat heating elements. The module will then cycle the relay control circuit on and off in order to maintain the desired temperature.

Load Management

During Heated Seats Load Shed Level 1, the body control module (BCM) will cycle the heated seat operation 16.0 seconds ON and 4.0 seconds OFF. During Heated Seats Load Shed Level 2, the BCM will deactivate the heated seat operation, and signal the HVAC control module turn off the appropriate heated seat temperature indicators.