Heated seats issue

Hey everyone,

I have a 2003 Golf TDI GLS, so it has the heated seat options. Last year the passenger seat wouldn't heat up, so I took it to the dealer and they fixed it up (Im not sure what the problem was, I didn't ask ). Fast forward to about 2 months ago...the same seat won't heat up.

I'm wondering if anyone has any knowledge in this area for some troubleshooting. Or, if anyone knows how to fix the seat. Anything helps, thank you

try checking the fuses???

not sure which one, but that would be a start

MKIV FUSE LIST
1. Washer nozzle heaters, glove compartment light, memory seat control module (10A).
2. Turn signal lights (10A).
3. Fog light relay, instrument panel light dimmer switch (5A).
4. License plate light (5A).
5. Comfort system, cruise control, Climatronic, A/C, heated seat control modules, automatic day/night interior mirror, control module for multi-function steering wheel, control unit in steering wheel (7.5A).
6. Central locking system (5A).
7. Back-up lights, speedometer vehicle speed sensor (VSS) (10A).
8. Open
9. Anti-lock brake system (ABS) (5A).
10. Engine control module (ECM): gasoline engine (10A); diesel engine, Model Year 2000 > (5A).
11. Instrument cluster, shift lock solenoid (5A).
12. Data Link Connector (DLC) power supply (7.5A).
13. Brake tail lights (10A).
14. Interior lights, central locking system (10A).
15. Instrument cluster, transmission control module (TCM) (5A).
16. A/C clutch, after-run coolant pump (10A).
17. Open.
18. Headlight high beam, right (10A).
19. Headlight high beam, left (10A).
20. Headlight low beam, right (15A).
21. Headlight low beam, left (15A).
22. Parking lights right, side marker right (5A).
23. Parking lights left, side marker left (5A).
24. Windshield and rear window washer pump, windshield wiper motor (20A).
25. Fresh air blower, Climatronic, A/C (25A).
26. Rear window defogger (25A).
27. Motor for rear windshield wiper (15A).
28. Fuel pump (FP) (15A).
29. Engine control module (ECM) gasoline engine (15A); diesel engine (10A).
30. Power sunroof control module (20A).
31. Transmission control module (TCM) (20A).
32. Injectors: gasoline engine (10A); diesel engine (15A).
33. Headlight washer system (20A).
34. Engine control elements (10A).
35. 12 V power outlet (in luggage compartment) (30A).
36. Fog lights (15A).
37. Terminal (86S) on radio, Instrument cluster (10A).
38. Central locking system (with power windows), luggage compartment light, remote/fuel tank door, motor to unlock rear lid (15A).
39. Emergency flashers (15A).
40. Dual tone horn (20A).
41. Cigarette lighter (15A).
42. Radio (25A).
43. Engine control elements (10A).
44. Heated seats (15A).
Fuse arangements in fuse bracket/battery:
S162. Glow plugs (coolant) (50A).
S163. Fuel pump (FP) relay/glow plug relay (50A).
S164. Coolant fan control (FC) control module/coolant fan (40A).
S176. Relays panel interior (110A).
S177. Generator (GEN) (90 Amp.) (110A).
Generator (GEN) (120 Amp.) (150A).
S178. ABS (hydraulic pump) (30A).
S179. ABS (30A).
S180. Coolant fan (30A).

pbraunton said:

try checking the fuses???

not sure which one, but that would be a start

Click to expand...

I figured the fuse was ok since I'm getting heat output from the drivers side, just not the passenger.

Jason, thank you for the fuse list. I'll check them anyway

Pull the bottom seat cushion back and see if any of the wires are separated.. Very common problem..

Swap the heated seat switches from side to side - Also a common problem...

call the dealer. your car could be under an extension (based on them telling that 03-05 Golf's were, not my 02....)

My money is on the wiring in the seat. Can't remember if there is a writeup on here or on the vortex, but there definitely was a writeup when I looked into my seat not working. Definitely try switching the controls in the dash (use the passenger side one on the driver's seat to test). It's a much easier test than pulling up the seat cushion, etc.

call VW canada and ask to see if the seats have the warranty on them since the work was just done last year. if they do then just take the car ack to dealer.

I had a similar problem and it was covered because they had done the recall on my car back in 06 and i had extended warranty on the seat for an additional 3 years as a result of it.

lol, i'll help you out with this too.

yatzee said:

call the dealer. your car could be under an extension (based on them telling that 03-05 Golf's were, not my 02....)

Click to expand...

There is an extended warrantee in this. Mine is being fixed under it. Again...

Just did this last week.
1. Took the vents out and unscrewed the switch cluster holder thing, two torx screws behind the centre vents.. Disconnected the heat seat switch.
2. Took a multimeter on the lowest setting for measuring resistance.
3. With the harness I'd just disconnected, measured between ground (pin 7 or pin 6, brown wire) and the heater element (pin 2). Mine were around 10 Ohms. Open circuit indicates a busted heater element.
4. Measured between ground & the temperature sensor (pin 3). Should also not be open. Mine was. I bypassed it by soldering a resistor between pin 3 and ground (I've heard 10k is good and seemed to work for me) which got my butt warmed again but probably isn't the safest thing.. I seem to have three settings though: off, nice and scorching hot.
5. If both are fine, you probably have a busted switch. I think Windex fixed his by replacing a transistor...
BTW all of the information here is in the forums somewhere, but I haven't been able to track down the posts in question today..