Seat Heaters
Thread Starter
Three Wheelin'
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,333
Likes: 1
From: Plano, TX
Seat Heaters
A little background:
I purchased a set of 8-way heated seats from Roger a week or so ago and they are in great shape and I am happy with the value without the heaters working--just want to be clear that this is in no way a complaint about the seats I purchased. But with "Global Warming" resulting in low single digit temps here in Dallas it would be great to have them working.
We put them into the car, installed a 7.5 amp fuse in the proper slot (8 I think) and while the seats move and function properly and there is power to both heating switches the seats do not heat up. (Neither does).
Sean and I looked up the old threads on heated seats and it generally talked about relays and elements. Any thoughts on what the cause could be? I am thinking it might be the relays but any other advice would be welcomed.
I purchased a set of 8-way heated seats from Roger a week or so ago and they are in great shape and I am happy with the value without the heaters working--just want to be clear that this is in no way a complaint about the seats I purchased. But with "Global Warming" resulting in low single digit temps here in Dallas it would be great to have them working.
We put them into the car, installed a 7.5 amp fuse in the proper slot (8 I think) and while the seats move and function properly and there is power to both heating switches the seats do not heat up. (Neither does).
Sean and I looked up the old threads on heated seats and it generally talked about relays and elements. Any thoughts on what the cause could be? I am thinking it might be the relays but any other advice would be welcomed.
Rennlist Member
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 669
Likes: 1
From: Mansfield, TX
I believe, and I'm going off memory here (I had trouble about 10 years ago with mine) that there is a single relay for both, and it's under the drivers seat. I'm fuzzy on that though, been a long time.
I'm pretty sure I had to replace a relay but I can't remember if there was just one or if there were 2.
I think I have a wiring diagram, let me see if I can find it.
Sorry I can't offer much more help.
I enjoyed using mine this morning. They get nice and toasty that's for sure.
I'm pretty sure I had to replace a relay but I can't remember if there was just one or if there were 2.
I think I have a wiring diagram, let me see if I can find it.
Sorry I can't offer much more help.
I enjoyed using mine this morning. They get nice and toasty that's for sure.
Rennlist Member
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,094
Likes: 11
From: St. Louis, MO
I wrestled with this when I first got my '88, so I am going off memory...
Don't be surprised to find elements are blown in both seats. The heaters did not work in my car either. If I recall, the elements are wired in series, so if the butt element is blown, then the back element will not function either(or vise versa). This was the case with my passenger seat. My driver seat had both elements blown and the seat heater switch itself did not work.
You can trace the wiring underneath the seat to each element, unplug them and run a simple continuity test. If the test is good, then the element is still functional and you have another problem.
I ended up getting a NOS element from 928 intl clearance for my 1 blown element in the passenger seat, but I upgraded the driver seat to the newer technology style heaters rather than the wire elements.
I should have several posts long ago on this topic.
Don't be surprised to find elements are blown in both seats. The heaters did not work in my car either. If I recall, the elements are wired in series, so if the butt element is blown, then the back element will not function either(or vise versa). This was the case with my passenger seat. My driver seat had both elements blown and the seat heater switch itself did not work.
You can trace the wiring underneath the seat to each element, unplug them and run a simple continuity test. If the test is good, then the element is still functional and you have another problem.
I ended up getting a NOS element from 928 intl clearance for my 1 blown element in the passenger seat, but I upgraded the driver seat to the newer technology style heaters rather than the wire elements.
I should have several posts long ago on this topic.
Rennlist Member
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 669
Likes: 1
From: Mansfield, TX
but I upgraded the driver seat to the newer technology style heaters rather than the wire elements.
Electron Wrangler
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Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 13,657
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From: Phoenix AZ
I'd not get a relay yet - the elements in these break over time and if that is the case a new relay won't help. Test the heating element for resistance first - look for the 2 pin connector under the seat - Black & Brown wires to both sides... if you get infinte resistance the elements are shot and the only option is replacement.
new style heaters are pads not wire elements
Alan
new style heaters are pads not wire elements
Alan
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Racer
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 299
Likes: 39
From: New Jersey
Has anyone tried generic retrofit heaters? They're pretty inexpensive and simple in design. Only thing is, you have to remove the leather first-I don't know if that can be done on a 928 seat without destroying it.
Former Vendor
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 2,260
Likes: 1
From: Corpus Christi
Aftermarket heaters do not work on 928 design inserts without severe modifications. They need to be sectioned in panels and interconnected. You can only do that with a specific type of heater and it ends up costing just as much as factory units, which are readily available.
Paul
Rennlist Member
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,094
Likes: 11
From: St. Louis, MO
The aftermarket heaters I used can be cut and modified quite easily. It was not my idea. See this old thread.
https://rennlist.com/forums/928-foru...highlight=seat
My leather was in good enough condition to pull off. I had a family friend in the interior reconditioning business do it and install the heaters.
https://rennlist.com/forums/928-foru...highlight=seat
My leather was in good enough condition to pull off. I had a family friend in the interior reconditioning business do it and install the heaters.