GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Heated Seat Components

The heated seats consist of the following components:

    • Left heated seat control module
    • Left heated seat switch
    • Left seat cushion heating element
    • Left seat back heating element
    • Left seat cushion temperature sensor
    • Right heated seat control module
    • Right heated seat switch
    • Right seat cushion heating element
    • Right seat back heating element
    • Right seat cushion temperature sensor

Modes of Operation

Both front heated seats are controlled independently of one another and each heated seat has its own heated seat module (HSM). The heated seats have only one mode of operation. The heated seat cushion base and the heated seat back cannot operate independently of one another.

Heated Seat Switch/LED Indicators Operation

Ignition voltage is supplied to the heated seat switch fuse via fuse F38/10A located in the under-hood fuse block. The body control module (BCM) supplies voltage to the heated seat switch LEDs and the heated seat module (HSM) supplies a ground signal to the heated seat switch LEDs.

The heated seat switch indicates 3 heat level settings.

    • Low Temperature - When the heated seat switch is depressed once, ignition voltage is supplied via the heated seat switch contacts and the heated seat switch signal circuit to the HSM. The HSM then supplies a ground signal to one of the heated seat switch LEDs to indicate that the first heating level is active.
    • Medium Temperature - When the heated seat switch is depressed for the second time, ignition voltage is supplied via the heated seat switch contacts and the heated seat switch signal circuit to the HSM. The HSM then supplies a ground signal to the second LED of the heated seat switch. Two LEDs will be lit indicating that the second heating level is active.
    • High Temperature - When the heated seat switch is depressed for a third time, ignition voltage is supplied via the heated seat switch contacts and the heated seat switch signal circuit to the HSM. The HSM then supplies a ground signal to the third LED of the heated seat switch. Three LEDs will be lit indicating that the third heating level is active.
    • System OFF State - When the heated seat switch is depressed for a fourth time, ignition voltage is supplied via the heated seat switch contacts and the heated seat switch signal circuit to the HSM. The HSM then switches OFF the ground supply to the LEDs. No LEDs will be lit indicating that the heated seat system is in the OFF state.

Heated Seat module Operation

A continuous battery voltage is supplied to both heated seat modules via fuse F19/15A located in the instrument panel (I/P) fuse block. Ignition voltage is supplied to both heated seat modules via fuse F38/10A located in the under-hood fuse block. Ground for both heated seat modules are supplied via G305 and G304 respectively.

The three heat level settings of the heated seats are selected by depressing the heated seat switch consecutively. Upon depressing the heated seat switch for the fourth time, the heated seat will switch OFF.

Depending on the heat level selected, the HSM supplies voltage to the seat cushion base and the seat back elements. The different temperature levels of the seat cushion base and the seat back elements are monitored by the HSM via a temperature sensor. When the seat cushion base and seat back heating elements reach a predetermined value stored within the HSM, the voltage supply to the seat cushion base and seat back heating elements are switched OFF. When the temperature drops below a predetermined value stored within the HSM, the HSM switches the voltage to the seat cushion base and seat back heating elements ON, thereby regulating the temperature. The HSM supplies a ground signal to the first LED of the heated seat switch and level one setting is shown as active.

Temperature Regulation

The HSM regulates the heated seat temperature in accordance with the input values of the thermister which is situated in the seat cushion base close to the seat heating element.

Thermisters are variable resistors. Their resistance varies as temperature changes. When the thermister resistance reach a predetermined value stored within the HSM, the HSM switches the voltage to the seat cushion base and seat back heating elements OFF. When the temperature drops below a predetermined value stored within the HSM, the HSM switches the voltage to the seat heating elements ON, thereby regulating the seat cushion base and seat back heating element temperatures.

Load Management

The electrical power management function is designed to monitor the vehicle electrical load and determine when the battery is potentially in a high discharged condition. The heated seat system is one of the vehicle loads that is subject to being switched OFF during a battery discharged condition. For more information on load management refer to Electrical Power Management Description and Operation .