The driver and front passenger heated seat systems each consists of the following
components:
• | Seat cushion heater element |
• | Seat back heater element |
The HVAC control module is also involved in the operation of the heated seats.
Power and Grounds
Battery positive voltage is supplied at all times to the driver and passenger
heated seat modules from the rear fuse block, HTDST LF Fuse for the driver
heated seat module, or, HTDST RF Fuse for the passenger heated seat module.
This battery voltage is used by the module to apply voltage to the seat heating elements.
Battery positive voltage is also supplied to both heated seat modules from the rear
fuse block IGN 3 Fuse with the ignition in the ON position. This voltage is
used to power up the module. Both modules are grounded through the ground circuit
to G301. The heated seat switches are grounded through the switch ground circuit and
G201.
Temperature Regulation
The heated seat system is designed in order to warm the seat cushion and seat
back to approximately 107.6°F (42°C) when in the high position, and 98.6°F
(37°C) when in the low position. The heated seat module 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 heated seat module that the seat has reached the
desired temperature, the module opens the ground path of the seat heating elements
through the heated seat element control circuit. The module will then cycle the element
control circuit open and closed in order to maintain the desired temperature.
Heated Seats
The driver and passenger heated seat are controlled by separate heated seat
switches. When the heated seat is OFF and the heated seat switch is toggled toward
HI/LO, the heated seat high/low signal circuit of the heated seat module is momentarily
grounded through the HI/LO switch contacts. In response to this signal, the heated
seat module applies battery positive voltage to the seat cushion/back heater elements,
setting the temperature level to high heat. The module also applies battery positive
voltage through the heated seat high temperature indicator control circuit to illuminate
the high temperature indicator of the heated seat switch. When the heated seat switch
is toggled toward HI/LO a second time, the heated seat high/low signal circuit of
the heated seat module is again momentarily grounded through the HI/LO switch contacts.
In response to this second signal, the heated seat module sets the temperature level
to low heat and applies battery positive voltage through the heated seat low temperature
indicator control circuit to illuminate the low temperature indicator of the heated
seat switch. When the heated seat switch is toggled toward OFF, the heated seat off
signal circuit of the heated seat module is momentarily grounded through the OFF switch
contacts. In response to this signal, the heated seat module removes the battery voltage
from the seat heating elements and the appropriate temperature indicator. The heated
seat module will also turn OFF the heated seat whenever the ignition switch is turned
to the OFF position.
Load Management
There are 3 levels of load management controlled by the body control
module (BCM). The BCM sends the status of load management to the HVAC control module
via a class 2 message. In response to this message, the HVAC control module
signals the heated seat modules through the heated seat module inhibit signal circuit
indicating the current load management level. During load shed 0, the HVAC
control module does not inhibit the operation of the heated seats. During load shed
level 1, the heated seats are cycled 10 seconds ON and 10 seconds
OFF, with temperature regulation still being enforced. During load shed level 2,
the HVAC control module will pull the inhibit signal circuit of the heated seat module
to ground. In response to this signal, the heated seat modules will turn OFF the heated
seats and temperature indicators that are illuminated. The instrument panel cluster
(IPC) will display a BATTERY SAVER ACTIVE message. The ON/OFF status of the heated
seats is reported to the HVAC control module through the heated seat control module
status signal circuit by both heated seat modules.