Odd seat heater problem

[frogprince]

Has anyone noticed this? On occasion, from a cold start, I realize that the seat is heating up, despite the fact that I had not turned on the seat heater. It has happened as often as every morning for a few days, and then not again for months.

When this happens, it is on low, which I find puzzling (usually when the seat heater is turned on it is "high" first, hit it twice for "low"). I have tried to figure out whether I am hitting the button when I get in the car, but that makes no sense physically.

The dealership found only that the "seat heater is functioning properly" but I knew it would function when turned on--and if I leave it overnight so they can turn it on once from a cold start, chances are, nothing strange will happen then too.

The only common occurrences are the cold start and "low." I am nearing the end of my "bumper to bumper" warranty, so I would like to (help them) figure this out before the dealership decides to charge me like crazy. Thanks!

[Nova69]

Hi Froggy,

I think I may know the answer to your problem.

If you sit on the very edge of your seat as you're getting in, the outer edge of the cushion makes contact with the seat switch and causes it to turn on. I've verified this with both my wife's Cruiser and mine through exacting scientific experiments (various size tushes sitting on the edge of the seats )!

[RubyRed]

Originally posted by Nova69
Hi Froggy,

I think I may know the answer to your problem.

If you sit on the very edge of your seat as you're getting in, the outer edge of the cushion makes contact with the seat switch and causes it to turn on. I've verified this with both my wife's Cruiser and mine through exacting scientific experiments (various size tushes sitting on the edge of the seats )!

Mine does the same thing. The switches should be in a different location. Not the best ergonomic decision on Chrysler's part.

[frogprince]

So why the cold start connection? I admit I don't like where the switch is either--I'd rather not crash the car while checking for the light.

At the same time, I do want to believe it is only me causing this problem. Other than the handling, which I fixed by lowering Gracie, I have no complaints!

Thanks John and Vince, what a relief!

[PT_Sean]

Do an experiment- pop the fuse, or the connector, for the seat heaters, and see what happens. Just trying to eliminate the possibility that its just the body heat, and a perception that the heater is on.

Oh, on the days that this happens, are beans on the dinner menu the night before?? Again, eliminating all the unknowns.

[JOEM]

Originally posted by PT_Sean

Oh, on the days that this happens, are beans on the dinner menu the night before??

And does it "smell like leather"?

[joseph szostek jr]

I do the same thing Nova69 talk about i have to becareful when i get in with a caboose the size of mine i'am always turning the heater on{at least something i'am near turns on!] LOL

[MX-5]

An easy way to elliminate the seat-of-the-pants issue is to reach in and start the car without sitting down. You should let the cold motor warm up for a minute anyway.

If the seat heats up without you ever sitting in the seat, you can ask for a new relay.
It's not uncommon for the relay contacts to stick.

[frogprince]

Originally posted by joseph szostek jr
i'm always turning the heater on{at least something i'm near turns on!] LOL

So you're that hot, huh?

Excuse me Sean, the issue is not in my head or in my butt, it's in the seat, silly!

Really, I appreciate the mention, don't get mad, please.

--Best Costume, 2003 Vegas Cruise

[frogprince]

Originally posted by MX-5
An easy way to elliminate the seat-of-the-pants issue is to reach in and start the car without sitting down. You should let the cold motor warm up for a minute anyway.

If the seat heats up without you ever sitting in the seat, you can ask for a new relay.
It's not uncommon for the relay contacts to stick.

I should specify that a cold start here is rarely below 50 degrees, and Gracie is garaged.

If the relay contacts stick, would the rocker switch light and indicate the heater is on? I have never checked for the light BEFORE I got in the car, I usually only realize the seat is heating up, and look at the switch to see that the heater is getting turned off for sure.

thanks MX-5!!