Heated seat issue

[Captainian]

Car just out of storage today. Very cold. Driver’s side heated seat not working. Red lights come on for a few seconds then go off.

Passenger side ok.

Ideas? User error?

Service next week so will get sorted but just checking I’m not being stupid. Again.

[AlpineGuy]

It’s normally a faulty heating element

[Captainian]

Thank you - I'll let Alpine Southampton know...

[7en]

A shame you can't get the heating elements separately, as the seats aren't that difficult to strip.

Hopefully it'll just be a faulty switch.

[Captainian]

Thanks 7en - was worried about a huge labour bill...

[W111AAM]

Mine was doing that the other day. Parked the car up, came back to it an hour later and it worked fine and has being working fine since. Only noticed as the satnav/radio screen did a full reset mid journey. All been fine since.

[Captainian]

No joy here sadly...

Still, the weather is getting warmer :-)

[OscarP]

I have the same issue - car still under warranty despite being a 19 plate so will bring it up at next service.

[7en]

Captainian said:

Thanks 7en - was worried about a huge labour bill...

If the heating element itself is at fault, unfortunately labour wouldn't be the issue, as no heating element is available via parts so they won't be able to replace it. It would be a new complete seat cushion, which isn't cheap.

I bought my comfort seats from a breakers so no warranty and being realistic I don't expect the heating elements to last forever. I can't see it being a huge job to fit a new non-genuine heating element if necessary.

Hopefully it's a much easier fix for you they can take care of along with service.

Edited by 7en on Thursday 6th March 19:43

[Captainian]

Eeek

[Captainian]

So... After 11 days and multiple attempts, the heated seat started working again today...

Service on Thursday so will mention anyway.

Could it be related to battery condition or alternator issues?

Edited by Captainian on Tuesday 11th March 15:56

[infernouk]

sorry to bump this but has anyone else solved this issue? I'm looking to buy a car where the drivers seat doesn't work and wonder how I should price the repair or if there are cheap fixes, its out of warranty!

[7en]

infernouk said:

sorry to bump this but has anyone else solved this issue? I'm looking to buy a car where the drivers seat doesn't work and wonder how I should price the repair or if there are cheap fixes, its out of warranty!

It depends on what the actual issue is, if it's a new seat cushion (most common) then ~£2k for a new one fitted. If it's the seat back and cushion, you can double that, which I've never seen before but a worst case scenario. If it's the switch then it's not expensive, if it's a battery/charge issue then the price of a new battery and/or alternator. The latter two I haven't come across related to heated seats but are theoretically possible.

Edited by 7en on Wednesday 26th March 18:37

[infernouk]

7en said:

It depends on what the actual issue is, if it's a new seat cushion (most common) then ~£2k for a new one fitted. If it's the seat back and cushion, you can double that, which I've never seen before but a worst case scenario. If it's the switch then it's not expensive, if it's a battery/charge issue then the price of a new battery and/or alternator. The latter two I haven't come across related to heated seats but are theoretically possible.

Edited by 7en on Wednesday 26th March 18:37

2k for a seat cushion? surely not, you can buy another car with heated seats for that