03 sierra 1500 hd driver heated seat problems

blackedoutsierra03 · September 16, 2013

I have a 03 sierra 1500hd slt the heated seat on the driver side doesn't work when you hit the heated seat button light comes on and goes right back off, and there is a clicking noise coming from under the seat.does anyone know how to fix?

Thanks

gmtech4 · September 19, 2013

you didnt understand what i posted ,,,,,,

what was the ohms reading of the element?

efritz · September 19, 2013

I just fixed this same issue on a 2004 suburban, same setup. If the light goes on and off again within a few seconds, the module likely is detecting an open circuit due to a burned up heater pad. This is a common issue and they are somewhat easy to replace. In my case it was the lumbar heater pad that was burned up. Like govtech4 said, check the resistance at the wiring harness which is a green connector by the seatbelt latch for the seat pad, or at the square connector for the heaters under the seat for the lumbar one. Sure sounds like one of the pads is dead though. Post with findings as I could give some instructions on replacement.

Good Luck!

&CDFiXER% · September 23, 2013

I would recommend replacing both of the elements in the drivers seat, even if one is testing good. Why? Because both are the same age and one has failed. Why do the job of taking the seat out and disassembling twice... Yes, the one you sit on arguably gets more wear but if it was me, I would replace both of them in the drivers seat.

tbhuge · September 19, 2013

I think I saw them on amazon last week. If you get the part # from the dealership, go on amazon and check it out.

blackedoutsierra03 · September 21, 2013

It was jumping from .12-3.53

gmtech4 · September 16, 2013

from the service manual ,,,,,check seat element resistance ,,,,should be 1.5 to 5.5 ohms,,,,,,if open circuit replace element ,,,,,if ok check connections at Driver Seat Module (DSM),,if ok ,replace DSM

&CDFiXER% · September 21, 2013

It was jumping from .12-3.53

Element is intermittently shorting then. The DSM WILL sense this and after sending an 'exploratory' bit o' juice to the element, detecting the short (or open), will then power that element down until the next power cycle.

blackedoutsierra03 · September 21, 2013

How do I fix it?

gmtech4 · September 21, 2013

new element

blackedoutsierra03 · September 21, 2013

A new heated seat pad?

&CDFiXER% · September 22, 2013

Yes sir! That is the only realistic way. Any attempted repair to those type of elements would likely not stand up to butt pressure for very long resulting in the problem coming back. Plus any attempt would include just as much work as it would take to replace with new. New ones would actually be easier.

IIRC, even GMPartsDirect did not have too bad a price on the elements.

blackedoutsierra03 · September 22, 2013

But both the bottom or back heaters dont work so ill need both of them?

blackedoutsierra03 · September 18, 2013

Where can I get a dsm?

cobrajet84 · September 18, 2013

there is gm parts direct that would probably carry it, or I would think possibly an auto parts store, check the stores websites and see if they have them or can order them in. The dealer may also have them and you would be surprised how price competitive dealers are compared to auto parts stores.