Seat Heater Operation (help?)

71GMC_3/4T · January 7, 2005

I recently acquired my '03 2500HD Crew LT and love it so far. However, the seat heaters have me confused. There are two buttons, one vertical and the other horizontal.

If I push the vertical button, all the LEDs light up, one in the vertical button, and three above the horizontal button. Continuing to press one or the other buttons sequences through a somewhat random event of lights.

The vertical button "icon" shows only back heat, while the horizontal "icon" shows both back and butt heat.

Here's my confusion - Why two buttons? Wouldn't one just cycle through the settings with one switch? Is one switch for the rear seat(s)? (I doubt it.)

It's been down to zero (F) here lately and I'd like to know how to use the seat heaters most effectively. I do know when it's on high, it will roast your arse and back pretty quick!

Thanks All,

Jim

GM-Tech · January 7, 2005

Here's my confusion - Why two buttons?

Because if there weren't two, someone would be posting a complaint asking why GM is forcing them to have both heaters on when, say, they only want the seat cushion warmer on.

dawg · January 7, 2005

I recently acquired my '03 2500HD Crew LT and love it so far. However, the seat heaters have me confused. There are two buttons, one vertical and the other horizontal.
If I push the vertical button, all the LEDs light up, one in the vertical button, and three above the horizontal button. Continuing to press one or the other buttons sequences through a somewhat random event of lights.

The vertical button "icon" shows only back heat, while the horizontal "icon" shows both back and butt heat.

Here's my confusion - Why two buttons? Wouldn't one just cycle through the settings with one switch? Is one switch for the rear seat(s)? (I doubt it.)

It's been down to zero (F) here lately and I'd like to know how to use the seat heaters most effectively. I do know when it's on high, it will roast your arse and back pretty quick!

Thanks All,

Jim

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

One of the buttons is for the back of the seat and one is for the bottom of the seat. Depressing the vertical icon heats both, while only pressing the horizontal button (closer to front of truck) onyl heats the bottom.

The more lights you have lit up the higher the heat - ie 1 light = low, etc

Turn them on when you crank your truck and seat is toasty when you decide to drive.

I can't leave mine on for too long before I start smelling flesh

71GMC_3/4T · January 7, 2005

Thanks,

But I see that one button (vert) shows only back heat. It won't come on without the other heater (butt heat) running. The other button (horiz) shows both back and butt (according to the little squiggly lines that mean heat).

When I press the vertical button from a full off condition, it turns everything up on high and lights all 4 LEDs and heats both back and butt. When I press the horizontal button first, it lights up 3 LEDs and heats both back and butt anyway. Is there a difference between the first press of the two buttons? Is one button Hi-Med-Lo and the other "Fry your bacon - Super Duper Hi"?

I guess I gotta go play around with it and see how it works. The manual didn't have much to offer...

Yukon04 · January 7, 2005

I was part of the design team for the seat heat system for these vehicles. I am a seat electrical engineer for GMT800 and GMT900. HOWEVER, I did not design the switch, it is specified by the OEM. We get A LOT of warranty issues due to this switch. Don't feel bad as even the replies in this string ARE incorrect. Here is how the switch works:

This system is called a dual mode heat system. The operator has the ability to control the seat back heat separately.

Cushion and Back heat - The horizontal button that has both symbols on it - the first press is high and is represented by 3 lit LEDs above the button. The next press is medium with 2 lit LEDs above it. Low has only 1 lit LED and the final press will turn the system off (no lit LEDs).

Seat back heat only - The vertical button that has the "back-only" symbol - The first press of this button is high. There will be 3 lit bars above the horizontal button symbolizing the high setting and another lit LED near the vertical button symbolizing "back-only". The operation of high,med,low and off apply the same.

At any point during the "cushion and back" and "back-only" modes, the operator can change the mode. Just remember that if the LED near the vertical button is lit, you are in "back-only" mode. It seems weird at first, but once you understand the operation, it becomes clear.

I am very familiar with seat heat systems, please let me know if you still need any help. I can assist in any seat related issues if necessary. I should just put it in my profile!! I'd probably be too busy though!!

Let me know....

Yukon04 · January 7, 2005

JUST TO BE CLEAR -

You have 2 options:

EITHER - seat cushion AND back OR seat back only

03GMC2500HD · January 7, 2005

Good thing they didn't make it confusing!

Since they have two buttons anyway why didn't they just make one for the back with 3 lights and one for the butt with three lights and be done with it. That way you can choose what you want to toast or roast.

GM-Tech · January 7, 2005

I was part of the design team for the seat heat system for these vehicles. I am a seat electrical engineer for GMT800 and GMT900.

You might regret letting THAT cat out of the bag.

facn8me · January 7, 2005

I was part of the design team for the seat heat system for these vehicles. I am a seat electrical engineer for GMT800 and GMT900.

You might regret letting THAT cat out of the bag.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Ahhh yes a admitted engineer I personaly don't have any seat gripes, but If ya happen to know any hvac under dash designers or quad 4 designers(water pump) oh wow the list could go on and on. Anyway I have this dark alley behind my house and I would throw a party for as many "designer/engineers" you happen to know. If they could have a name tag with the systems and car models they have engineered it would sure help with the tortur..... party. All are invited.

Yukon04 · January 8, 2005

I have no problem admitting the engineering status as my group at work is usually pretty clean. Can't make too many mistakes in the electrical group...the stuff won't work if you don't get it right.

GM-Tech · January 8, 2005

the stuff won't work if you don't get it right.

Yeah I know. We're fixing them all the time.

But see, that's what I mean. Already *I* am picking on ya. Once they find out you work for GM, no matter what capacity, you become a bit of a target.

Yukon04 · January 8, 2005

All good...I can take it AND give it!! I just wanted to put it out there that I can help with the seat stuff, specifically electrical. Just trying to help!!

Later

71GMC_3/4T · January 8, 2005

Hey Thanks Yukon04!!!

What you said made perfect sense. I'll bet you're worried now! Now, if they only could say it that clear in the owner's manual... The only thing I'd question is why they (you ) didn't have a butt-only mode, but I think I can live without it.

My wife's ScoobyDoo Outback has seat heaters too, but the switches are mounted on the console. Nothin' like havin' the dog step on those buttons in the middle of summer! This time of year it isn't so bad.

Thanks again,

J

TPB · January 8, 2005

Yukon - good explanation on the heater switches.

The backlight to my swithes on the driver's side doesn't work. So when it's dark, I can't find the seat heater button without turning on the interior light while driving. The passenger side lights up fine & is very visible in low light. Do I need to replace my driver's side buttons, or is there a bulb? Any ideas?