Seat Heaters Shorting Out in Cold Weather
 

I've just begun noticing this year that if the car is parked outside in cold weather overnight, upon starting it the next morning, the seat heaters are shorting out. After you press the button, the red light will blink quickly, but will not stay on. Every time, however, they have worked fine after about 10 minutes on the road. What gives?

Re: Seat Heaters Shorting Out in Cold Weather
 

If it's really cold mine will do the same if you try to put them on high. They will generally go on low and will stay on high after a minute on low.

Re: Seat Heaters Shorting Out in Cold Weather
 

I found a good thread and pasted this part. Here is the whole thread too.


https://www.crossfireforum.org/forum...r-problem.html




Hey guys . . . according to the Crossfire Specialist Student Reference Book . . . I quote on the Heated Seats

" The heaters may automatically switch off due to HIGH electrical system demand or a low battery. When this occurs, one or both indicator lamps blink (depending on selected heating level) until enough voltage is available."

That is why when it is really cold and you start up the car, with a low battery and switching on the rear defrost, you get the blinking lights. I would suggest you let the car run for a bit before hitting the heater switches ! I don't drive my car in the winter, so have not encountered this issue. . . .however, I did recall reading it . . .


Here's another


This morning I had the blinking problem at 13 degrees. I've had it few times before on cold mornings.

I was thinking that this is caused by an over current draw by the resistive heaters. When too cold they draw too much current, when up to a reasonable temperature all is okay. Usually your butt heats the seat up enough in a few minutes that it works normally.

I thought that each blink was an actual current pulse to the heater. Having this in mind, I decided to hold the button down to see what would happen.

As I held the high heat button down, I saw that each pulse got a little bit longer. Heaters warming up, resistance going up, current going down? After 25 to 30 pules it stayed on.

Re: Seat Heaters Shorting Out in Cold Weather
 

Thank you! Just making sure it's not malfunctioning.

Re: Seat Heaters Shorting Out in Cold Weather
 

:) Interesting the circuit has a current limiting function related to system load or temperature. Learn something new every day! BTW, along the 'learn something new every day' thing, a short will usually blow a fuse, trip a circuit breaker, or melt things until one of the two mentioned happens. :)

Re: Seat Heaters Shorting Out in Cold Weather
 

:) Would you happen to have this 'Crossfire Specialist Student Reference Book' ? :)