Heated seat question

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My drivers seat heat finally crapped out last winter. It worked fine up until 2 yrs ago when it went internittent on me then worked once last year and that was it. I checked voltage on the switch and it seems to work correctly. I hear the relay clicking when turning the switch on and off but no heat. How does one go about checking that relay? Is the relay known to be a culprit in this system or the switch and could the actual resistance cable be a culprit? If so how would you check? I know it's crazy to think heat in Aug but I'm on a roll fixin the car and down to item # 95 on a 100 list so I can't stop now or it will haunt me!

Thanks guy's

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Anyone phathom a guess????

[chgrec]

It sounds like an element to me. The seat heaters work basically the same way a rear window defroster works. The heater consists of thin wires that have voltage applied to them. They resist and generate heat, thereby warming your rear....

It sounds like there may be a break in one of those wires...I have heard of people repairing them but have no idea how long the repairs hold up.....The wires are small and any repairs affect the resistance value...

You should be able to test this theory by checking resistance between the 2 wires that are the input to the seat heater. You should have full resistance across your meter. If not, you have a break...if you do, then I am wrong....

Good luck..
Chris

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I'll try that. Makes sense and it would also check the relay that way.
Duh, should have thought of that.
Thanks for the help Chris!

[s2per]

Our favorite mechanic fixed the element on the Boxster seat heater 6 months ago and it's working fine. He just soldered it, after removing the leather and put a wet rag under the broken area. No problems since.

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The removal of leather makes me shudder. I know I would screw up the seat somewhere along the way. It's good to know that it can be done though. Perhaps a late, late fall project.
Thanks for the info

[chgrec]

Removing the leather isn't that bad....I have done it a few times to add aftermarket heated seats....

Get yourself a pair of hog ring pilers so you can re-attach the leather at the bottom of the seat. Be careful to avoid tearing any stitched seams. Take your time, if you can work on a 911, you can take the seat cover off....

It's always something....

Chris

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Chris, you were right. It is one of the elements, the one in the backrest. I got resistance on the element serving the seat bottom. So it's of to get some ring pliers. I almost wish it was the relay or the switch. Would have been simpler for me. I'm thinking the foam will disintegrate when disturbed due to the age. Is there a procedure to follow to remove the seatback leather?
Thanks for the advice...one for you!

[chgrec]

I basically just start at the bottom and work my way up. It is much easier to remove the entire seat or at least separate the seat back from the base. The method depends on the seat type/style.

Removing the cover can be a bit tough on the foam but the foam is much more resilient than you might imagine. I once recovered the seats on an old Triumph TR250 and while 30 years old, the foam was quite solid. The biggest thing to worry about on the older seats is the wire frame structure. They tend to get rusty and cant take much stress....

Basically think of the seat cover as a tight pillow case over a pillow. Be gentle and take "before" photos along the way so you can see how it goes back together.

I'm sure you will be fine.....

Chris

[gost]

Thanks again Chris. I'll give it a go tomorrow.