Factory Heated Seats Failure

Update: Didn't have to take the seat out. If you just pull the seat forward and look underneath you can see the module with the plug going into it. If you just bend it towards you, you can see the one terminal is 'melted'.

Easy two minute diagnosis but now, what to get to fix it. I really don't want to have to take the seat apart to replace the element just for that plug but if I have to, it is what it is.

First things first. I am going to try and give Toyota a call and see what happens since another member here had some luck with that.

Will check back.

 

Called Toyota, got a case number. They want me to take it to the dealership for inspection before anything can happen.

Kind of nervous doing that. Don't want to have to pay for an hour of labor and then Toyota doesn't cover it and I have to fix it anyway. Not sure what I'm going to do on this.

 

I had my passenger side seat heater stop working. I have Clazzio covers and I was nervous taking it in with them installed. A few days before bringing the truck in, I removed my passenger cover and just so happened to have my driver's side off for leather repair from Clazzio. Upon removal, I disconnected everything under the seat and reconnected. Tested the heater and the damn thing worked.

I was happy and worried at the same time. I worried that something may have been damaged, so I still brought the truck in and had the issue noted on my file. When I ended up reinstalling the covers again, I made sure to test both heaters immediately after and all was good.

I'd recommend to anyone experiencing the heater going out to disconnect and reconnect everything under the seat affected and retry the heater. This could save you a lot of headache, time and possibly money if your connectors were not firmly connected at the factory/dock/dealership/whatever.

 

Hopefully they will cover it.

 

I would recommend keeping a package of marshmallows and a fire extinguisher in the glovebox.

 

What a well thought out and helpful to the conversation reply you have provided to us all.

 

Takes one to know one!

I thought it was hilarious

 

Just trying to keep it light. Some times something are better left unsaid.

 

Manufacturers take issues with seat heaters failing seriously. Mercedes had a class action lawsuit against them due to the heating element failing & burning people. I've replaced a few & it burns right through the seat foam & leather. If out of warranty I'd still call corporate as they will most likely cover the cost of replacement.

 

Update 4/7:
I finally got around to taking my truck to the dealership. I dropped it off last week so they had it for the day. Around 3pm I get a phone call and this is the conversation.

Toyota Dealership: 'Hey this is Ryan from Toyota, we finished your recall and that is complete but as far as your heated seat issue, we didn't see anything wrong and actually your truck doesn't have heated seats. Is this an aftermarket kit?'

Me: ....what? I brought the truck to you mainly for a heated seat concern of course it has factory heated seats. The buttons are right in the HVAC control unit.

Toyota: Hmm, yeah that's normally where it is and the tech and I both didn't see it.

I couldn't believe that. I hope they just accidentally looked at the wrong damn truck and not just seriously couldn't find the switch. I should have asked if they are hiring because they obviously need some help.

Anyway, I emailed the photos and they made me a new repair order with the new information written on it about the concern. I called Toyota Customer Service and gave them the repair order # and some other information. They said they will submit the claim to make sure it will be covered and will call me back, probably on Monday. All in all it seems like it will be covered. Fingers crossed.

 

WOW! and they dare call themselves techs.
I'd slap somebody for that!
I too, am having the same problem now.

 

And here is another, I am also having this issue.p!sses me off

 

I hope your not using your heated seats in July?

 

I almost flipped mine on the other night, it was kinda cool out and had the sunroof and rear window open.

 

I just started a case file with Toyota Corperation over it.

 

Dammit I came to the end of the thread to post exactly that ^

 

No the only time I did need it was July after a motorcycle accident I thought the heat will help the stiff and sore muscles. But yes I am (wanting) to use it in July

 

I'm going to take a quick look at that connector today. In a few months all I'll have left are my drivetrain and emissions warranty

Update: Checked the heater amp Molex connectors under both seats (Access Cab), both were pristine, no discoloration. I didn't disconnect the harness (didn't want to create an issue). Phew

 

Seems to be a common issue with these connections. Mine wasn't plugged in altogether -- or so they said.

 

Just got under my seat hoping it was just not plugged in and I saw the burnt plug as well my truck is out of warranty so Ill see if they will even help me.