Factory Heated Seats Failure

I wonder how many times he says “hog rings”!

 

In any case Toyota has a problem with this one that’s very similar to the blower motor resistor module with almost identical results leading to premature failure. This isn’t normal wear, it’s grossly inadequate design.

 

What do these two failures have in common? These components both use connectors that are not standard for Toyota.



Jeff

 

The other commonality is the heat source is immediately adjacent to the plug. The blower resistors are nichrome strips on a pcb that has the terminal pins soldered to the strips and the seat module has the FET instead of nichrome but the terminal pins are still right there. A metal core pcb with a heat sink would definitely solve both. Before mcpcb’s a pattern of vias connecting the heat source with a heat sink was used. That tech is old. Plastic with drastically higher heat tolerance might or might not, there’s not many connectors that see sustained currents(several amps for possibly hours at a time) like this in a taco that aren’t part of the engine. Even so, properly heat sinked modules should prevent the connectors from getting cooked, they simply didn’t bother.

 

Just got off the phone with Toyota corporate. The rep listened, put me on hold, but did absolutely nothing. Told me that there was no open recalls and that Toyota would not do anything out of warranty, even if it's a fire hazard. I stressed that she flagged this as a fire hazard and that there are hundreds if not thousands of people on forums with the same issue. She told me just a continually watch Toyota's website and wait for a recall.

So, did anyone actually find a place to order the amp and maybe a new molex connector? I did notice it is directly above the floor heater vents, which means hot air blows directly on the amp. If I can replace it, I might relocate it to a better spot

 

You should be able to get the amp itself from Toyota. Toyota recently changed it to a separately available service part, and people have gotten them since.

Some online sources may show it as discontinued, which is likely because they haven't updated their online store recently.

Jeff

 

Do I just look for the part number that stamped on my amp or is there one that I can search for?

Thank you!

 

I’m looking for the same thing

 

Toyota:
87501-0C020 - Control Module, Seat Heater

Molex:
39-01-4050 - Housing, Connector
39-00-0078 - Terminal, Connector (For 16 AWG Wire; Qty: 5)
39-00-0039 - Terminal, Connector (For 18-24 AWG Wire; Qty: 5)

Jeff

 

Thankyou sir!

 

shipping is ridiculous for the Molex parts, only way is to buy in bulk.

 

I have an electronics guy that might take a look at the amp and see what he comes up with.

 

I think it would help to nix the module terminals and solder 4 wires right to the board and distance the connector from the module by a foot or so. It’s not a new module but it does provide an extra foot of copper to heat sink it. Try customconnectorkits.com for a variety of choices. Just replacing the module is a short term patch.

 

2018 TRD off-road here. My drivers side quiet working this past Friday NOT HAPPY. -19 here in Edmonton!

 

My 2017 TRDOR was not working when I traded it in on the 4Runner.....

 

Be sure to report to your dealer, Toyota Canada, and Transport Canada.

 

Just did this with a heated seat that hasn’t worked in over a year! Same issue as above and I didn’t wanna waste the money on buying all the parts. Was able to add a new plug of sorts for disconnecting by just buying a preset up wiring harness for a trailer connector. Cut the old plug off, crimped in the new connectors, wrapped the crimp in electrical tape, soldered and filled the amp with hot glue to be sure and reduce arcing problem. Heated seat is working like new again! And on a side note, I left the amp open to see if any arcing or heating would occur, none did, took it on a 30 minute drive with driver and passenger seats both turned on, driver amp was very much cooler, (almost cold) than the passenger amp which was literally hot to the touch. Thanks for the idea! I can post a picture of the work if anyone needs and idea of what it looks like!

 

that would be great. I’m actually having a guy at my work soldier new wires to the amp and a new connector. He’s going to use a much better connector. I’ll also post when the job is complete. If it works well, I’ll be having the other side done also.

 

The 2018 I had did not have heated seats but the ‘22 I bought last month does.

It looks from the info shared on here that the problems you guys have had are mostly on trucks from 2016 to 2018, and the TSB that was shared seems to cover those same model years?

I was curious about whether Toyota had done anything or not to address the issue on newer trucks.

I took a look at the module on my driver seat and it seems to have a different part number.

I took a photo using a mirror under the seat, and it’s a little bit hard to make out, but it seems to show a P/N of: “87501-0C020-A” (vs. 87501-0C020).

It also says “FT3765624521” instead of “F242429815”. And “12009158C” instead of “12009158B”.

Just thought I’d share in case it’s informative or helpful.

 

It looks like the part is virtually the same according to the picture you posted. Apparently the connector it the main issue. My electronics guy is in the process of repairing my drivers seat heater. Your seats will most likely have the same issue as it looks like Toyota still has not addressed the main problem yet (the poor quality connector)