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jeepboy · Jan 30, 2011, 11:08 AM

I recently purchased a 2003 Chevy Tahoe. All was well for a month and now the front seat warmers do not work, as well as the DRIVERS side (only) power seat controls. I have seen similar posts but not exactly the same issues. The lights do NOT come on for the warmers. I have read it could be as simple as going to the Chevy dealer and having them flash a prom. Also could be a memory module. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Obviously first thought was a fuse. But apparently not. I find it odd that BOTH warmers, yet only DRIVERS side power seat functions are affected.

Thanks in advance.
Brian

CaptainRich · Jan 31, 2011, 07:00 AM

The schematics are difficult to explain but the seat movement is on a different circuit than the heaters. The heaters function through the memory module and the motors function through circuit breakers.
Diag will be extensive due to the complexity of the different circuits.
You'll need to verify that power is getting to the proper locations when operating the seat switches and you'll also need to do the same with the seat heaters.
Do you have a non-powered 12 volt test light? A high impedance multimeter? Plus some basic tools in case the seats need to come out or apart?

Tahoefix · Jan 31, 2011, 11:59 AM

The same thing is happening with my 2003 Tahoe. Heaters began acting up a few months ago. Going off but eventually coming back on. Now the power to the driver's seat is out and the heaters for both front seats. Will this be costly to fix. Can live without the heaters but not seat adjustment.

CaptainRich · Jan 31, 2011, 12:27 PM

Originally Posted by Tahoefix

The same thing is happening with my 2003 Tahoe. Heaters began acting up a few months ago. Going off but eventually coming back on. Now the power to the driver's seat is out and the heaters for both front seats. Will this be costly to fix. Can live without the heaters but not seat adjustment.

Yes, the seat motors are on a different circuit than the seat heaters.

One of the most common failures with the heater system is the cushion elements themselves. The internal wires are so tiny that they're subject to breakage and then the circuit is open inside the seat cushion or seat back. Most repairs are done by simply taping a replacement element between the cover and the cushion.
I remember my days at the dealership first removing one of these behemoth seats (they weigh more than most realize) then carefully removing the seat cover... I always thought it wasn't worth all the work...

jeepboy · Jan 31, 2011, 03:30 PM

After doing quite a bit of research, I have read that it could just be as simple as a software issue. The dealer would need to flash the software to the memory module and that could be the fix.

There are a lot of people out there with the same prob --heaters in BOTH seats out, and the DRIVERS seat ONLY power not working---

CaptainRich · Feb 1, 2011, 05:59 AM

Originally Posted by jeepboy

After doing quite a bit of research, I have read that it could just be as simple as a software issue. The dealer would need to flash the software to the memory module and that could be the fix.

There are a lot of people out there with the exact same prob --heaters in BOTH seats out, and the DRIVERS seat ONLY power not working---

Yes, there are software updates available, for that system and others, too.
If that fixes your particular issue, a software update can head off other issues that you may not even know about!
Currently, the dealership is the most prolific place to go for updates... but will change soon. Stay tuned and when it happens, I will be able to tell you how and where.

jeepboy · Feb 1, 2011, 06:28 AM

Thanks for the info CaptainRich...

Luckily the seat is stuck pretty close to where I want it.
I live in Fla and the seat warmers are nice, but just a luxury item that I can live without for right now. I will prob go to the dealer in a week or two, but it isn't a huge priority today... I'll wait to hear what you were alluding to..

Thanks again