Heated Car Seat Problems.........any ideas ???

[Dave7]

Car is a 12 plate Astra Elite.
Both front seats have heating options in that you can select 3 timing options.
The problem is with just the drivers seat................it won't stay on for more than approx' 10/15 seconds.
I phoned the Vauxhall garage and THEY WANT £70.00 JUST TO DIAGNOSE IT !!!!
I assume it is a simple 'thermostat' problem so am unwilling to pay £70 for a diagnosis.
Anyone else had similar problems ? If so.......how did you get it fixed i.e. do I need a) an electrician b) an auto electrician or any car mechanic ?
Thanks

 

[GGJ]

Most probable cause will be a faulty thermistor. If you're handy with a soldering iron and hog ring pliers you could repair it yourself for a couple of hours of your time and a couple of pounds. Don't be tempted to bypass the thermistor, it's a safety feature and if bypassed could easily start a nasty fire in the seat

 

[User482]

Why is it a problem? Who actually needs heated seats?

The same number who need metallic paint, alloy wheels, electric windows, etc, etc.

 

[Beebo]

Find a none approved vauxhall specialist, they will be far cheaper and should have access to all the diagnostic tools.

 

[Pro Tour Punditry]

A new category - beyond a 1st World problem...

 

[User482]

I can see the benefits of something like electric windows or electrically adjusted wing mirrors but I've never understood the thing for heated seats.

I've got them in my car but I have never used it - although Mr R does.

You've answered your own question!

 

[GGJ]

Nothing more comforting than sliding your cold ass onto a nice warm leather seat when the weathers hovering at -15°C

 

[fossyant]

Local garage rather then stealership.

 

[mjr]

Nothing more comforting than sliding your cold ass onto a nice warm leather seat when the weathers hovering at -15°C

The amount of stuff I'm wearing to get to the car at -15°C, I could be sat on a block of ice and wouldn't notice - unless it started to melt.

 

[Levo-Lon]

As said or an auto sparks..which is the best bet..being electric

 

[twentysix by twentyfive]

The amount of stuff I'm wearing to get to the car at -15°C, I could be sat on a block of ice and wouldn't notice - unless it started to melt.

Yep - proper pair of trousers are far more useful than heated car seats. You can actually go for a walk in them

 

[Globalti]

Just unbolt the seats from the floor and swop them over.

 

[Spinney]

Local garage rather then stealership.

This ^^^

My local small-building-in-a-back-street garage, with the front desk manned by the chaps in oily overalls who actually do the work, doesn't charge for diagnosing things, and appear to have the gadgets required to diagnose electronic jiggery-pokery. Remember the dealers have to pay for the snazzy showroom, nicely dressed receptionists, etc.

It is against my religion to use dealers for any servicing or fixing.

 

[fossyant]

This ^^^

My local small-building-in-a-back-street garage, with the front desk manned by the chaps in oily overalls who actually do the work, doesn't charge for diagnosing things, and appear to have the gadgets required to diagnose electronic jiggery-pokery. Remember the dealers have to pay for the snazzy showroom, nicely dressed receptionists, etc.

It is against my religion to use dealers for any servicing or fixing.

Our local garage is the same. They are very busy, but always honest. My dad is a mechanic by trade, and now he's older, he has them repair his cars.

 

[Spinney]

Our local garage is the same. They are very busy, but always honest. My dad is a mechanic by trade, and now he's older, he has them repair his cars.

I got them out of the phone book the first time I needed a repair done after we moved into the area. Knew I was right when I walked in and waited while one of the bosses was telling a younger minion where to find the lady whose car would not start so he could take the jump starter thingy round, and reminded him that there was no charge (sounded like a regular customer).