Durango 2WD V8-4.7L (2008)
Seat Heater: Testing and Inspection
Heated Seats - Front
HEATED SEAT SYSTEM
In order to obtain conclusive testing of the heated seat system, the Controller Area Network (CAN) data bus system must be checked.
The most reliable, efficient, and accurate means to diagnose the heated seat system requires the use of a Scan Tool and the Service and Body Diagnostic
Information. The Scan Tool can provide vital information to the technician trying to find a problem with the heated seat system. Diagnostic logic is built
into the heated seat module and the instrument cluster (CCN) to help the person trying to locate the problem by the most efficient means possible.
Anytime a problem is suspected, a Scan Tool should be obtained and used to retrieve any stored fault codes in the heated seat module and/or instrument
cluster.
If diagnostic fault codes are present in the module, record them on a piece of paper immediately before proceeding any further. Then, use these fault
codes to identify the problem by verifying the fault code. Example, If the module records "DRIVER SEAT HEAT OUTPUT OPEN" fault code, locate
the diagnostic procedure for this code in the appropriate Body Diagnostic information and follow the steps until the specific problem is located and
resolved. Once the problem is thought to be corrected, erase the stored fault code using the Scan Tool and verify correct system operation. If the heated
seat system is functioning correctly, verify that there are no other stored codes in the module and return the vehicle to service.
If the fault code could not be verified, such as not finding anything wrong when following the diagnostic steps in the Body Diagnostic information. This
is a good indication that a INTERMITTENT problem may be present. You must than attempt to find the intermittent problem, such as moving the
heating element within the seat while testing continuity or wiggling the wire harness/electrical connectors under the seat while testing continuity. Always,
eliminate all other potential problems before attempting to replace module.
PRELIMINARY TEST
Before testing the individual components in the heated seat system, check the following:
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Using Scan Tool, check the heated seat module for any stored fault codes. Record these codes on paper for reference and resolve using the
appropriate Body Diagnostic information.
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Check the vehicles battery open-circuit voltage and charging system performance. If the vehicles electrical system is defective or weak it may not
be suppling sufficient energy to operate the heated seat system.
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If the heated seat switch backlighting does not light with the ignition switch in the On position, check the fused ignition switch fuse in the
integrated power module. If OK, See: Seat Heater Switch/Testing and Inspection. If not OK, repair the shorted circuit or component as required
and replace the faulty fuse or repair the open ground circuit as required.
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If the heated seat switch HI/LO LED indicators do not light with the ignition switch in the On position and the heated seat switch in the Low or
High position, check the fused ignition switch fuse in the integrated power module. If OK, See: Seat Heater Switch/Testing and Inspection. If not
OK, repair the shorted circuit or component as required and replace the faulty fuse.
