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Defective heated seat

 
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mt-broker
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Post14-10-2003, 10:25    Subject: Defective heated seat Quote

Hi,

I drive a VW G4 Variant TDI PD with 74 kW (manufactured in 2001). I'm generally quite happy with it. Unfortunately, the driver's side seat heater has recently stopped working. The one on the passenger side still works.

The seat simply doesn't get warm, no matter which setting is used. I've already checked the fuses according to the instructions, as well as the connector connections in the center console at the control unit and underneath the driver's seat. So far, everything is fine, but the heated seats aren't working.

Do you have any more troubleshooting tips, or is a visit to the VW workshop unavoidable?

Best regards.

Marco.


Translated on 04-07-2026, 17:42.
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mkmeier
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Post14-10-2003, 17:35    Subject: short circuit Quote

Hello,

I had a similar problem with my Passat (a 1998 model).
After I disassembled the seat, I was able to discover a frayed cable. This caused a short circuit to ground.
Apparently, the thermostat is short-circuit proof and simply cut off the power. Consequently, the fuse remained intact. I fixed the cable, and that saved me from having to pay for a very expensive repair (I'm good with my hands).
I hope this helps you.
I'm curious to know what it ultimately was.

Regards,
Markus.


Translated on 04-07-2026, 17:44.
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Helmut
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Post14-10-2003, 18:49    Subject: Heated seat malfunction Quote

Hello Marko,

'I'm experiencing the same problem with one of our family cars (we currently have three TDI models).' The heating in the seat doesn't work, but it's okay in the backrest.
If you want to try repairing it yourself, use the search function; there's some information available there.

I plan to start looking into getting a replacement heater soon. Apparently, it costs around €35 plus one hour of labor at VW, which is hard to believe.

'Because the seat needs to be removed, a question for the experts: VW has an adapter for the airbag connector; what does it do, and is it really necessary?' If he's just short-circuiting the connector pins, a small piece of aluminum foil will do the same thing.

Best regards.

Helmut.


Translated on 04-07-2026, 17:46.
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mkmeier
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Post16-10-2003, 22:15    Subject: Subject: Seat heater malfunction Quote

Quote:
I plan to start looking into getting a replacement heater soon. A replacement heater from VW costs about €35 plus one hour of labor - it's hard to believe.


You're right, but!
"For example, I have the original sports seats installed." In those cases, the entire component needs to be replaced.
Seat cushion: approximately €125, backrest: approximately €150 (according to...). Vag).

Regards,
Markus.


Translated on 04-07-2026, 17:47.
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voss
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Post17-10-2003, 22:11    Subject: Defective heated seat Quote

Hello.

I had a similar problem, but it wasn't the heating pad itself, but rather the switch (seat heating control unit).
I would first check the switch, and while you're at it, you can also test the heating pad by measuring it with the plug disconnected.

Should the plug be unplugged?
Pin 3 to ground (temperature sensor in the seat), approximately 7k ohms at 20°C.
Pin 2 to ground (heater pad in the seat): approximately 1-2 ohms when the heater pad is cold.

with the ignition on.
Pin 4 - Battery voltage: approximately 12V.

Plug inserted.
with seat heating set to maximum.
Pin 2 - Battery voltage, approximately 12V.

Good luck with your screws!

Regards,
Voss.
Voss

Passat 3BG AVF


Translated on 04-07-2026, 17:49.
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Helmut
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Post20-10-2003, 19:07    Subject: Replace seat heater Quote

Hello Voss,

Sorry, I felt addressed by that post, so I deleted it.

Best regards,
Helmut.


Translated on 04-07-2026, 17:50.
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Marburger
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Post21-10-2003, 17:48    Subject: Subject: Seat heater malfunction Quote

hello
Most of the time, the thin wire is simply frayed.
The seat needs to be separated if you can't reach it (the seat cushion is just clipped in!!).
Wire can be soldered with a soldering iron, CAUTION: place something underneath it, otherwise it may cause burn marks!
Best regards, Marburger.


Translated on 04-07-2026, 17:51.
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Helmut
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Post22-10-2003, 15:20    Subject: Heated seat malfunction Quote

Hello Marburgers,

'The seat cushion is only loosely attached,' could you please explain that in more detail?
It would be great if the seat didn't have to be completely removed!

Thank you.
Helmut.


Translated on 04-07-2026, 17:52.
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Marburger
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Post22-10-2003, 16:22    Subject: Subject: Seat heater malfunction Quote

Hello.
Okay.
The seat cushion (where you sit) is held in place on newer VWs and Audis with a plastic strip on the left and right sides. If it's the case, pull it down slightly and then slide it to the side to remove it.
Then you look at a white pad. You find the area that is most likely burnt black and solder it. Remember to be humble.
Otherwise, get out and scatter!
When replacing the heating pad, the seat must be removed!
It works just as well for repairs.
Best regards, Marburger.


Translated on 04-07-2026, 17:53.
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Post22-10-2003, 18:59    Subject: Defective heated seat Quote

Hi,


Take a look at my pictures in the thread, a few lines down.

Best regards,

Jan.
1Z5 CFHF / AHB H4D


Translated on 04-07-2026, 17:54.
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voss
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Post23-10-2003, 21:33    Subject: Defective heated seat Quote

Hello mt-broker.

What's wrong with your seat heater? Many people are trying to help you. Maybe you could tell us what you've already tried with your seat heater?

I would also be interested.

Best regards to everyone.
Voss.


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dieselschrauber
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Post24-10-2003, 8:23    Subject: Defective heated seat Quote

voss wrote:
Hello mt-broker.

What's wrong with your seat heater? Many people are trying to help you. Maybe you could tell us what you've already tried with your seat heater?

I would also be interested.

Best regards to everyone.
Voss


new_all_coholic.gif

Or what have you been smoking?

icon_mrgreen.gif

Feedback would, of course, be welcome, so the post is justified.

Best regards, Rainer.


Translated on 04-07-2026, 17:55.
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Gremlin
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Post24-10-2003, 14:03    Subject: Defective heated seat Quote

Okay, here's the translation:

'Ugh... my fingers are also freezing in this awful cold.'
despite the heated seats and heated steering wheel... eventually, you have to get out icon_confused.gif.

CU Gremlin.


Translated on 04-07-2026, 17:56.
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mt-broker
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Post05-11-2003, 11:59    Subject: Defective heated seat Quote

Hello.

And first of all, thank you very much for all the responses. I'm also sorry that I haven't posted more. I had exams, and I finally managed to disconnect from the internet for a while. For the sake of good grades, since they are important for the diploma.icon_wink.gif

My friend, who is a car mechanic, is coming on November 15th/16th, and then we'll systematically go through the issue again, using your tips. I'll let you know what caused it!
Assuming we can solve that problem;).

But I have two other questions, which I'll post as separate entries.

Thank you very much.

Marco.


Translated on 04-07-2026, 17:57.
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D.
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Post13-01-2005, 20:33    Subject: Defective heated seat Quote

Okay, I have to revive this thread again.

My father's car (Volkswagen Golf IV, manufactured in March 2002, currently with 25,000 km) is having problems with its heated seats.
A short circuit in the heating pad has burned a hole in the sports seat cover.
Anyone who has read the article about the recall campaign for the BMW 5 Series in this week's issue of Auto Bild knows exactly what kind of problem this is. It is identical!

The repair at the dealership took a whopping 2 days (they replaced the heating pad and seat cover), cost a lot of money (approximately 260.00 EUR), and to top it off, VW had the audacity to refuse to offer even a single euro of goodwill, considering the mileage and the fact that the car is less than 3 years old.

Has anyone else had similar experiences?

Does VW also have a seat heating problem similar to BMW's, requiring a recall?


Translated on 04-07-2026, 17:59.
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DocSnydor
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Post17-01-2005, 14:52    Subject: Defective heated seat Quote

This is a well-known problem with heated seats. The (heating) wire breaks and leaves burn marks. That was the first thing I was allowed to repair on my Golf myself...
There's a rumor circulating that supposedly, starting with model year 2003, the Highline models were equipped with improved heating pads. However, my contact at the dealership couldn't find any information to confirm this. So, I put the regular ones back in.


Translated on 04-07-2026, 18:01.
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