I have a 2000 TLwith ~ 67K miles. Recently, the front seats don't seem to warm up much at all, even on the high setting. Does anyone know if there is a control unit that keeps the seats at a constant temp that can malfunction (vs. uncontrolled heating to the point of discomfort)? I did a search of the forums, and the issue of a control switch isn't addressed there. Apparently, the heaters cycle on and off according to previous posts. In some cases the seat heater breaks from a broken wire (ands won't warm at all), but the heaters in my car work, just recently not as warm as I'm used to. I will probably go to the dealer with this, but I wanted to know if there might be an easy fix. Any help is appreciated.
Thank you!

 

erdoc,,, you're car is 5 years old , do you use your seat heaters a lot. If so , I was wondering if the elements get weak over time and don't give out as much heat as when they were new.

 

"... I was wondering if the elements get weak over time and don't give out as much heat as when they were new. "

Well, I also have 2000 TL and use heating every day when T<40F. Nevertheless, I don't see much difference from day one. After 5 - 10 minutes on "high" I have to change it to "low" if I don't want my butt boiling!

 

Your butt is liquid? :p

Dirk

 

lol its mudd butt

 

Our seat heater elements are prone to burning out due to either imperfections (loose crimps/solder joints in the elements) or simply become open circuits due to breakage (chaffing, weight, etc).

Chances are you need to have the element replaced. It involved removing the upholstery from the seat.
My seat becomes uncomfortably warm on high after 5 minutes or so.


Hey, the *2cents* smilies don't work (i put one above)...

 

This is the problem that I have, and probably also what is wrong with your car too. According to my Acura dealership its around $700 a seat to get the heating elements replaced. 75% of the cost is labor.

 

my 03 TL's seats have NEVER gotten hot enough to be uncomfortable.....most of the time it's not hot enough.....wouldn't mind if they were hotter.....wonder if there's a mod or a fix for that, putting in hotter seat elements...the seats on my friend's DENALI burn you up on HI....i gotta keep em on LOW.

 

If you actually read the manual about the heated seats, you will find that you should only run the heater on high until you are comfortable as it draws alot of current and can damage further if used for long period of time. It then says to click the button to low.
Plus the driver seat has more heater hardware than the passenger per the manual.

mr_min

 

my "comfortable"-ness lasts only a little bit when the heat is actually on the HI setting....then it just goes out again (since the HI setting is temp controlled)....if i switch to low it won't keep the temp that it's at....it just gives out a certain temp (suitable for LOW setting) constantly without monitoring temp.

 

I wish they made the heated steering wheel instead of the seats.

My 00TL heats up the seat in seconds in High, I dont use heated option too much because it feels like I wetted my pants, lol...but still works beautifully.

 

Seat heater element replaced- $ 630 including labor and parts (both seat heater grids). I won't be selling the TL anytime soon.
Be Well All!

 

That sounds not so bad. I had my driver side replaced under the ext. warranty and the cost (to Acura) was about $268.

 

" Your butt is liquid? :p

Dirk"

If you went through the elementary school, you should know that at the right temperature even stone and metal is boiling!

 

Glad to have them today as it is minus 34 C. Working just great!

2002 TL-S

 

-34 C

I have a friend there, I feel bad for her now

 

this weekend is supposed to get really cold here. they are saying -5 F for a high and -20 Ffor a low (thats not windchil either)

my passenger is teh only one that can benifit form the heated seat working, im too lazy nor do i care that teh drivers side doest worke to replace it. i never use it. if it did id probably have sold it by now

 

Move to Cali. you wont need to use your heated seat. (maybe your AC though)LOL

 

In a heartbeat, but I'm allergic to mud!

Worked in S. Cal. a bunch of years ago. Had a lotta fun.