[Jeremandre]

2011 SC drivers heated seat is not coming on. Passenger seat and rear seats work lovely. But drivers seat , light comes on yet nothing happens. Where do I begin searching for a fix for this problem? Any links to where I could buy new elements? I’d really rather not go to the dealership to sort this one out. If it’s noteworthy, yesterday the seat was working fine. Too fine , it became very hot so I turned it off. This has actually been consistent since I purchased the vehicle 3 weeks ago. Never had an issue until now. Would really like to fix myself if I can.

 

[RRToadHall]

You've hit the nail on the head. It's always the drivers seat that has the bottom element that breaks first. Elements used to be available separately. Now you have to purchase the entire bottom seat cover because the elements are integrated with the leather and top padding.

 

[anvilrob]

Do you have heated AND cooled seats (with the perforated seat cover) or just heated seats?

If you have heated and cooled seats there isn't a typical "pad" element, there's a separate mini-heater fitting which is attached to the front of the seat pan. If you raise your seat up to its highest point and look under the front edge you may see a 5" duct with a 90 degree bend with a small fan housing at one end, which attaches to the seat pan at the other end.

https://www.famousfour.co.uk/new_parts/ff_part?part=21047

When "called" for heat, an element within this unit heats up and the small fan blows air across it and up into the seat through a duct.

There's a large gray multiplug with seven wires, which connects this to the seat harness.

The element within this unit may have quit (not uncommon).

If you just have regular heated seats, Toad's response is the one to follow.

Either way, the seat base will need to be removed to replace the unit.

Rob