Heated Seats Turning Off Right After Turning On

wrestleSBA · 10-06-2012, 10:15 PM

All,

I could definitely use a little help.

I have a 2006 325i with heated seats. Going to crack 200k miles in the next day or so.

Tonight while driving along my wife attempted to turn on the heated seat on the passenger side and we experienced a little problem. The heated seat lights turn on and withing 5-10 seconds turn back off. I am going to check all fuses associated with the heated seats but haven't gotten to it yet. This was the first time in several months that the heated seats would have been turned on.

I am not sure if it is related but two nights previously I ran into another electrical issue. I had been using the cigarette lighter socket to run an air compressor as I added air to tires (maybe about 10 minutes). When I got in to the car to drive it the car would not start. It attempted to turn and then seemed to have electrical issues and the shut down. I attempted to start the vehicle approximately 5 times with the same symptoms. After a few minute break I attempted to start the car again and it cranked. I drove the car for about 10 miles and have experienced on issues since then.

Any help or advice is appreciated.

By searching I found a few other people who have reported similar issues but nobody that has posted a resolution.

Thanks in advance.

slupie · 10-06-2012, 10:55 PM

When my heated seat in E39 was doing the same thing it was diagnosed as a broken seat heater element.

bbbuzzy · 10-06-2012, 11:14 PM

Is your battery the original one? Many posters claim electrical gremlins appear as battery is dying. Perhaps a load test is in order.

wrestleSBA · 10-08-2012, 09:54 AM

Battery has been replaced in the last two years. Doubt it was the battery.

Anyone know if there is a good way to test whether it is the heater element? Anyone have a part number?

daMau · 10-08-2012, 11:46 AM

Subscribed as I am experiencing this, with only 50k on a 2007.

Drivers-side only. Lights turn on but turn off almost immediately, accompanied by an audible clicking noise from the seat module under the drivers seat.

Any self-diagnosing tips are appreciated.

kavadarci · 10-08-2012, 07:19 PM

yet another bmw electrical gremlin, also happens with the steering wheel. have you tried waiting about a minute after you start the engine? just awkward problem.

Falafel Combo · 10-09-2012, 05:37 AM

I experienced identical symptoms a few months ago (driver side only, clicking noise, on --> off). In addition to all that, the power controls on the driver side were very glitchy. In my case, it turned out the driver seat wiring harness was shot. Swap it out and you should be done. $72 for the harness, dealer wanted $900 for labor. I had it done at an indy shop for half as much.

Good luck.

daMau · 10-09-2012, 10:23 AM

Something else that I thought of - the previous owner hardwired a Bluetooth audio receiver to the center console aux-in (for streaming music from phone, car has OEM phone Bluetooth).

Hearing how finicky the seat wiring is, I am wondering if where this Bluetooth device is tapping power from is contributing to this issue. I read in another thread a user had a seat heater issue caused by tapping a fuse for a radar detector.

wrestleSBA · 10-10-2012, 04:32 PM

Any other comments or advice before I try digging into this over the weekend?

Just to follow-up on some of the other comments, there has not been any non-factory wiring performed on the car. That definitely wouldn't be an issue here.

daMau · 01-31-2013, 10:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wrestleSBA

Any other comments or advice before I try digging into this over the weekend?

Just to follow-up on some of the other comments, there has not been any non-factory wiring performed on the car. That definitely wouldn't be an issue here.

Any resolution to this issue? I am battling this same issue currently...

wrestleSBA · 01-31-2013, 01:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dMau1986

Any resolution to this issue? I am battling this same issue currently...

Sadly no... I haven't even been able to dig into it in the slightest. Too many higher priority projects have kept me from working on what is a minor hassle.

fazman · 02-20-2013, 04:05 AM

I experienced this issue just this weekend. i was driving from NJ to Chicago and noticed this happened after a couple hours of resting in the car at a rest stop. After I got to my destination and for the remainder of the trip I have not experienced it again (but i suspect it will come back again).

I did have a USB cigi charger powering a device and I also did turn on the seat warmers immediately after starting the motor. The issue was only with the drivers side seat warmer button on any of the 3 temperature settings. Basically, it would blink off for a few seconds and then light up at the desired settings 9and would keep cycling On/Off. No aftermarket accessories are installed in the car at all (I am FBO, but that shouldn't impact the seat warmers). i am on the original car battery. 2008 335xi @ 58k miles

- Faz

Braumin · 02-20-2013, 07:08 AM

It sounds like a low battery. Just everything you describe there seems to say the battery was low. Do you have one of the under hood chargers installed? You might just want to run that a bit.

KennyKong · 02-20-2013, 10:36 AM

I'm experiencing the same issues and i think the problem might be a faulty relay.
From past experiences, you usually start in a backwards manor which also is from cheapest to more expensive.

Fuse - relay - wiring harnesses (use multimeter to look for voltage) and then up to the real hardware.

The ticking you hear is the relay clicking on and off. Now if i only knew where the relay was or how to access it.. that might solve the issue?

Good luck gents!

Surly73 · 02-20-2013, 11:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wrestleSBA

Battery has been replaced in the last two years. Doubt it was the battery.

Has everyone affected registered any replacement batteries?

Blackhawk36 · 02-20-2013, 01:20 PM

My Bentley manual states that when there is a low charge condition, the DME shuts down or reduces unnecessary electrical loads starting with the heated seats. When I get home, I will post the order in the manual.

daMau · 02-20-2013, 03:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blackhawk36

My Bentley manual states that when there is a low charge condition, the DME shuts down or reduces unnecessary electrical loads starting with the heated seats. When I get home, I will post the order in the manual.

Thanks for the help - do you know if the Bentley manual states the voltage threshold or indicatse any potential module codes that might be thrown?

I ask because i pulled the module codes that were thrown, and have access to monitoring the battery voltage the DME is reading. BTW, here are the codes my car is throwing. I'm afraid my problems are not with voltage, but with the seat temperature sensor.

**************************************
9E5A Error fast heating area NTC cushion

Error will not cause a warning light
Error is not currently present
Test conditions have been completed

Error Code: 9E 5A 61 2C 88 4D
**************************************

Blackhawk36 · 02-20-2013, 06:21 PM

The manual says that electric loads are shut down only under two conditions.

1. Battery charge status is in critical range
2. Alternator at maximum output

If either of these conditions exist the following occurs.

Heater blower reduced to 75%, then 50%, then 25% then off.
Mirror heating turns off
Rear Window defogger off
Seat heating reduced to stage 2, then 50% then off.

I can't find where a voltage is specified for critical range.

Toyo · 02-20-2013, 06:40 PM

GoRomeo · 02-20-2013, 06:51 PM

Do you get any low battery warnings after car is OFF and key fob in? If not, register your battery next if you never done it when u replaced it. ECU still thinking you had the old battery and is not charging properly. Not an expert but its just based on what I ve read here in the forum. Keep us posted.

2nice89 · 02-20-2013, 07:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dMau1986

Subscribed as I am experiencing this, with only 50k on a 2007.

Drivers-side only. Lights turn on but turn off almost immediately, accompanied by an audible clicking noise from the seat module under the drivers seat.

Any self-diagnosing tips are appreciated.

same thing happening to my 07 e92 335i...drivers side only clicks on the right off....passenger seat works fine tho...need help lol

Surly73 · 02-21-2013, 07:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blackhawk36

My Bentley manual states that when there is a low charge condition, the DME shuts down or reduces unnecessary electrical loads starting with the heated seats. When I get home, I will post the order in the manual.

See my question about whether replacement batteries were registered.

The IBS just needs to THINK the battery is low to shut things down. 75% of the people on this forum think they're smarter than BMW and that battery registration is an unnecessary cash grab.

Down the road, issues like THIS are exactly what will start to crop up.

If you've got INPA, read your IBS page and see what the battery management system thinks of the battery. There should also be shadow codes showing if the IBS system shut down the loads.

I'm not saying it's definitely the problem, but it's something to talk about...

10-06-2012, 10:15 PM	#1
wrestleSBA Private 16 Rep 61 Posts Drives: 325i Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Memphis, TN iTrader: (0)	Heated Seats Turning Off Right After Turning On All, I could definitely use a little help. I have a 2006 325i with heated seats. Going to crack 200k miles in the next day or so. Tonight while driving along my wife attempted to turn on the heated seat on the passenger side and we experienced a little problem. The heated seat lights turn on and withing 5-10 seconds turn back off. I am going to check all fuses associated with the heated seats but haven't gotten to it yet. This was the first time in several months that the heated seats would have been turned on. I am not sure if it is related but two nights previously I ran into another electrical issue. I had been using the cigarette lighter socket to run an air compressor as I added air to tires (maybe about 10 minutes). When I got in to the car to drive it the car would not start. It attempted to turn and then seemed to have electrical issues and the shut down. I attempted to start the vehicle approximately 5 times with the same symptoms. After a few minute break I attempted to start the car again and it cranked. I drove the car for about 10 miles and have experienced on issues since then. Any help or advice is appreciated. By searching I found a few other people who have reported similar issues but nobody that has posted a resolution. Thanks in advance. __________________ 325i 6MT, Mystic Blue, Beige w/ Poplar, Premium Package, Navi, Comfort Access, Xenons, Heated Seats, Satellite Prep (for when I want to go back and add Sirius)
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10-06-2012, 10:55 PM	#2
slupie Lieutenant 101 Rep 474 Posts Drives: 07 328iT, Montego Blau Join Date: May 2008 Location: Bartlett, IL iTrader: (2)	When my heated seat in E39 was doing the same thing it was diagnosed as a broken seat heater element.
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10-06-2012, 11:14 PM	#3
bbbuzzy Lieutenant 18 Rep 481 Posts Drives: '13 335is convertible (manual) Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: north of Boston iTrader: (0)	Is your battery the original one? Many posters claim electrical gremlins appear as battery is dying. Perhaps a load test is in order. __________________ '13 335is convertible (manual) '11 X3 xdrive35i '15 Sienna Limited AWD (road tripper) '06 330i MT, sport,premium (retired)
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10-08-2012, 09:54 AM	#4
wrestleSBA Private 16 Rep 61 Posts Drives: 325i Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Memphis, TN iTrader: (0)	Battery has been replaced in the last two years. Doubt it was the battery. Anyone know if there is a good way to test whether it is the heater element? Anyone have a part number? __________________ 325i 6MT, Mystic Blue, Beige w/ Poplar, Premium Package, Navi, Comfort Access, Xenons, Heated Seats, Satellite Prep (for when I want to go back and add Sirius)
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-08-2012, 11:46 AM	#5
daMau Second Lieutenant 44 Rep 238 Posts Drives: F80 M3 Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Minneapolis, MN iTrader: (0)	Subscribed as I am experiencing this, with only 50k on a 2007. Drivers-side only. Lights turn on but turn off almost immediately, accompanied by an audible clicking noise from the seat module under the drivers seat. Any self-diagnosing tips are appreciated.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-08-2012, 07:19 PM	#6
kavadarci Lieutenant 43 Rep 568 Posts Drives: 335xi Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: canada iTrader: (0)	yet another bmw electrical gremlin, also happens with the steering wheel. have you tried waiting about a minute after you start the engine? just awkward problem.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-09-2012, 05:37 AM	#7
Falafel Combo Banned 3773 Rep 6,673 Posts Drives: X5 xDrive50i Join Date: May 2011 Location: New England iTrader: (3)	I experienced identical symptoms a few months ago (driver side only, clicking noise, on --> off). In addition to all that, the power controls on the driver side were very glitchy. In my case, it turned out the driver seat wiring harness was shot. Swap it out and you should be done. $72 for the harness, dealer wanted $900 for labor. I had it done at an indy shop for half as much. Good luck.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-09-2012, 10:23 AM	#8
daMau Second Lieutenant 44 Rep 238 Posts Drives: F80 M3 Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Minneapolis, MN iTrader: (0)	Something else that I thought of - the previous owner hardwired a Bluetooth audio receiver to the center console aux-in (for streaming music from phone, car has OEM phone Bluetooth). Hearing how finicky the seat wiring is, I am wondering if where this Bluetooth device is tapping power from is contributing to this issue. I read in another thread a user had a seat heater issue caused by tapping a fuse for a radar detector.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-10-2012, 04:32 PM	#9
wrestleSBA Private 16 Rep 61 Posts Drives: 325i Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Memphis, TN iTrader: (0)	Any other comments or advice before I try digging into this over the weekend? Just to follow-up on some of the other comments, there has not been any non-factory wiring performed on the car. That definitely wouldn't be an issue here. __________________ 325i 6MT, Mystic Blue, Beige w/ Poplar, Premium Package, Navi, Comfort Access, Xenons, Heated Seats, Satellite Prep (for when I want to go back and add Sirius)
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-20-2013, 04:05 AM	#12
fazman Brigadier General 681 Rep 3,696 Posts Drives: 335 e90 Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (0)	I experienced this issue just this weekend. i was driving from NJ to Chicago and noticed this happened after a couple hours of resting in the car at a rest stop. After I got to my destination and for the remainder of the trip I have not experienced it again (but i suspect it will come back again). I did have a USB cigi charger powering a device and I also did turn on the seat warmers immediately after starting the motor. The issue was only with the drivers side seat warmer button on any of the 3 temperature settings. Basically, it would blink off for a few seconds and then light up at the desired settings 9and would keep cycling On/Off. No aftermarket accessories are installed in the car at all (I am FBO, but that shouldn't impact the seat warmers). i am on the original car battery. 2008 335xi @ 58k miles - Faz
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02-20-2013, 07:08 AM	#13
Braumin First Lieutenant 37 Rep 373 Posts Drives: 2013 335i xDrive Sedan Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Regina, SK, CAN iTrader: (0)	It sounds like a low battery. Just everything you describe there seems to say the battery was low. Do you have one of the under hood chargers installed? You might just want to run that a bit.
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02-20-2013, 10:36 AM	#14
KennyKong Private 8 Rep 54 Posts Drives: E70 xDrive35d Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: MD iTrader: (1)	RELAY I'm experiencing the same issues and i think the problem might be a faulty relay. From past experiences, you usually start in a backwards manor which also is from cheapest to more expensive. Fuse - relay - wiring harnesses (use multimeter to look for voltage) and then up to the real hardware. The ticking you hear is the relay clicking on and off. Now if i only knew where the relay was or how to access it.. that might solve the issue? Good luck gents! __________________ 2011 BMW 535i xDrive - Dark Graphite Metallic 2007 BMW 335i Coupe - Space Gray 2002 BMW M3 Coupe - Alpine White 2001 Honda S2000 - Spa Yellow Pearl 2001 Acura Integra Type R #01-686 - Phoenix Yellow
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02-20-2013, 01:20 PM	#16
Blackhawk36 Captain 30 Rep 644 Posts Drives: 2007 335i 6MT No iDrive Join Date: May 2009 Location: MD iTrader: (0)	My Bentley manual states that when there is a low charge condition, the DME shuts down or reduces unnecessary electrical loads starting with the heated seats. When I get home, I will post the order in the manual.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-20-2013, 06:21 PM	#18
Blackhawk36 Captain 30 Rep 644 Posts Drives: 2007 335i 6MT No iDrive Join Date: May 2009 Location: MD iTrader: (0)	The manual says that electric loads are shut down only under two conditions. 1. Battery charge status is in critical range 2. Alternator at maximum output If either of these conditions exist the following occurs. Heater blower reduced to 75%, then 50%, then 25% then off. Mirror heating turns off Rear Window defogger off Seat heating reduced to stage 2, then 50% then off. I can't find where a voltage is specified for critical range.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-20-2013, 06:40 PM	#19
Toyo Major 17 Rep 1,310 Posts Drives: 335d Titanium Silver LCI E90 Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Fayetteville GA iTrader: (0)
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02-20-2013, 06:51 PM	#20
GoRomeo Brigadier General 958 Rep 3,841 Posts Drives: 330i, 135i Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: San Diego CA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 BMW 135i [9.50] 2006 330i [6.75]	Do you get any low battery warnings after car is OFF and key fob in? If not, register your battery next if you never done it when u replaced it. ECU still thinking you had the old battery and is not charging properly. Not an expert but its just based on what I ve read here in the forum. Keep us posted.
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