Close
MENU

Follow us on @Ask_ICAR for daily updates.

Home / Collision Repair News / What’s In A Seat: Heated And Cooled

What’s In A Seat: Heated And Cooled

Posted on 20 September 2019 | Share:
| Print Print

As vehicles are becoming more advanced, we are finding technology where it never was before. Sometimes it is in plain sight, such as infotainment systems, GPS, and a head-up display. However, sometimes it is concealed in places one may not expect.

Let’s take a look at automotive seats, they do far more now than just provide a comfortable place to sit. Seats now may have an occupant classification system (OCS), airbags, haptic feedback (vibrating seats), or heated and cooled seats. These systems typically go beyond simple switches and relays and rely on control modules and computers to make them function.

Seat heaters, while not new, are becoming more common on a wide range of vehicles. An added feature would be the combination of heated and cooled seats. Some of these systems use a heating element to warm and a separate fan to help cool the seat. These types of seats usually have a control module involved, which may need to be diagnosed if there are any issues.

A newer feature is seats that use a single component to heat and cool the seat. Due to the complexity of the system, all of the functions are computer controlled. This means that diagnostics and repairs are more in depth. However, this also means that DTCs may be set if there are any malfunctions. A scan tool will be required to pull these trouble codes and diagnose any issues.

It is important to know if a vehicle is equipped with these features, what parts are used in the system, and where they are located. This enables you to check for proper operation to ensure a complete, safe, and quality repair.

Additional I-CAR Collision Repair News you may find helpful:


Article validated in 2025

  • App-Based Connected Services Considerations: Toyota/Lexus Thursday, 15 January 2026

    Have you had the experience where the vehicle notified the owner that it was being moved while it was in your repair facility? App-based connected services are available from many vehicle makers and may...

  • Digital Key Considerations: Toyota/Lexus Thursday, 15 January 2026

    The intermingling of technology and automobiles continues, with digital key offerings from most vehicle makers. Digital keys utilize smartphone technology to expand vehicle access and owner...

  • Nissan/INFINITI Position Statements: Advanced Driver Assistance System Components Thursday, 8 January 2026

    Nissan/INFINITI released position statements on the use of salvaged, aftermarket, and "secondary-market" advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) components.

  • I-CAR Repairers Realm: RTS 2025 Year In Review - Now Available Tuesday, 6 January 2026

    I-CAR had a discussion on the Repairability Technical Support (RTS) 2025 year in review.

  • Ford On Target 2025: Volume 4 Monday, 5 January 2026

    Ford has released the fourth installment of their On Target publication for 2025.

  • Structural Sectioning Procedures: Ford/Lincoln - UPDATE Friday, 19 December 2025

    Ask I-CAR receives many technical inquiries referring to sectioning. The collision repair industry wants to know where can you section, does the OEM have a sectioning procedure, and where can I find the...

  • Body Repair Manual Symbols: Hyundai Wednesday, 17 December 2025

    While looking at repair procedures in a body repair manual (BRM) you may notice that symbols are used to indicate specific operations or parts to be used during the repair process. Most BRMs provide a...

  • Body Repair Manual Symbols: Genesis Wednesday, 17 December 2025

    While looking at repair procedures in a body repair manual (BRM) you may notice that symbols are used to indicate specific operations or parts to be used during the repair process. Most BRMs provide a...

  • App-Based Connected Services Considerations: BMW Wednesday, 10 December 2025

    Have you had an experience where the vehicle notified the owner that it was being moved while it was in your repair facility? App-based connected services are available from many vehicle makers and...

  • Digital Key Considerations: BMW Wednesday, 10 December 2025

    The intermingling of technology and automobiles continues, with digital key offerings from most vehicle makers. Digital keys utilize smartphone technology to expand vehicle access and owner...

Top Ten Vehicle Specific Questions

Hyundai Does Hyundai have a sectioning procedure available?
2014 Jeep CherokeeIs there a procedure available for resetting the active headrestt?
Kia Does Kia have a sectioning procedure available?
Chevrolet Does Chevrolet have a warning against sectioning when there is no procedure?
BMW Can I-CAR send me BMW repair procedures?
Honda What does Honda say about repairing damaged SRS wiring harnesses?
Hyundai Does Hyundai have part replacement procedures available?
Mercedes-Benz Can I-CAR send me Mercedes-Benz repair procedures?
Honda What does Honda say about straightening front lower rails?
Subaru Do you have to replace a front passenger airbag on a Subaru even if the airbag did not deploy? The repair information seems to indicate that it should.

Top Ten I-CAR Specific Questions

What does I-CAR say about using a recycled quarter panel assembly that includes the inner, outer, and reinforcements?
What does I-CAR say about repair tolerances?
What does I-CAR say about replacing suspension parts in pairs?
What does I-CAR say about straightening a kink?
What does I-CAR say about the decision to use recycled parts?
What does I-CAR say about repairing damaged door intrusion beams?
Can I-CAR General Sectioning Guidelines be used?
What does I-CAR say about repairing damaged bumper reinforcements?
What does I-CAR say about disconnecting the battery prior to welding on the vehicle, specifically in regards to airbags?
What does I-CAR say about using recycled airbags?