DESCRIPTION
| WARNING | The front passenger seat assembly contains critical components that affect the front passenger airbag deployment. Correctly functioning front passenger seat components are critical for the Occupant Classification System (OCS) to properly classify the front passenger and calculate the proper airbag deployment. Unapproved modifications or service procedures to the front passenger seat assembly, its related components, or trim cover may inadvertently change the airbag deployment in case of a frontal crash. This could result in death or serious injury to the front seat passenger if the vehicle is involved in an accident. The following requirements must be strictly adhered to: Do not modify the front passenger seat assembly or components in any way. Do not modify the front seat center console or center position seat in any way. Do not use prior or future model year seat trim covers not designated for the specific model being repaired. Always use the correct seat trim cover specified for the vehicle. Do not replace the seat trim cover with an aftermarket trim cover. Do not add a secondary trim cover other than those approved by Chrysler/Mopar. At no time should any Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) component or SRS related component or fastener be modified or replaced with any part except those which are approved by Chrysler/Mopar. |
Scheme 8
Vehicles with the heated seat option can be visually identified by the two heated seat switches located in the center stack of the instrument panel, and the two heated seat switches located at the rear of the floor center console. The heated seat system allows the seat passenger to select from two different levels of electrical seat heating (HI/LO). The heated seat system for this vehicle includes the following major components
- Heated Seat Switches - Up to four heated seat switches are used per vehicle, including two Light-Emitting Diode (LED) indicator lamps for heat level indication. Two switches for the front seats and two switches for the rear seats if equipped with rear heated seats. The front heated seat switches are mounted in the switchbank located on the instrument panel center bezel under the HVAC controls. If equipped the rear heated seat switches are located on the back side of the floor center console.
- Heated Seat Elements - Up to eight heated seat elements are used per vehicle, two for each seat. The elements are integral to the individual seat and seat back cushions.
- Heated Seat Control Module (HSCM) - One module located under the drivers front seat. The HSCM controls the functions of all the heated seats and if equipped the heated steering wheel and vented seats.
OPERATION
The heated seat system operates on battery current received through a fuse in the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM). Fused ignition switch output (run) circuits are used, so that the heated seat system will only operate when the ignition switch is in the On position. The heated seat system will turn Off automatically whenever the ignition switch is turned to any position except On.
A Heated Seat Control Module (HSCM) is used to control the heated seat system. The HSCM responds to heated seat switch input and ignition switch status inputs by controlling the 12v output to the seat heating elements through integral solid-state relays.
When any of the heated seat switches are depressed the heating elements for the selected seat are energized. Light Emitting Diodes (LEDS) on the switch indicate the level of heat in use: Two LEDs are illuminated for high, one for low, and none for off. Pressing the switch once will select high-level heating. Pressing the switch a second time will select low-level heating. Pressing the switch a third time will shut the heating elements off.
The HSCM energizes an integral solid-state relay, which supplies battery current to the heating elements. When high-temperature heating is selected, the heaters provide a boosted heat level during the first four minutes of operation after heating is activated. The heat output then drops to the normal high-temperature level. If high-level heating is selected, the control system will automatically switch to the low level after two hours of continuous operation. At that time, the number of illuminated LEDs changes from two to one, indicating the change. Operation on the low setting will continue indefinitely until the switch/module button is pushed to turn the system off.
The system will automatically turn off the heating elements if it detects an OPEN or LOW short in the heating element circuit.
Vehicles equipped with the optional heated seat system have up to four heated seats with two heated seat elements, located in each seat. One heating element is used for each seat cushion and another for each seat back.
Each of the heated seat elements consists of multiple heating circuits operating in parallel throughout the element. The heated seat elements are captured between the seat trim cover and the seat cushion assembly. If a malfunction occurs in one or more of the individual circuits, the others will continue to provide heat.
The heated seat elements cannot be repaired. If found to be damaged or inoperative, a new heating element assembly must be installed.
One end of the heated seat element is connected to ground at all times through a splice under the seat. Battery current is directed to the other end of the heated seat element by the Heated Seat Control Module (HSCM). The heated seat switch/module will energize the heated seat element when the heated seat switch/module button is depressed in the Low or High position.
As electrical current passes through the heated seat element, the resistance of the wire used in the element disperses some of the electrical current in the form of heat. The heat produced by the heated seat element then radiates through the underside of the seat cushion and seat back trim covers, warming the seat cover and its occupant.