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Drivers heated seat

BainMan

Full Member
Joined
Mar 22, 2019
Messages
1,216
Drivers heated seat not working, but cooling mode does work. Passenger side both heat and cool work. The controls work fine and stay on like it would heat but doesn't.

What generates the heat on the heated/cooled seats? Is there a peltier type device I'm overlooking? I went to replace what I thought was a burnt out pad for the seat but there are no pads at all! I did some more research and found some people had issues with the heated/cooled seat controller under the passenger side, so I pulled the passenger seat out too and removed that module and opened it up, but visually it looks great.

Any tips on how I would diagnose this? Anyone have a shop manual for 2010+? My shop manual only goes 2007-2009, which works for most things but was completely wrong for this repair...
 
After some research I found that the 'squirrel cage' blowers on the seat bottom and seat back are also thermo-electric devices (TED), or basically small heat pumps that can pump heat to or away from (cool) the seats. What I'm after now is the pinout for the blower/TED in case anyone has access to that. I'm hoping I can test ohm the TED circuit and determine which blower is the problem. The damn blower/TED are each riveted to the seat frame or I'd just swap the driver for the passenger side and figure it out that way..
 
I've got heat on the drivers side again by swapping the upper seat-back with the passenger side TED/blower/heater/cooler.

For the next guy encountering this, a few tips if you have RPO KB6 (heated/cooled seats) in somewhere around model year 2010-2011: The blower cages (2 each seat, 1 on the seat-back and 1 on the bottom cushion) are riveted in, but the guts (electronics, TED, and fan/blower) can be removed with six T-6 screws. Repeat, don't drill the rivets as it appears is necessary at first, and I found recommended on an escalade forum, but remove the important half of the TED with the six T6. The three center T-6 screws remain, but the six around the outside of the cage need to be removed. Also, the seat-back TED/blower/heater/cooler can be removed without pulling the seat, just the back cover needs to be removed. Also, don't worry about removing the seat belts if you have to pull the seat, plenty of room to just set it beside the truck with the seat belt still attached.

I decided on the seat back as the culprit by testing resistance (ohms) from all 4 TEDs, and the drivers seat-back had higher resistance than the others. So i swapped the drivers side and passenger side for a test and it worked.

A few pics for reference:
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Also, big thanks to mechanic 'tripleauto' from the justanswer.com site with this info:

The driver and front passenger heated cooled seat system consist of the following components:

? Seat cushion heat/cool ventilation module
? Seat back heat/cool ventilation module
? Climate control seat module
? Memory seat module
? Heated and cooled seat switch
? Door lock/window switch
Air Circulation


When the heated/cool seat switch is pressed to initiate operation of the climate control seat system, cabin air is drawn through the heated/cool ventilation module air filter, then directed through passages in the foam of the seat cushion and seat back to the seat's occupant. In order for the climate control seat system to operate to its optimum performance, it is crucial to have unrestricted air flow through the system. A dirty or restricted air filter, the blockage of an exhaust air duct, a misaligned heated/cool ventilation module, or incorrect foam installation of the seat cushion or seat back will all have negative effects on climate control seat system operation.

Seat Heat/Cool Ventilation Module


Each heated/cool seat has 2 ventilation modules, one located under the seat cushion and one located in the seat back. These modules are controlled by the climate control seat module (CCSM). Each ventilation module contains a thermo-electric device (TED), a temperature sensor, and a blower motor. The TED and temperature sensor are mounted downstream of the blower motor. Each TED consists of a circuit of positive and negative connections sandwiched between 2 ceramic plates. Each ceramic plate is equipped with copper fins for heat exchange. The air flowing past these fins is either directed as conditioned air into the seat cushion and seat back, or directed into the cabin as waste air.

TED is essentially a solid state heat pump that is used to heat or cool the air supply to the seat cushion and seat back. When voltage is applied to a TED, one side releases energy as heat, while the opposite side absorbs energy and gets cold. When the polarity of the current flow to the TEDs is switched, the hot and cool sides of the TED reverse.

During the following climate control seat system description and operation, the TEDs, blower motors, and temperature sensors will be referenced independently even though they are all packaged together as a module.

Climate Control Seat System


The climate control seat system consists of two heated/cool ventilation modules and one CCSM that controls both the driver and passenger heated/cool seats systems. The CCSM is mounted below the front passenger seat cushion.

Once a climate control seat system is activated, cabin air is drawn through the seat blower motors and directed across the fins of each of the TED located under the seat cushion and in the seat back. The air is either heated or cooled as it passes over the TEDs. This conditioned air is then directed through channels in the foam of the seat pad and through small holes in the seat cover to the occupant. Once the system is activated, the CCSM uses a set of algorithms to control the temperature of the selected heating or cooling modes.

Climate Control Seat Module Power and Ground


Battery positive voltage is supplied at all times to the CCSM through the battery positive voltage circuit and a 30 A fuse that is located in the I/P fuse block. This voltage is used by the CCSM to supply power to the TEDs and the blower motors. Ignition voltage is also supplied to the CCSM through the ignition voltage circuit and a 10 A fuse located in the underhood fuse block. The ignition voltage is used to power up the CCSM and allows the climate control seat system to operate only with the ignition in the ON position. The CCSM is grounded through the module ground circuit and G304.

Climate Control Seat Module


The CCSM is located under the passenger seat and controls 4 individual driver and passenger seat heat/cool ventilation blowers. When the CCSM receives a heated cooled seat command through the left or right heated/cooled seat mode signal circuit, the appropriate seat heat/cool ventilation blowers will be operated by the CCSM.

Memory Seat Module


The memory seat module (MSM) monitors the heated cooled seat switches through serial data message inputs and determines the heated cooled seat operating modes and temperature levels. The MSM controls the operating mode of the CCSM through 2 pulse width modulation (PWM) signal circuits. The left and right heated/cooled seat mode signal circuits are referenced from battery voltage by the CCSM and pulsed low by the MSM. Each heated cooled seat is capable of operating in 3 modes with 3 temperature levels so the MSM uses 9 PWM frequencies for each signal circuit to command the heated cooled seat modes to the CCSM.

Modes of Operation


There are 3 modes available for climate control seat system operation, heated seat, cool seat, and back only heat operation. When a heat or cool seat mode signal request is received, the CCSM will activate both the seat cushion and seat back ventilation modules. When the seat BACK ONLY mode button is pressed once, the CCSM will deactivate the seat cushion ventilation module and leave the seat back ventilation module ON. Press the BACK ONLY mode button a second time and the CCSM will re-activate the seat cushion ventilation module.

Heated/Cooled Seat Switch and Door Module


The heated and cooled seat system is controlled through the heated and cooled seat switches that are located on the door panels. Ground is supplied to the heated/cool seat switch through the low reference circuit and the respective door module. The door module plays an important part of the climate control seat operation, first by relaying the selected switch inputs to the MSM, and second, by controlling the mode and temperature indicators of the heated/cool seat switch.

When either a heat or cool seat switch is pressed, ground is applied through the switch contacts and the switch signal circuit to the door lock/window switch. In response to this signal, the door lock/window switch sends a serial data message to the MSM indicating the switch input. In response to this message, the MSM then sends a pulse width modulation (PWM) signal through the appropriate heated/cool seat mode signal circuit to the CCSM indicating the heated or cooled seat request. The door lock/window switch then applies a ground through the appropriate heat or cool seat indicator control circuit to the switch illuminating the selected heat or cool mode indicator. At the same time, the door lock/window switch also applies a ground through the appropriate high, medium, or low temperature indicator control circuits illuminating temperature mode indicators.

Temperature Sensors


As mentioned above in the heated/cool ventilation module description, the seat cushion and seat back temperature sensors are each packaged with a TED and blower motor as an assembly. The seat temperature sensors are thermistors which are attached directly to the fins of each TED. The CCSM supplies a 5 V reference voltage through the temperature sensor signal circuit and ground through the temperature sensor low reference circuit to the respective seat cushion and seat back temperature sensors. As the temperature of the TED changes, the resistance of the thermistor varies changing the feedback voltage of the temperature sensor signal circuit. This voltage varies from 0.5 - 4 V. The CCSM monitors this voltage signal to determine the fin temperature so that it can adjust and maintain the seat temperature to the selected switch input.

Blower Motors


Also, as mentioned above in the heated/cool ventilation module description, the seat cushion and seat back blower motors are each packaged with a TED and temperature sensor as an assembly. Each blower motor contains logic that will allow for the blower to operate only when the ignition is in the ON position. When the ignition is ON and the CCSM is powered up, the module supplies battery positive voltage through the blower supply voltage circuit to the logic of the blower motors. When the heated/cool seat switch is pressed, the CCSM applies a pre-determined voltage through the blower speed control circuits to the blower motors. The module also supplies each blower motor with a ground path through the blower low reference circuits.

With the climate control seat system, the speed of the blower motor is not related directly to the High, Med, or Low input from the heated/cool seat switch. The speed of the blower motor is related directly to TED temperature as described below in heated and cooled seat operation.

Heated Seat Operation


When the heated seat switch is pressed for High Heat, the CCSM will transition to the HEAT state. In the heat state, the CCSM applies a pre-determined voltage through the ventilation module heat control circuits to the heat side of the TEDs, while providing a ground through the ventilation module cool control circuit to the cool side of the TEDs. A pre-determined voltage is also applied to the blower motors. The CCSM uses the following sequence beginning with the Heat SoftStart Mode to achieve the set point temperature before it can enter the Control Heat Mode. If the seat temperature is already above the Temperature Set Point, the CCSM will skip the Heat SoftStart Mode and proceed to the Control Heat Mode.

? Heat SoftStart Mode - While in transition to the heat mode, the CCSM will initiate the SoftStart Mode. The intent of the Heat SoftStart Mode is for the module to bring the ventilation module fin temperature up to the pre-determined Temperature Set Point of the Max Heat Mode. The module does this by setting the blower motor speed control to a pre-determined voltage while ramping up the ventilation module voltage from 0 V to the maximum voltage, not to exceed 5 seconds, at which point the system transitions to Max Heat Mode. The Heat SoftStart Mode will only be attempted once per ignition cycle.
? Max Heat Mode - Upon completion of the Heat SoftStart Mode, the CCSM will initiate Max Heat Mode. The intent of the MAX Heat Mode is to maintain the fin temperature to the pre-determined Temperature Set Point in order for the CCSM to go into the Control Heat Mode. The CCSM does this by maintaining the TED at the maximum voltage while maintaining the minimum required airflow across the fins. After max heat duration has been reached, or upon achieving the pre-determined Temperature Set Point, the system transitions to the Control Heat Mode.
? Control Heat Mode - At the completion of Max Heat Mode, the CCSM will initiate Control Heat Mode. The intent of the Control Heat Mode is to maintain the desired fin temperature or the set point temperature. The CCSM does this in two ways; first by adjusting the voltage supply to the blower motor to control blower motor speed, then secondly by controlling the voltage supplied to the TED. The CCSM updates these voltages once every second. Increasing the blower motor speed will decrease the fin temperature. If the maximum blower motor speed is achieved and the fin temperature is still above the set point of high heat, the CCSM will then begin to control the TED voltage to achieve Temperature Set Point. Decreasing the TED voltage decreases the fin temperature. If the CCSM is trying to raise the fin temperature to set point by using TED voltage, and the fin temperature cannot be raised because the TED voltage is at the maximum, the CCSM reduces the blower motor speed to achieve the Temperature Set Point.
Cooled Seat Operation


When the cool seat switch is pressed for High Cool, the CCSM will transition to the COOL state. In response to this command, the CCSM applies a pre-determined voltage through the ventilation module cool control circuits to the cool side of the TEDs while providing a ground through the ventilation module heat control circuits to the heat side of the TEDs. A pre-determined voltage is also applied to the blower motors. The CCSM uses the following sequence, beginning with the Cool SoftStart Mode, to achieve the set point temperature before it can enter the Open Loop Cool Mode.

? Cool SoftStart Mode - The intent of the Cool SoftStart Mode is for the CCSM to bring the TED fin temperature to maximum cool temperate. The CCSM does this by setting the blower motor speed control voltage to 0 V, while ramping up the TED voltage duty cycle from 0 V to maximum voltage duty cycle over a period not to exceed 5 seconds. Then, with the TEDs at maximum voltage, the CCSM will increase the blower speed to maximum voltage, and keep these settings for the MAX COOL DURATION. After which the system transitions to the Open Loop Cool Mode.
? Open Loop Cool Mode - At the completion of Cool SoftStart Mode, the CCSM will initiate Open Loop Cool Mode. The intent of this mode is to maintain the set point fin temperature based on the input of the cool seat switch. First, by controlling the speed of the blower motor, then secondly, by controlling TED voltage. The CCSM updates these voltages once every second.
Fault State


The climate control seat system will operate normally in the battery voltage range of 9 - 16 V. If the system voltage falls outside of this voltage range, the module will shut down all outputs until the system returns to its normal operating voltage range. The system will also transition to the fault state per the conditions listed below, by shutting down all outputs for the seat in which the fault occurred.

High Temperature Fault State
During the heating or cooling modes, if the TED temperatures listed below are exceeded for more than 4 seconds, the system will enter the High Temperature Fault State. At which time the CCSM will set the TED voltage duty cycle to 0%, set the blower speed control to maximum voltage to blow ambient air over the TEDs, attempting to reduce the TED temperature below the listed maximums. The system will operate in this mode for 30 seconds. If the over temperature fault still exists after 30 seconds, the system will transition to the FAULT state for the remainder of the ignition cycle. If the over temperature fault clears, the system will then transition to the appropriate heat or cool softstart mode. The following temperatures are based upon individual readings of either sensor:



? Heat mode TED temperature exceeds 230?F (110?C).
? Cool mode TED temperature exceeds 149?F (65?C).
Temperature Delta Fault
During the heating or cooling modes, if the CCSM detects a temperature difference between the seat cushion and seat back TED temperature sensors exceeding the delta temperature listed below for more than 4 seconds, the system will enter the Temperature Delta Fault state. At which time the CCSM will set the TED voltage duty cycle to 0%, set the blower speed control to maximum voltage to blow ambient air over the TEDs, attempting to reduce the delta temperature to less than 68?F. The system will operate in this mode for 30 seconds. If the delta temperature fault still exists after 30 seconds, the system will transition to the FAULT state and remain there until the ignition has been set to OFF.



? Delta between the seat cushion and seat back temperature sensors is 104?F (40?C).
? This fault state is disabled in the back only mode.
 
great info for others in the future should they have similar issues.

Thanks for posting
 
So if I understand the lengthy explanation, both seats get their control from the passenger side? My driver's side doesn't work at all. No heat, No cool but memory does work. Passenger side works fine   
 
Yes the control module is under the passenger seat, at least on the model years described above.
 
I have a 2011 LTZ, so power is generated from control module under pass.side , right?
 
Yes, that is my understanding, the module under the passenger seat supplies the power. I've seen pictures of visible damage (burnt pins) on the control module under the seat. If it looks good visibly after unplugging at the module, one additional difficulty in testing the module is that power will only be applied for a short period of time before the system shuts it off if a problem is detected (too much or too little voltage/amps or resistance, not exactly sure which). You can also test the resistance through the thermoelectric device (blower/heater/cooler), if 1 of the 4 is a dead short or completely open you know that's the problem. Another idea is to swap them one at a time with the passenger side; the seat back blowers are super easy to get to and may be a relatively easy first step.

Ebay option https://www.ebay.com/itm/07-08-09-10-11-Tahoe-Yukon-Escalade-Upper-Seat-Blower-Motor-Cooled-15232557/143510806730

Good luck, and let us know if/how you resolve it. Ask away if you have more questions, and if you really get stuck and want to talk it out with someone PM me and I'll give you my phone number.
 
nice info I need to bookmark this thread  (y)
 
I've done seat work on my previous 05 Avy before so I'm no stranger to removing the seats. Before I start the diagnosis of my current problem on my 011 Avy I want to reach out and see if anyone else had this problem. My driver's side seat is the issue. I have no heat or cooling. Fans do not engage. All the lights work on the respective switches, all other functions for the seat are fine. The passenger side works properly and all functions normal. I'm leaning towards the ccsm ,as suggested by BainMan. Any other possibilities? If it is the ccsm does anyone have any pics of it and it's the exact location?
 
On the contrary, I think you should start with the blower/heater/cooler instead of the CCSM. If the lights appear to function normally, from what I've read, the CCSM is probably good.

I recommend starting with swapping the left and right side upper blower/heater/cooler, which can be done with seats still in. The back panel of the seat  basically pops off and you'll have direct access to the blower. Use a small torx and swap the left and right side blowers and test again. If that doesn't work, pull the seats and swap left & right lower blower/heater/cooler and inspect the CCSM at the same time.

 
Both of mine don't work. I have checked the plug and module, both look like they are in perfect condition. How do I go about testing the TED modules?
 
Both of mine don't work. I have checked the plug and module, both look like they are in perfect condition. How do I go about testing the TED modules?
Here is the service manual. Look for the sections about KB6 (heat & cooled seats). The 'except KB6' sections do not apply, they are for the standard heated (only) seats.

But you'll be limited (like me) without access to a Tech 2 scanner that can read the codes. A standard code reader won't cut it. Having said that, the best/only way I've found to determine whether a TED module is blown is to test for resistance in the heat and cool circuits, separately, directly at the harness of the TED. If you have high resistance or the circuit is open, the TED is shot and needs to be replaced. I found one open, and the other would change resistance if I lightly pressed on the module, meaning both were bad.

I'd start with the seat back, because that circuit can be controlled individually and is easier to access anyway. Does the passenger seat-back heater work? If yes, swap it as a test with driver's side.

And also, before spending the $320+ ($160+ for seat cushion, $160+ for seat back) I recommend testing the wiring from the TED harness all the way back to the CCSM. The pinouts are described in the attached manual, and it only takes a few minutes once you have gained access to each harness. Measure resistance between the CCSM harness and each TED harness, which will verify the wiring through the body & seats & the under/seat harness are all fine. The wiring can see some abuse with rear passengers sticking their feet under the seats.
 

Attachments

  • seats heating and cooling.pdf
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Here is the service manual. Look for the sections about KB6 (heat & cooled seats). The 'except KB6' sections do not apply, they are for the standard heated (only) seats.

But you'll be limited (like me) without access to a Tech 2 scanner that can read the codes. A standard code reader won't cut it. Having said that, the best/only way I've found to determine whether a TED module is blown is to test for resistance in the heat and cool circuits, separately, directly at the harness of the TED. If you have high resistance or the circuit is open, the TED is shot and needs to be replaced. I found one open, and the other would change resistance if I lightly pressed on the module, meaning both were bad.

I'd start with the seat back, because that circuit can be controlled individually and is easier to access anyway. Does the passenger seat-back heater work? If yes, swap it as a test with driver's side.

And also, before spending the $320+ ($160+ for seat cushion, $160+ for seat back) I recommend testing the wiring from the TED harness all the way back to the CCSM. The pinouts are described in the attached manual, and it only takes a few minutes once you have gained access to each harness. Measure resistance between the CCSM harness and each TED harness, which will verify the wiring through the body & seats & the under/seat harness are all fine. The wiring can see some abuse with rear passengers sticking their feet under the seats.
Neither side works, I can hear the bottom fans coming on, but turning off after spinning up a couple seconds.
 
Neither side works, I can hear the bottom fans coming on, but turning off after spinning up a couple seconds.
Bummer, makes it much easier to test when you have 1 known working module... Well, get to work and report back results! Good luck
 
Strangest thing. It seems as though the upper ones are both working. Not so sure about the lower ones though. When I have them set to back heat only, I can feel the air being exhausted out the back. I don't really feel anything when it is on back and seat heat. The fan goes up pretty high when I turn on the cooled seats.
 
That's a good indication that the CCSM and (at least some of) the wiring is in good shape.

If it detects a fault in heat mode it shuts everything down, which is likely why the dual-mode shuts off pretty quickly. Do the back heaters pump heat or do you just feel the fan? The warmth should be noticeable after less than a minute.

The cool mode works a little differently, I think if it detects a fault in the cooling it figures that fan mode only is better than nothing, so it shuts off the cooler but cranks up the blower. This may be why you hear the fan in cool mode, but may just feel air moving and not cooling.
 
That's a good indication that the CCSM and (at least some of) the wiring is in good shape.

If it detects a fault in heat mode it shuts everything down, which is likely why the dual-mode shuts off pretty quickly. Do the back heaters pump heat or do you just feel the fan? The warmth should be noticeable after less than a minute.

The cool mode works a little differently, I think if it detects a fault in the cooling it figures that fan mode only is better than nothing, so it shuts off the cooler but cranks up the blower. This may be why you hear the fan in cool mode, but may just feel air moving and not cooling.
Which pins did you use to test the resistance for the TEDs?
 
Which pins did you use to test the resistance for the TEDs?
Have you gone through the manual I provided? At the bottom of page 69 is where the circuit tests begin. It walks you through each of the tests and says what voltage or resistance (ohms) should be for each. It's too long and not easy to copy/paste or I would add it to this post.
 
On the contrary, I think you should start with the blower/heater/cooler instead of the CCSM. If the lights appear to function normally, from what I've read, the CCSM is probably good.

I recommend starting with swapping the left and right side upper blower/heater/cooler, which can be done with seats still in. The back panel of the seat basically pops off and you'll have direct access to the blower. Use a small torx and swap the left and right side blowers and test again. If that doesn't work, pull the seats and swap left & right lower blower/heater/cooler and inspect the CCSM at the same time.
I swapped the upper seat blower modules today and that fixed my driver side 11 Av. Now just need to wait for a new module for the passenger side. Great info here!
 
This post is so very good!! Spot on !! I followed all the pics and the PDF diagnostics and sure enough, the upper TED unit was bad on the drivers seat back. Moving the functional Passenger side unit over the drivers side confirmed the issue. Now, both seat bottom and seat back are working again. Installing the Drivers side seat back unit on the passenger seat made both inoperable. Waiting on the new replacement unit to arrive. Just get a T-6 Torx bit (Harbor Freight has them) to replace the unit within the housing and you don't need to deal with the rivets !! Thanks again so much BAINMAN !! Vehicle is 2010 Chevy Avalanche LTZ. There is NO Seat Heater elements with the Heated and Cooled Sets, just blowers in the seat back and bottom. If the upper seat back one is bad, the bottom doesn't work either. RPO CODE = KB6. I did notice that some of the wire colors on the connectors on the CCSM (as mentioned in the PDF document) were not the same on my truck, but following the tests by connector location, validated the proper test results except for the TED Blower in the drivers side seat back. Once I swapped the TED units, the faulty tests followed the swapped suspect unit. I also had a bad CCSM which I tested those wires before installing the new one. Hope this info helps!
 
Glad to have helped rinedge. For the next guy, did you find the fault on the heat circuit or cool circuit? And did you test from the wiring at the CCSM or from the TED module?
 
Well this saved me a lot of headache thank you. Great job compiling all this information to one thread. Fixed my avalanche seat within a couple hours.
 
Also, big thanks to mechanic 'tripleauto' from the justanswer.com site with this info:

The driver and front passenger heated cooled seat system consist of the following components:

? Seat cushion heat/cool ventilation module
? Seat back heat/cool ventilation module
? Climate control seat module
? Memory seat module
? Heated and cooled seat switch
? Door lock/window switch
Air Circulation


When the heated/cool seat switch is pressed to initiate operation of the climate control seat system, cabin air is drawn through the heated/cool ventilation module air filter, then directed through passages in the foam of the seat cushion and seat back to the seat's occupant. In order for the climate control seat system to operate to its optimum performance, it is crucial to have unrestricted air flow through the system. A dirty or restricted air filter, the blockage of an exhaust air duct, a misaligned heated/cool ventilation module, or incorrect foam installation of the seat cushion or seat back will all have negative effects on climate control seat system operation.

Seat Heat/Cool Ventilation Module


Each heated/cool seat has 2 ventilation modules, one located under the seat cushion and one located in the seat back. These modules are controlled by the climate control seat module (CCSM). Each ventilation module contains a thermo-electric device (TED), a temperature sensor, and a blower motor. The TED and temperature sensor are mounted downstream of the blower motor. Each TED consists of a circuit of positive and negative connections sandwiched between 2 ceramic plates. Each ceramic plate is equipped with copper fins for heat exchange. The air flowing past these fins is either directed as conditioned air into the seat cushion and seat back, or directed into the cabin as waste air.

TED is essentially a solid state heat pump that is used to heat or cool the air supply to the seat cushion and seat back. When voltage is applied to a TED, one side releases energy as heat, while the opposite side absorbs energy and gets cold. When the polarity of the current flow to the TEDs is switched, the hot and cool sides of the TED reverse.

During the following climate control seat system description and operation, the TEDs, blower motors, and temperature sensors will be referenced independently even though they are all packaged together as a module.

Climate Control Seat System


The climate control seat system consists of two heated/cool ventilation modules and one CCSM that controls both the driver and passenger heated/cool seats systems. The CCSM is mounted below the front passenger seat cushion.

Once a climate control seat system is activated, cabin air is drawn through the seat blower motors and directed across the fins of each of the TED located under the seat cushion and in the seat back. The air is either heated or cooled as it passes over the TEDs. This conditioned air is then directed through channels in the foam of the seat pad and through small holes in the seat cover to the occupant. Once the system is activated, the CCSM uses a set of algorithms to control the temperature of the selected heating or cooling modes.

Climate Control Seat Module Power and Ground


Battery positive voltage is supplied at all times to the CCSM through the battery positive voltage circuit and a 30 A fuse that is located in the I/P fuse block. This voltage is used by the CCSM to supply power to the TEDs and the blower motors. Ignition voltage is also supplied to the CCSM through the ignition voltage circuit and a 10 A fuse located in the underhood fuse block. The ignition voltage is used to power up the CCSM and allows the climate control seat system to operate only with the ignition in the ON position. The CCSM is grounded through the module ground circuit and G304.

Climate Control Seat Module


The CCSM is located under the passenger seat and controls 4 individual driver and passenger seat heat/cool ventilation blowers. When the CCSM receives a heated cooled seat command through the left or right heated/cooled seat mode signal circuit, the appropriate seat heat/cool ventilation blowers will be operated by the CCSM.

Memory Seat Module


The memory seat module (MSM) monitors the heated cooled seat switches through serial data message inputs and determines the heated cooled seat operating modes and temperature levels. The MSM controls the operating mode of the CCSM through 2 pulse width modulation (PWM) signal circuits. The left and right heated/cooled seat mode signal circuits are referenced from battery voltage by the CCSM and pulsed low by the MSM. Each heated cooled seat is capable of operating in 3 modes with 3 temperature levels so the MSM uses 9 PWM frequencies for each signal circuit to command the heated cooled seat modes to the CCSM.

Modes of Operation


There are 3 modes available for climate control seat system operation, heated seat, cool seat, and back only heat operation. When a heat or cool seat mode signal request is received, the CCSM will activate both the seat cushion and seat back ventilation modules. When the seat BACK ONLY mode button is pressed once, the CCSM will deactivate the seat cushion ventilation module and leave the seat back ventilation module ON. Press the BACK ONLY mode button a second time and the CCSM will re-activate the seat cushion ventilation module.

Heated/Cooled Seat Switch and Door Module


The heated and cooled seat system is controlled through the heated and cooled seat switches that are located on the door panels. Ground is supplied to the heated/cool seat switch through the low reference circuit and the respective door module. The door module plays an important part of the climate control seat operation, first by relaying the selected switch inputs to the MSM, and second, by controlling the mode and temperature indicators of the heated/cool seat switch.

When either a heat or cool seat switch is pressed, ground is applied through the switch contacts and the switch signal circuit to the door lock/window switch. In response to this signal, the door lock/window switch sends a serial data message to the MSM indicating the switch input. In response to this message, the MSM then sends a pulse width modulation (PWM) signal through the appropriate heated/cool seat mode signal circuit to the CCSM indicating the heated or cooled seat request. The door lock/window switch then applies a ground through the appropriate heat or cool seat indicator control circuit to the switch illuminating the selected heat or cool mode indicator. At the same time, the door lock/window switch also applies a ground through the appropriate high, medium, or low temperature indicator control circuits illuminating temperature mode indicators.

Temperature Sensors


As mentioned above in the heated/cool ventilation module description, the seat cushion and seat back temperature sensors are each packaged with a TED and blower motor as an assembly. The seat temperature sensors are thermistors which are attached directly to the fins of each TED. The CCSM supplies a 5 V reference voltage through the temperature sensor signal circuit and ground through the temperature sensor low reference circuit to the respective seat cushion and seat back temperature sensors. As the temperature of the TED changes, the resistance of the thermistor varies changing the feedback voltage of the temperature sensor signal circuit. This voltage varies from 0.5 - 4 V. The CCSM monitors this voltage signal to determine the fin temperature so that it can adjust and maintain the seat temperature to the selected switch input.

Blower Motors


Also, as mentioned above in the heated/cool ventilation module description, the seat cushion and seat back blower motors are each packaged with a TED and temperature sensor as an assembly. Each blower motor contains logic that will allow for the blower to operate only when the ignition is in the ON position. When the ignition is ON and the CCSM is powered up, the module supplies battery positive voltage through the blower supply voltage circuit to the logic of the blower motors. When the heated/cool seat switch is pressed, the CCSM applies a pre-determined voltage through the blower speed control circuits to the blower motors. The module also supplies each blower motor with a ground path through the blower low reference circuits.

With the climate control seat system, the speed of the blower motor is not related directly to the High, Med, or Low input from the heated/cool seat switch. The speed of the blower motor is related directly to TED temperature as described below in heated and cooled seat operation.

Heated Seat Operation


When the heated seat switch is pressed for High Heat, the CCSM will transition to the HEAT state. In the heat state, the CCSM applies a pre-determined voltage through the ventilation module heat control circuits to the heat side of the TEDs, while providing a ground through the ventilation module cool control circuit to the cool side of the TEDs. A pre-determined voltage is also applied to the blower motors. The CCSM uses the following sequence beginning with the Heat SoftStart Mode to achieve the set point temperature before it can enter the Control Heat Mode. If the seat temperature is already above the Temperature Set Point, the CCSM will skip the Heat SoftStart Mode and proceed to the Control Heat Mode.

? Heat SoftStart Mode - While in transition to the heat mode, the CCSM will initiate the SoftStart Mode. The intent of the Heat SoftStart Mode is for the module to bring the ventilation module fin temperature up to the pre-determined Temperature Set Point of the Max Heat Mode. The module does this by setting the blower motor speed control to a pre-determined voltage while ramping up the ventilation module voltage from 0 V to the maximum voltage, not to exceed 5 seconds, at which point the system transitions to Max Heat Mode. The Heat SoftStart Mode will only be attempted once per ignition cycle.
? Max Heat Mode - Upon completion of the Heat SoftStart Mode, the CCSM will initiate Max Heat Mode. The intent of the MAX Heat Mode is to maintain the fin temperature to the pre-determined Temperature Set Point in order for the CCSM to go into the Control Heat Mode. The CCSM does this by maintaining the TED at the maximum voltage while maintaining the minimum required airflow across the fins. After max heat duration has been reached, or upon achieving the pre-determined Temperature Set Point, the system transitions to the Control Heat Mode.
? Control Heat Mode - At the completion of Max Heat Mode, the CCSM will initiate Control Heat Mode. The intent of the Control Heat Mode is to maintain the desired fin temperature or the set point temperature. The CCSM does this in two ways; first by adjusting the voltage supply to the blower motor to control blower motor speed, then secondly by controlling the voltage supplied to the TED. The CCSM updates these voltages once every second. Increasing the blower motor speed will decrease the fin temperature. If the maximum blower motor speed is achieved and the fin temperature is still above the set point of high heat, the CCSM will then begin to control the TED voltage to achieve Temperature Set Point. Decreasing the TED voltage decreases the fin temperature. If the CCSM is trying to raise the fin temperature to set point by using TED voltage, and the fin temperature cannot be raised because the TED voltage is at the maximum, the CCSM reduces the blower motor speed to achieve the Temperature Set Point.
Cooled Seat Operation


When the cool seat switch is pressed for High Cool, the CCSM will transition to the COOL state. In response to this command, the CCSM applies a pre-determined voltage through the ventilation module cool control circuits to the cool side of the TEDs while providing a ground through the ventilation module heat control circuits to the heat side of the TEDs. A pre-determined voltage is also applied to the blower motors. The CCSM uses the following sequence, beginning with the Cool SoftStart Mode, to achieve the set point temperature before it can enter the Open Loop Cool Mode.

? Cool SoftStart Mode - The intent of the Cool SoftStart Mode is for the CCSM to bring the TED fin temperature to maximum cool temperate. The CCSM does this by setting the blower motor speed control voltage to 0 V, while ramping up the TED voltage duty cycle from 0 V to maximum voltage duty cycle over a period not to exceed 5 seconds. Then, with the TEDs at maximum voltage, the CCSM will increase the blower speed to maximum voltage, and keep these settings for the MAX COOL DURATION. After which the system transitions to the Open Loop Cool Mode.
? Open Loop Cool Mode - At the completion of Cool SoftStart Mode, the CCSM will initiate Open Loop Cool Mode. The intent of this mode is to maintain the set point fin temperature based on the input of the cool seat switch. First, by controlling the speed of the blower motor, then secondly, by controlling TED voltage. The CCSM updates these voltages once every second.
Fault State


The climate control seat system will operate normally in the battery voltage range of 9 - 16 V. If the system voltage falls outside of this voltage range, the module will shut down all outputs until the system returns to its normal operating voltage range. The system will also transition to the fault state per the conditions listed below, by shutting down all outputs for the seat in which the fault occurred.

High Temperature Fault State
During the heating or cooling modes, if the TED temperatures listed below are exceeded for more than 4 seconds, the system will enter the High Temperature Fault State. At which time the CCSM will set the TED voltage duty cycle to 0%, set the blower speed control to maximum voltage to blow ambient air over the TEDs, attempting to reduce the TED temperature below the listed maximums. The system will operate in this mode for 30 seconds. If the over temperature fault still exists after 30 seconds, the system will transition to the FAULT state for the remainder of the ignition cycle. If the over temperature fault clears, the system will then transition to the appropriate heat or cool softstart mode. The following temperatures are based upon individual readings of either sensor:



? Heat mode TED temperature exceeds 230?F (110?C).
? Cool mode TED temperature exceeds 149?F (65?C).
Temperature Delta Fault
During the heating or cooling modes, if the CCSM detects a temperature difference between the seat cushion and seat back TED temperature sensors exceeding the delta temperature listed below for more than 4 seconds, the system will enter the Temperature Delta Fault state. At which time the CCSM will set the TED voltage duty cycle to 0%, set the blower speed control to maximum voltage to blow ambient air over the TEDs, attempting to reduce the delta temperature to less than 68?F. The system will operate in this mode for 30 seconds. If the delta temperature fault still exists after 30 seconds, the system will transition to the FAULT state and remain there until the ignition has been set to OFF.



? Delta between the seat cushion and seat back temperature sensors is 104?F (40?C).
? This fault state is disabled in the back only mode.
BainMan, Thank you for this. Your research and detailed explanation of troubleshooting and repair of this seat heater issue is the best I have seen on any forum, on any topic. In fact, after a great deal of internet searching, yours is the only information I can find for 2011 GM seat heating. You just taught me everything I need to know about this, and I wish I had found you before I tore my 2011 yukon denali xl seat apart to try and figure out what was wrong. And like you, I was assuming I would find heating pads under the upholstery only find there were none. And like you I was perplexed as to how are my seats heating without heating pads. I luckily found your thread and after studying it, everything made sense. I swapped the passenger TED with the drivers seat TED and voila!, the seat is heating. I just want to say, I am 72 years old now and I worked 36 years as a professional industrial mechanic, craftsman and manager before I retired at 55 years old. My experience is immense however, no one knows everything. And without information it is difficult to troubleshoot these types of failures when one has not experienced it before. Thanks to you, I am good to go. I know a good technician when I see one and you are a master. Well done sir!
 
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