Seat Heater Module?

CALL503RUSS

MEMBER
2011 BUICK REGAL
65,000 MILES

The driver's side seat heater was shutting off after 63 seconds. Read online it could be the module under the driver's seat. I replaced with a new OEM part and now both seats do not come on. I believe I need to have the BCM programmed to add the new part. Does that sound correct and what should it cost? Does it need to be done by a dealer or would most shops have the ability to do this?

1 Reply

STEVE W.

MECHANIC
13,014 POSTS

The module needs to be updated to match the vehicles options and equipment. Attached is the procedure that requires a good scan tool and the link to the programming site. Some shops can do it, but it depends on the shop, some will say they can but then send it to a dealership and charge you for all of it. The normal failure of the controller is that it shuts off both seats, not just one. If the passenger seat would stay on and the driver's side only shut off the issue is more likely the seat element or the thermistor wiring that tells the controller when the seat reached the set temperature. However, testing requires a good scan tool to watch the temperatures reported by the parts and see if they are responding properly.

Image (Click to make bigger)