Seat Heater Element

This procedure replaces a faulty seat heater element in the driver or passenger seat by removing the seat cover, disconnecting the old element, installing a new one, and reassembling the seat.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Seat heater element (driver or passenger specific) × 1 — GM part 19330173 (driver) or 19330174 (passenger)
• Hog rings × 20 — Use OEM specification
• Seat cover retaining clips (if damaged) × 5 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait 2 minutes for airbag system to discharge
3. Move seat fully forward, then fully rearward to access all mounting bolts
4. Ensure seat is in full upright position for easier cover removal
5. Prepare a clean workspace to lay out the seat cover without contamination

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove seat from vehicle
   Move seat to full forward position. Remove the four seat mounting bolts (two front, two rear) using 15mm socket. Tilt seat backward to access electrical connectors under seat. Disconnect all electrical connectors including seat heater, power seat motors (if equipped), and occupancy sensor. Carefully lift seat out of vehicle.
   Torque spec

   Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Disconnect seat heater connector
   Locate the seat heater element connector on the underside of the seat cushion. Press the locking tab and disconnect the heater element connector. Use electrical contact cleaner to clean the connector if corrosion is present. Tag or photograph connector position for reassembly.
3. 3

   Remove seat back covers (if replacing backrest element)
   If replacing the backrest heater element, remove the seat back cover by removing plastic trim panels at the top and sides of the seat back using trim tools. Remove any visible screws securing the cover, then use hog ring remover to detach hog rings securing the cover to the seat frame. Work carefully around headrest mounting points.
   Torque spec

   Cover Screws14 Nm (10 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove seat cushion cover
   If replacing the seat cushion heater element, flip the seat upside down. Locate all hog rings securing the seat cover to the seat frame around the perimeter. Use hog ring remover tool to carefully remove each hog ring without tearing the cover material. Count and note the position of each hog ring for reinstallation. Separate any J-clips or plastic retainers holding the cover edges.
5. 5

   Peel back seat cover and foam
   Carefully peel the seat cover back from the foam padding to expose the heater element. The element is typically positioned between the foam and the cover material. Work slowly to avoid tearing the foam or cover. If adhesive is present, use a heat gun on low setting to soften it. Note the exact routing and position of the heater element wiring.
6. 6

   Remove old heater element
   Carefully peel the old heater element away from the seat cover or foam. The element may be adhesive-backed. Work slowly to avoid leaving adhesive residue. If element is sewn or clipped in place, remove fasteners carefully. Route the wiring connector through any foam channels and remove element completely. Inspect the seat cover for any damage that may have caused element failure.
7. 7

   Clean and prepare surface
   Clean the mounting surface on the seat cover or foam using a clean cloth. Remove any old adhesive residue if present. Ensure the surface is dry and free from debris. If the original element used adhesive, prepare the new element adhesive backing by removing protective film only when ready to install.
8. 8

   Install new heater element
   Position the new heater element in the exact location as the original, matching the wire routing pattern photographed earlier. If adhesive-backed, carefully press element into place working from center outward to avoid wrinkles or air pockets. Ensure element lies completely flat with no folds or bunched areas. Route wiring through foam channels to connector location.
9. 9

   Reinstall seat cover and foam
   Carefully lay the foam padding back into position, ensuring heater element wiring is routed properly and not pinched. Pull seat cover back over foam, aligning all original positions. Work methodically to avoid shifting the heater element underneath. Ensure cover sits evenly without wrinkles in the area over the heater element.
10. 10

    Secure seat cover with hog rings
    Using hog ring pliers, install new hog rings at each location where original rings were removed. Start at corners and work around the perimeter, pulling the cover taut but not overly tight. Ensure even tension to prevent wrinkles. Reinstall any J-clips or plastic retainers. Verify cover is properly seated and aligned on all sides.
11. 11

    Reinstall seat back covers
    If seat back was disassembled, secure the backrest cover using hog rings in original locations. Reinstall any trim panels and secure with screws. Ensure headrest mounting holes are accessible and properly aligned.
    Torque spec

    Cover Screws14 Nm (10 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reconnect electrical connector and test
    Reconnect the seat heater element connector to the vehicle harness under the seat. Ensure connector locks securely. Before reinstalling seat in vehicle, reconnect battery and test heater function using seat controls. Verify even heating across seat surface and no error messages on instrument cluster.
13. 13

    Reinstall seat in vehicle
    With battery reconnected, position seat into vehicle aligning mounting bolt holes. Connect all electrical connectors including power seat, occupancy sensor, and seat heater. Install four seat mounting bolts finger-tight, then torque in cross pattern to specification. Verify all connectors are secure and no wires are pinched.
    Torque spec

    Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Torque all seat mounting bolts to 42.0 Nm (31 lb-ft) in a cross pattern to ensure even seating
2. Verify all electrical connectors are fully seated with locking tabs engaged
3. Test seat adjustment in all directions to ensure no binding or interference
4. Ensure no tools or parts are left under or around the seat

Verification

• Turn ignition to ON position and activate seat heater using dashboard or seat controls
• Allow heater to run for 3-5 minutes and verify even heat distribution across entire seat surface by hand
• Check for any error messages or warning lights on instrument cluster related to seat systems
• Verify seat heater indicator light illuminates when activated and cycles properly through heat settings
• Test seat movement in all directions to confirm no wiring interference or binding
• Verify occupancy sensor still functions correctly (passenger seat airbag light responds appropriately)

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

Codes that commonly send this job to the bay — tap one for symptoms, causes, and diagnostic steps.

Chasing one of these codes and not sure which part is guilty? Ask a master mechanic about YOUR car →

More procedures for this vehicle