B0280low severityBody
Driver Heated Seat Element Circuit
on 2003 Toyota 4Runner 4.0L V6 · RWD
What this code means
Malfunction in the driver heated seat heating element circuit. The seat heater does not warm up.
Symptoms
- Driver heated seat not warming
- Seat heater turns off immediately
- Heated seat indicator flashes
- Seat heater works intermittently
Common causes
- Open heating element wire
- Thermostat/thermistor failure
- Seat heater module fault
- Connector corrosion under seat
- Wiring damage from seat track movement
Diagnostic steps
- Test heated seat element resistance
- Check thermostat/thermistor
- Inspect under-seat connector
- Test seat heater module output
- Check for broken wires at seat track flex point
Repair notes
Replace heated seat element pad or repair wiring at flex point near seat track.
🔌 Don't have a code reader?
Any of these will read and clear this code — pick by how deep you want to go.
Bluetooth code reader (~$25)
Veepeak OBDCheck BLE →
Pairs with your phone — reads and clears codes, live data.
Serious DIY (~$100)
BlueDriver Pro →
Enhanced codes (ABS, airbag, TPMS) plus repair reports.
Shop-grade tablet (~$300+)
Autel MaxiCOM MK808S →
Bidirectional tests, service resets, all systems.
As an Amazon Associate, OLP earns from qualifying purchases — how we link. This never changes the specs we publish.
Other Body codes on this vehicle
B0001
Driver Frontal Stage 1 Deployment Control
B0002
Driver Frontal Stage 2 Deployment Control
B0003
Passenger Frontal Stage 1 Deployment Control
B0004
Passenger Frontal Stage 2 Deployment Control
B0005
Driver Knee Airbag Deployment Circuit
B0006
Passenger Knee Airbag Deployment Circuit
B0010
Driver Side Airbag Deployment
B0011
Driver Side Airbag Deployment Circuit Open
B0012
Driver Side Airbag Deployment Circuit Short to Ground
B0013
Driver Side Airbag Deployment Circuit Short to Battery