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[Haywood]

Hi, just wondering if anyone can give me some ideas on a problem I have with
my heated seats. I have a 2001 A4 Quattro. When I turn on the heat for the
driver's seat I get a very rapid and intense warming in the left side of the
seat...almost too hot. Even with the control at the number 1 position. I
haven't blown any breakers, so I don't think it's a short circuit. The
problem could be in the seat or in the control. What's your opinion? I
don't have access to a service manual, so I'm looking for some advice. TIA

[Robert]

Yes, that's what they do. Normal behaviour. If two occurrences
constitutes a normal behaviour.

I have a 2001 A4 TS Avant. Mine started feeling warm on the left side of
the driver's cushion (driver's seat on left hand side of the car). Then
it smoked, burned a hole through the seat fabric, scorched my trousers,
then shut off never to work again, regardless of whether I dialled 1, 6,
or 47 on the panel. I still haven't got it fixed.

In your case, it sounds as if it's about to fail. Unfortunately I have
no advice on how to repair *before* it goes but it might be an idea to
stop using it; I wish I had. My reading of the situation is that the
heater element started cracking in one place, leaving a too-thin strip
which could not carry the current adequately, resulting in overheating
prior to complete failure. Quite reasonable when considering that the
outside of the seat takes a beating since that's the first and last
point of contact as the driver enters and exits the car. But I have no
evidence that it's not the heater control (though I doubt it).

You others out there (who actually know, please): to replace the heating
element:
1) do you have to remove a fuse or disconnect battery to reduce airbag
detonation,
2) does the whole seat cushion have to be removed, or can the element be
replaced separately?

3) any idea of cost?

/Robert

[Tim in Portland]

Same thing happens to me, A4 1.8T (00'). I'm really getting tired of the
"little" things going wrong with this car. It's nickle and diming me to
death.

Tim in Portland

[Haywood]

It seems it's a fairly common problem. Does anyone have a cause and remedy
for this? I hope I don't have to buy a new seat...I love the heated seats in
the winter. Any advice is appreciated

[jtech]

Heated seats
You can order just the seat bottom cover with the heating element.
Need to remove the seat to replace it.
Just remove the key from the ignition before disconnecting the side airbag.