just a quick question i wanted to know if i buy a heated seat kit is that easier than trying to repair the factory heaters and how hard would it be to install a aftermarket kit

I just repaired 2 seats on a buick, it was fairly easy, replacing the whole pad would have been a much bigger deal, find the connector, check the resistance, should be less than 5 ohms, if it is greater or open you have a burnt wire, remove the seat, pull back the cover, you will see the burn if that is what it is, I soldered in a 18 awg wire, not sure how long it will last or if that is your problem, but it is the most common, next I will be repairing one on a 03 bonnevile

The problem with just adding an aftermarket seat heater, is our cars have a layer of foam that is stitched to the back side of the leather. The heat has to pass through the foam to get to you, and that is not very efficient. The original heating elements on your car are placed in the cushion prior to the foam and stitching, and are therefore closer to the surface.

9 times out of 10 the problem is in the seat cushion, and there is a break in the wire at one of the solder joints. Very easy to get at, and if you can't visually see the break you can find it quickly with a continuity meter. The tricky part is you are disconnecting several electrical connectors, and you have to reconnect them properly. This is easily managed by labelling each connector with masking tape and a marker so you keep track of what plugs in where.

Personally, I would not go the after market route. We can certainly help you with the repair if you choose to do it.

Thanks I think i'll take a shot at fixing it the car will be sitting for a few so I have some time what all do I need for this repair

basic tools to get the seat out, ohmeter, soldering iron, wire and solder. Be careful when you are removing the seat to not break any connectors. Once again, many things can cause the heated seats to not work, this is only 1 of them, check the resistance thru the connector prior to removing. Most probable cause is a burnt/open wire in the heating element

In my case (02 Bonneville), the light won't stay on on one side. I push the button, the light comes on, and 3 seconds later, it goes out..

Same problem as lordvader is having. 90% it is a break at a soldered connection in the seat cushion.

Agreed and I did a write up on how to fix them.