Heated Seat Element: Operation

The heated seat elements resist the flow of electrical current. When battery current is passed through the elements, the energy lost by the resistance of the elements is released in the form of heat. The heated seat temperature sensor is a NTC thermistor. When the temperature of the seat cushion cover rises, the resistance of the sensor decreases. The Memory Heated Seat/Mirror Module supplies five volts to one side of each sensor, and monitors the voltage drop through the sensor on a signal/return circuit. The Memory Heated Seat/Mirror Module uses this temperature sensor input to monitor the temperature of the seat, and regulates the current flow to the heated seat elements accordingly.