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Model specific boards => Golf mk3 => Topic started by: Bazzer on 15 October 2009, 11:42
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So, last year the passenger seat made a fairly alarming noise, like a 'sizzling' kinda thing. As winter turned into summer I forgot about it, but when I switched them on low heat today I found that both now make the noise.
I'm fairly sure it's the seats making the noise, not the dash, and I'm reasonably sure it's a relay clicking on and off lots. I have fiddled with the heater switch, and it seems to be when the seats have reached the temperature they're set to, they fizz a bit. So, when you have them set to '2', after about 5 mins the noise will occur. If you turn them up to '3', the noise goes, but returns a short while later. If you turn them down a bit, again, it goes but comes back.
So I wonder if the relay that controls the heating elements might be a bit iffy? I should imagine there would be a level of hysteresis built in to stop the control system doing it's 'on-off-on-off' thing a lot? Anyone know more about this than me? Anyone solved it? Cheers :smiley:
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Think you'll find this is normal, think the relays click to inform you that the heated seats are in fact working lol.
My VR6 Highline does the same and the seats heat up fine so I'm hoping that this is the case :laugh:
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No no Joe, they're not just clicking, they're buzzing. Like a relay being contacted "on off on off" really quickly, but only as they reach temp.
They never used to do it, they always just warmed up and were pretty much silent.
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Ooh I see what you mean now, maybe the relays need replacing?
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i get the same noise. Only happens when the seat is up to temperature. All i do is get the seat warm then turn them off again lol.
To me it sounds like an electrical noise, and i though it was coming from the actual wiring in the seat, but it is doing it on both my seats. its sounds like a loose electrical connection, where theres a spark trying to cover the gap.
When i bought the topic up couple of months ago i got no replys :/
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Got the haynes manual out and looked through for the control unit or anything about the seats. Was probably as much use AS A F**IN seat that thing. Worst £20 I have spent. In fact, next time I'm over there (they are close by) I'm going to tell them what a useless piece of crap that manual is.
Anyway.... Does anyone know where the control unit is? I'm going to guess it's not behind the switch.
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There wont be a control unit, it will be a control circuit.
Im guessing here, but i would say there is some sort of potentiometer in the dial switch on your dash. That will vary the voltage going to the heated pads in the seat. The higher the voltage, the hotter they get etc. I wouldnt of thought there would be a relay in the circuit, but i may be wrong. Also im not sure if there would be a temperature switch, again i dont think so but may be wrong.
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(http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab345/justalex1981/untitled.jpg)
(http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab345/justalex1981/untitled2.jpg)
looked on elsawin and all i could find was this. hope it helps
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thats perfect, dont supose you could do a print screen and send it, i carnt quite read a few parts.
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email sent buddy
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Oh me too! Can't quite see the numbers. :wink:
see, I knew there would be more to it than that bloody haynes bogroll...
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bazzer you don't have an email address listed :rolleyes:
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cheers pal, got it :smiley:
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Hmm, looked under the seat today and found what looks to be a relay type thing. Took the bugger apart too, and just for good measure will douse it all in contact cleaner spray tomorrow.
I did notice that both drivers and passengers side were both unclipped from the bracket, maybe a sign that someone's had them out before? Had the car aaaaages though, so maybe not.
I can't help but feel it might be the dash- based controls though, since they're both doing it.
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bazzer you've got mail. if anyone needs any more info then let me know
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i see what your saying about being in the dash, but so little happens in the dash i would be surprised if it was. If there is a control box type thing under the seat then im guessing that is where the problem lies, as that is where the noise seems to be coming from, and as its all one circuit so a problem with one could result in damage to the other?
let me know your findings anyway, unfortunately im too busy getting ready for MOT to investigate this at the mo