PT Cruiser Seat Heater Failure, Cost & Repair Tips

Had the same issue with a 2005 PT Cruiser CRD Diesel. The seat warmer failed completely and temperature control became unresponsive. Automotive repair revealed a common failure point, the heating element inside the seat cushion had burned through. The heating repair involved removing the entire seat cover to access the heating mat. The original heating element was damaged beyond repair and required full replacement. This is actually a serious safety concern since damaged heating elements can potentially cause seat material damage. The seat warmer repair was straightforward but labor-intensive. The technician had to carefully separate the upholstery, replace the heating mat assembly, and ensure proper connection to the temperature sensors. They also checked the wiring harness which commonly gets damaged due to seat movement. For these PT Cruiser models, seat heater failures are a known issue after 60000 km. Getting it fixed properly is important, poor repairs can lead to temperature control problems or complete system failure again. Would recommend having a certified shop handle this since proper heating mat installation is crucial for both function and safety.

Thanks for sharing your experience. My thermal sensor actually started acting up again about 2 months after the repair, and I had to take it back. Did you encounter any other problems with the seat heater system since getting it fixed? Also curious about the repair cost, the parts and labor for my heating element replacement came to 380€, but prices might have changed since then. Let me know what you ended up paying.

Good news, since getting the complete heating element replacement at the certified shop, my seat heater has worked flawlessly. No recurring thermal sensor issues or heater failures like you experienced. The repair cost was slightly higher at 390€, which included both the new heating mat and labor for proper installation in the seat cushion. The automotive repair shop did a thorough job testing all connections and securing the new heating element correctly within the seat assembly. This attention to detail during installation seems to have prevented any follow-up problems. Unlike some quick fixes that can lead to repeated issues, a proper repair with quality parts tends to last. Based on the forum discussions, recurring sensor problems often indicate either a loose connection or improper heating mat installation. Might be worth having your shop check these specifically since your thermal sensor is acting up again. The extra diagnostic time could save money in the long run by avoiding multiple repair attempts.

After reading your response, I decided to get a second opinion at a different shop specializing in automotive repair. The thermal sensor issue turned out to be from a poorly secured connection in the initial repair. The new technician found the heating element was slightly misaligned, causing irregular temperature control. The fix was much cheaper this time, just 120€ for rewiring and properly securing the existing heating mat. The seat warmer now works perfectly and maintains consistent heat levels. The shop even showed me exactly what was wrong with the previous installation. Really glad I asked here before throwing more money at the original repair shop. Sometimes paying a bit more for a qualified technician who knows these specific heating repair issues saves money in the long run. No more cold seats for me this winter!