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hannesberger4

Sierra Massage Function Dead: Common Causes & Solutions

The massage function in my 2002 Sierra stopped working completely and now shows an error code. The seat switch seems unresponsive when trying to activate the massage feature. Before taking it to a mechanic again, has anyone dealt with a similar electrical issue in their car upholstery system? My previous repair experience wasnt great, so looking for advice. Its a gasoline model with 85500km on the clock. Any tips on common causes or reliable fixes would help.

4 comment(s)

majaice1

Had the same issue in my 2005 Canyon. The massage setting failure was caused by a loose wiring harness under the automotive seats. Initially thought it was just the seat motor or switch failure, but the diagnostic revealed the main control module connector had corroded terminals. The fix required removing the car upholstery to access the wiring. The technician found the plug connection had developed resistance over time, causing intermittent function before complete failure. This is actually a common problem in these models after extended use. The repair involved cleaning the connector pins, applying dielectric grease, and securing the harness properly. While not a major mechanical issue, it requires specific knowledge to avoid damaging the seat components during disassembly. Suggest having a professional check the wiring connections first before replacing any components. The error code typically points to an electrical connectivity issue rather than a failed massage unit itself. Based on the mileage and age, its worth checking the entire seat wiring harness while the upholstery is removed, as other connectors might show early signs of wear.

hannesberger4 (Author)

Thanks for the detailed reply about the luxury car massage chair issue. Really helpful to hear about that wiring harness problem. The switch failure diagnosis makes total sense given the symptoms. Had similar repairs done last month but started noticing some vibration again. Did the fix hold up well for you over time? Would be great to know how much the repair ended up costing too, just to have a reference price before I take it in.

majaice1

Since getting the luxury car massage system repaired, the fix has worked perfectly without any issues. The repair cost came to 95 Euro for fixing the faulty cable connection, which was exactly what the seat switch needed. The mechanic discovered the electrical issue was indeed related to the plug connection being defective, just as suspected. The vibration you mention might be similar to what mine showed before the complete switch failure. Getting it checked early helped prevent more extensive damage to the massage setting components. The wiring harness repair has been solid for months now, with no signs of the previous electrical problems returning. For this specific repair involving the seat switch and connector issues, the price was reasonable considering the detailed work needed to access and fix the components. The original diagnosis about the connectivity problem proved correct, and the massage feature now works as smoothly as when the car was new.

hannesberger4 (Author)

Finally got the massage seat fixed last week after taking it to a certified shop. The mechanic found exactly what was described, corroded wiring connections under the car upholstery. The electrical issue turned out to be cheaper to fix than expected at 120 Euro, since they only needed to clean and reconnect the worn parts rather than replace the entire seat motor. The seat switch now responds perfectly and the massage feature works like new. The vibration issue completely disappeared after they secured the loose wiring harness properly. Much better experience this time compared to my previous repair attempts. Definitely worth finding a shop that specifically knew about these electrical system issues. They completed the whole job in under 3 hours and even applied protective coating to prevent future corrosion. Really glad I checked here before spending money on unnecessary parts replacement.

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