VW Caddy Seat Heater Dead: Repair Tips & Solutions

Had a very similar issue with my 2004 VW Golf, definitely have some experience with seat heater problems. The temperature control system showed the same symptoms, complete failure of the heating element with error codes. After checking the seat warmer thoroughly, my workshop found the heating mat inside the seat cushion was defective. The resistance wire inside had broken in multiple spots, which is apparently quite common after years of use and getting in and out of the car. The repair involved replacing the entire heating mat assembly. Total cost came to 390€ including parts and labor. The seat heating works perfectly now, getting nice and warm within minutes of activation. Before suggesting specific solutions, could you share: Have you checked if both seats are affected? Does the temperature control switch illuminate when activated? Are you getting any specific error codes? Did the heater failure happen gradually or suddenly? This info would help determine if you're dealing with the same heating element issue or possibly something else in the system.

Just had my last service done 2 weeks ago at 12098km and the mechanic checked the thermal sensor connections already. Turned out the seat heating issue was exactly as you described, failed heating element in the cushion. Currently waiting for parts, but workshop quoted 420€ for complete seat heater repair including the new heating mat assembly. Pretty close to what you paid. They mentioned these seat warmer failures are indeed common on older VWs. To answer your questions: Only driver seat affected, Switch light works normally, Error code points to heating element circuit, Failed suddenly one cold morning Good to hear your repair worked out well, gives me confidence mine will be sorted similarly once the parts arrive.

Thanks for the update, and yes, those symptoms mirror my experience exactly. These seat heater failures are definitely a known issue with our VW models. The thermal sensor connections being good actually confirms what I suspected, the heating element itself is typically the failure point, not the control system. The 420€ quote sounds right in line with current repair costs. When my heating mat was replaced, the workshop actually showed me the old one with multiple breaks in the resistance wire. The new heating element made a massive difference in performance, heating up much more evenly than the old one did even before it failed completely. The sudden failure pattern is typical too, mine went the same way. The circuit usually keeps working until the final wire break happens, then total heater failure occurs without warning. At least the repair is straightforward and should give you many more years of reliable seat warming. Since your switch illumination is working properly, this really confirms the diagnosis. Good that you caught it early before winter sets in. The new heating mat assembly should resolve the issue completely.

Good news, got the repair done today and it is working perfectly! The seat cushion heats up evenly and quickly just like when the car was new. Ended up paying exactly what was quoted, 420€ for the complete heating mat replacement. The workshop confirmed multiple breaks in the old heating element wiring, which explains the sudden heater failure. They showed me the worn parts and it was clear the resistance wire had degraded over time. Really appreciate the detailed responses about your similar experiences, helped confirm I was dealing with a common seat warmer issue and gave me confidence in the repair approach. The seat heating is now working flawlessly and I can finally stay warm during cold morning drives again. For anyone searching later with similar seat heater failures, definitely worth getting the whole heating element replaced rather than attempting partial fixes. These heating mat assemblies seem to be a known wear item on these models.