light MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER 2005 Service User Guide

COOLING
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
COOLING
OPERATIONÐCOOLING SYSTEM...........1
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - PRELIMINARY
CHECKS.............................1DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - COOLING
SYSTEM.............................2
ACCESSORY DRIVE.......................5
ENGINE................................9
COOLING
OPERATIONÐCOOLING SYSTEM
The cooling system regulates engine operating tem-
perature. It allows the engine to reach normal oper-
ating temperature as quickly as possible. It also
maintains normal operating temperature and pre-
vents overheating.
The cooling system also provides a means of heat-
ing the passenger compartment and cooling the auto-
matic transmission fluid (if equipped). The cooling
system is pressurized and uses a centrifugal water
pump to circulate coolant throughout the system.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - PRELIMINARY
CHECKS
ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM OVERHEATING
Establish what driving conditions caused the com-
plaint. Abnormal loads on the cooling system such as
the following may be the cause:
²PROLONGED IDLE
²VERY HIGH AMBIENT TEMPERATURE
²SLIGHT TAIL WIND AT IDLE
²SLOW TRAFFIC
²TRAFFIC JAMS
²HIGH SPEED OR STEEP GRADES
Driving techniques that avoid overheating are:
²Idle with A/C off when temperature gauge is at
end of normal range.
²Increasing engine speed for more air flow is rec-
ommended.TRAILER TOWING:
Consult Trailer Towing section of owners manual.
Do not exceed limits.
AIR CONDITIONING; ADD-ON OR AFTER MARKET:
A maximum cooling package should have been
ordered with vehicle if add-on or after market A/C is
installed. If not, maximum cooling system compo-
nents should be installed for model involved per
manufacturer's specifications.
RECENT SERVICE OR ACCIDENT REPAIR:
Determine if any recent service has been per-
formed on vehicle that may effect cooling system.
This may be:
²Engine adjustments (incorrect timing)
²Slipping engine accessory drive belt(s)
²Brakes (possibly dragging)
²Changed parts. Incorrect water pump or pump
rotating in wrong direction due to belt not correctly
routed
²Reconditioned radiator or cooling system refill-
ing (possibly under filled or air trapped in system).
NOTE: If investigation reveals none of the previous
items as a cause for an engine overheating com-
plaint, (Refer to 7 - COOLING - DIAGNOSIS AND
TESTING)
VACOOLING 7 - 1

acteristics than ethylene glycol. This can increase
cylinder head temperatures under certain conditions.
Propylene-glycol/Ethylene-glycol MixturesÐShould Not Be
Used in Chrysler Vehicles
Propylene-glycol/ethylene-glycol Mixtures can
cause the destabilization of various corrosion inhibi-
tors, causing damage to the various cooling system
components. Also, once ethylene-glycol and propy-
lene-glycol based coolants are mixed in the vehicle,
conventional methods of determining freeze point will
not be accurate. Both the refractive index and spe-
cific gravity differ between ethylene glycol and propy-
lene glycol.
CAUTION: Richer antifreeze mixtures cannot be
measured with normal field equipment and can
cause problems associated with 100 percent ethyl-
ene-glycol.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - COOLING SYSTEM
LEAKS
ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT METHOD
A leak detection additive is available through the
parts department that can be added to cooling sys-
tem. The additive is highly visible under ultraviolet
light (black light). Pour one ounce of additive into
cooling system. Place heater control unit in HEAT
position. Start and operate engine until radiator
upper hose is warm to touch. Aim the commercially
available black light tool at components to be
checked. If leaks are present, black light will cause
additive to glow a bright green color.
The black light can be used in conjunction with a
pressure tester to determine if any external leaks
exist (Fig. 1).
PRESSURE TESTER METHOD
The engine should be at normal operating temper-
ature. Recheck the system cold if cause of coolant
loss is not located during the warm engine examina-
tion.
WARNING: HOT, PRESSURIZED COOLANT CAN
CAUSE INJURY BY SCALDING.
Carefully remove coolant recovery pressure con-
tainer cap and check coolant level. Push down on cap
to disengage it from stop tabs. Wipe inside of con-
tainer and examine lower inside sealing seat for
nicks, cracks, paint, dirt and solder residue. Inspect
radiator-to- pressure container hose for internal
obstructions. Insert a wire through the hose to be
sure it is not obstructed.Inspect cams on outside of pressure container. If
cams are damaged, seating of pressure cap valve and
tester seal will be affected.
Attach pressure tester (7700 or an equivalent) to
coolant pressure container (Fig. 2).
Fig. 1 Leak Detection Using Black Light - Typical
1 - TYPICAL BLACK LIGHT TOOL
Fig. 2 PRESSURE TESTING
1 - PRESSURE RESERVOIR CAP
2 - PRESSURE RESERVOIR
3 - PRESSURE TESTER
7 - 10 ENGINEVA
COOLANT (Continued)

Operate tester pump to apply 103.4 kPa (15 psi)
pressure to system. If hoses enlarge excessively or
bulges while testing, replace as necessary. Observe
gauge pointer and determine condition of cooling sys-
tem according to following criteria:
Holds Steady:If pointer remains steady for two
minutes, serious coolant leaks are not present in sys-
tem. However, there could be an internal leak that
does not appear with normal system test pressure. If
it is certain that coolant is being lost and leaks can-
not be detected, inspect for interior leakage or per-
form Internal Leakage Test.
Drops Slowly:Indicates a small leak or seepage
is occurring. Examine all connections for seepage or
slight leakage with a flashlight. Inspect radiator,
hoses, gasket edges and heater. Seal small leak holes
with a Sealer Lubricant (or equivalent). Repair leak
holes and inspect system again with pressure
applied.
Drops Quickly:Indicates that serious leakage is
occurring. Examine system for external leakage. If
leaks are not visible, inspect for internal leakage.
Large radiator leak holes should be repaired by a
reputable radiator repair shop.
INTERNAL LEAKAGE INSPECTION
Remove engine oil pan drain plug and drain a
small amount of engine oil. If coolant is present in
the pan, it will drain first because it is heavier than
oil. An alternative method is to operate engine for a
short period to churn the oil. After this is done,
remove engine dipstick and inspect for water glob-
ules. Also inspect transmission dipstick for water
globules and transmission fluid cooler for leakage.
WARNING: WITH RADIATOR PRESSURE TESTER
TOOL INSTALLED ON RADIATOR, DO NOT ALLOW
PRESSURE TO EXCEED 110 KPA (20 PSI). PRES-
SURE WILL BUILD UP QUICKLY IF A COMBUSTION
LEAK IS PRESENT. TO RELEASE PRESSURE,
ROCK TESTER FROM SIDE TO SIDE. WHEN
REMOVING TESTER, DO NOT TURN TESTER MORE
THAN 1/2 TURN IF SYSTEM IS UNDER PRESSURE.
Operate engine without pressure cap on coolant
container until thermostat opens. Attach a Pressure
Tester to container. If pressure builds up quickly it
indicates a combustion leak exists. This is usually
the result of a cylinder head gasket leak or crack in
engine. Repair as necessary.
If there is not an immediate pressure increase,
pump the Pressure Tester. Do this until indicated
pressure is within system range of 110 kPa (16 psi).
Fluctuation of gauge pointer indicates compression or
combustion leakage into cooling system.Because the vehicle is equipped with a catalytic
converter,do notremove spark plug cables or short
out cylinders to isolate compression leak.
If the needle on dial of pressure tester does not
fluctuate, race engine a few times to check for an
abnormal amount of coolant or steam. This would be
emitting from exhaust pipe. Coolant or steam from
exhaust pipe may indicate a faulty cylinder head gas-
ket, cracked engine cylinder block or cylinder head.
A convenient check for exhaust gas leakage into
cooling system is provided by a commercially avail-
able Block Leak Check tool. Follow manufacturers
instructions when using this product.
COMBUSTION LEAKAGE TEST - WITHOUT
PRESSURE TESTER
DO NOT WASTE reusable coolant. If solution is
clean, drain coolant into a clean and suitably marked
container for reuse.
WARNING: DO NOT REMOVE CYLINDER BLOCK
DRAIN PLUGS OR LOOSEN RADIATOR DRAIN
WITH SYSTEM HOT AND UNDER PRESSURE. SERI-
OUS BURNS FROM COOLANT CAN OCCUR.
Drain sufficient coolant to allow thermostat removal.
Remove accessory drive belt.
Add coolant to pressure container to bring level to
within 6.3 mm (1/4 in) of top of thermostat housing.
CAUTION: Avoid overheating. Do not operate
engine for an excessive period of time. Open drain-
cock immediately after test to eliminate boil over.
Start engine and accelerate rapidly three times, to
approximately 3000 rpm while observing coolant. If
internal engine combustion gases are leaking into
cooling system, bubbles will appear in coolant. If bub-
bles do not appear, internal combustion gas leakage
is not present.
STANDARD PROCEDURE
STANDARD PROCEDURE - ADDING
ADDITIONAL COOLANT
The use of aluminum cylinder blocks, cylinder
heads and water pumps requires special corrosion
protection. Only MopartAntifreeze/Coolant, 5
Year/100,000 Mile Formula (glycol base coolant with
corrosion inhibitors called HOAT, for Hybrid Organic
Additive Technology) is recommended. This coolant
offers the best engine cooling without corrosion when
mixed with 50% distilled water to obtain to obtain a
freeze point of -37ÉC (-35ÉF). If it loses color or
becomes contaminated, drain, flush, and replace with
fresh properly mixed coolant solution.
VAENGINE 7 - 11
COOLANT (Continued)

(16) Install A/C condenser.
(17) Install front bumper.
(18) Install front end cross member.
(19) Refill power steering to proper level.
(20) Refill transmission to proper level.
(21) Close radiator drain plug and refill the cooling
system to the correct level with the appropriate cool-
ant mixture.
(22) Recharge air conditioning.
(23) Run engine until warm and check for leaks.
RADIATOR PRESSURE CAP
DESCRIPTION
All vehicles are equipped with a pressure cap (Fig.
11). This cap releases pressure at some point within
a range of 124-to-145 kPa (18-to-21 psi). The pres-
sure relief point (in pounds) is engraved on top of the
capThe cooling system will operate at pressures
slightly above atmospheric pressure. This results in a
higher coolant boiling point allowing increased radi-
ator cooling capacity. The cap contains a spring-
loaded pressure relief valve. This valve opens when
system pressure reaches the release range of 124-to-
145 kPa (18-to-21 psi).
A rubber gasket seals the radiator filler neck. This
is done to maintain vacuum during coolant cool-down
and to prevent leakage when system is under pres-
sure.OPERATION
A vent valve in the center of the cap will remain
shut as long as the cooling system is pressurized. As
the coolant cools, it contracts and creates a vacuum
in cooling system. This causes the vacuum valve to
open and coolant in reserve/overflow tank to be
drawn through connecting hose into radiator. If the
vacuum valve is stuck shut, or overflow hose is
kinked, radiator hoses will collapse on cool-down.
Fig. 10 RADIATOR AND FAN SHROUD
1 - CLIP
2 - SHROUD
3 - RADIATOR
4 - BOTTOM RADIATOR TRIM PANEL
5 - CHARGE AIR COOLER
6 - TOP RADIATOR TRIM PANEL
7 - POWER STEERING COOLER LOOP
Fig. 11 Radiator Pressure Cap - Typical
1 - FILLER NECK SEAL
2 - VACUUM VENT VALVE
3 - PRESSURE RATING
4 - PRESSURE VALVE
7 - 18 ENGINEVA
RADIATOR (Continued)

²Lights-On Warning- The EMIC chime tone
generator will generate repetitive chime tones at a
fast rate when either front door is opened with the
ignition switch in any position except On, and the
exterior lights are turned On. The EMIC uses inter-
nal programming and hard wired inputs from the left
(lighting) control stalk of the multi-function switch,
the ignition switch, and both front door jamb
switches to determine the current status of these
switches. This chime will continue to sound until the
exterior lighting is turned Off, until the ignition
switch is turned to the On position, or until both
front doors are closed, whichever occurs first.
²Key-In-Ignition Warning-
The EMIC chime
tone generator will generate repetitive chime tones at a
fast rate when the key is in the ignition lock cylinder,
the ignition switch is in any position except On, and
either front door is opened. The EMIC uses internal
programming and hard wired inputs from the key-in
ignition switch, the ignition switch, and both front door
jamb switches to determine the current status of these
switches. The chime will continue to sound until the key
is removed from the ignition lock cylinder, until the
ignition switch is turned to the On position, or until
both front doors are closed, whichever occurs first.
²Audible Turn Signal/Hazard Warning Sup-
port-
The EMIC contactless relay will generate repeti-
tive clicks at a slow rate during normal turn signal/
hazard warning operation, or at a fast rate when a turn
signal lamp bulb or circuit is inoperative, in concert with
the operation of the turn signal indicators in the cluster.
These clicks are designed to emulate the sound of the
opening and closing of the contact points in a conven-
tional electro-mechanical turn signal or hazard warning
flasher. The EMIC uses a hard wired input received from
the turn signal relay in the fuse block beneath the steer-
ing column through the turn signal or hazard warning
switch circuitry of the multi-function switch to determine
when to flash the turn signal indicators and activate the
contactless relay on the cluster electronic circuit board.
The turn signal clicks will continue to sound until the
turn signal switch is turned Off, or until the ignition
switch is turned to the Off position, whichever occurs
first. The hazard warning clicks will continue to sound
until the hazard warning switch is turned Off.
The EMIC provides chime service for all available
features in the chime warning system. The EMIC relies
upon its internal programming and hard wired inputs
from the front door ajar switches, the key-in ignition
switch, the ignition switch, the seat belt switch, and the
turn signal/hazard warning (multi-function) switches.
The EMIC relies upon electronic message inputs
received from other electronic modules over the CAN
data bus network to provide chime service for the low
engine oil level warning. Upon receiving the proper
inputs, the EMIC activates the chime tone generator orthe contactless relay to provide the audible warning to
the vehicle operator. The internal programming of the
EMIC determines the priority of each chime request
input that is received, as well as the rate and duration
of each tone that is to be generated. See the owner's
manual in the vehicle glove box for more information on
the features provided by the chime warning system.
The hard wired chime warning system inputs to
the EMIC, as well as other hard wired circuits for
this system may be diagnosed and tested using con-
ventional diagnostic tools and procedures. However,
conventional diagnostic methods may not prove con-
clusive in the diagnosis of the EMIC, the CAN data
bus network, or the electronic message inputs used
by the EMIC to provide chime warning system ser-
vice. The most reliable, efficient, and accurate means
to diagnose the EMIC, the CAN data bus network,
and the electronic message inputs for the chime
warning system requires the use of a DRBIIItscan
tool. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic information.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - CHIME WARNING
SYSTEM
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIRBAGS,
DISABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM
BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL,
STEERING COLUMN, DRIVER AIRBAG, PASSENGER
AIRBAG, SEAT BELT TENSIONER, OR INSTRUMENT
PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DIS-
CONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE
(GROUND) CABLE, THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR
THE SYSTEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE
PERFORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE.
THIS IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE SUP-
PLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE
THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN
ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE
PERSONAL INJURY.
The hard wired chime warning system inputs to
the Electro-Mechanical Instrument Cluster (EMIC),
as well as other hard wired circuits for this system
may be diagnosed and tested using conventional
diagnostic tools and procedures. However, conven-
tional diagnostic methods may not prove conclusive
in the diagnosis of the EMIC, the Controller Area
Network (CAN) data bus network, or the electronic
message inputs used by the EMIC to provide chime
warning system service. The most reliable, efficient,
and accurate means to diagnose the EMIC, the CAN
data bus network, and the electronic message inputs
for the chime warning system requires the use of a
DRBIIItscan tool. Refer to the appropriate diagnos-
tic information.
8B - 2 CHIME/BUZZERVA
CHIME/BUZZER (Continued)

TRANSMISSION CONTROL
MODULE
DESCRIPTION
The transmission control module (TCM) receives,
processes and sends various digital and analog sig-
nals related to the automatic transmission. In addi-
tion, it processes information received from other
vehicle systems, such as engine torque and speed,
accelerator pedal position, wheel speed, kick-down
switch, traction control information, etc.
The TCM is located under the driver's seat and is
connected to other control modules via a CAN bus. It
controls all shift functions to achieve smooth shift
comfort in all driving situations considering:
²Vehicle speed.
²Transmission status.
²Position of selector lever.
²Selected shift range.
²CAN signals.
²Engine Status.Engine speed limits may be reached in all gears
with full throttle or in kick-down operation. In for-
ward driving, the shift range of the forward gears
can be adjusted by the operator by tipping the selec-
tor lever to the left or right (AutoStick). However, the
TCM features a downshift inhibitor to prevent the
engine from overspeeding.
OPERATION
The transmission control module (TCM) deter-
mines the current operating conditions of the vehicle
and controls the shifting process for shift comfort and
driving situations. It receives this operating data
from sensors and broadcast messages from other
modules.
The TCM uses inputs from several sensors that are
directly hardwired to the controller and it uses sev-
eral indirect inputs that are used to control shifts.
This information is used to actuate the proper sole-
noids in the valve body to achieve the desired gear.
The shift lever assembly (SLA) has several items
that are monitored by the TCM to calculate shift
lever position. The reverse light switch, an integral
part of the SLA, controls the reverse light relay con-
trol circuit. The Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock
(BTSI) solenoid and the park lockout solenoid (also
part of the SLA) are controlled by the TCM.
The ECM and ABS broadcast messages over the
controller area network (CAN C) bus for use by the
TCM. The TCM uses this information, with other
inputs, to determine the transmission operating con-
ditions.
The TCM:
²determines the momentary operating conditions
of the vehicle.
²controls all shift processes.
²considers shift comfort and the driving situation.
The TCM controls the solenoid valves for modulat-
ing shift pressures and gear changes. Relative to the
torque being transmitted, the required pressures are
calculated from load conditions, engine rpm, vehicle
speed, and ATF temperature.
The following functions are contained in the TCM:
²Shift Program
²Downshift Safety
²Torque Converter Lock-Up Clutch.
²Adaptation.
This transmission does not have a TCM relay.
Power is supplied to the SLA and the TCM directly
from the ignition.
Fig. 3 ECM
1 - BRACKET
2 - ECM
3 - BRACKET TENSIONING SPRINGS
VAELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULES 8E - 5
ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (Continued)

²Low and High ATF Temperature.
Upshift
To :1-2 2-3 3-4 4-5
Activated
By
Solenoid:1-2/4-5 2-3 3-4 1-2/4-5
Shift
Point (at
35.2% of
throttle)17.8
km/h
(11.6
mph)32.1
km/h
(19.95
mph)67.5
km/h
(41.94
mph)73.8
km/h
(45.86
mph)
Downshift
From:5-4 4-3 3-2 2-1
Activated
By
Solenoid:1-2/4-5 3-4 2-3 1-2/4-5
Shift
Point55.7
km/h
(34.61
mph)40.5
km/h
(25.17
mph)24.4
km/h
(15.16
mph)15.1
km/h
(9.38
mph)
DOWNSHIFT SAFETY
Selector lever downshifts are not performed if inad-
missible high engine rpm is sensed.
ADAPTATION
To equalize tolerances and wear, an automatic
adaptation takes place for:
²Shift Time.
²Clutch Filling Time.
²Clutch Filling Pressure.
²Torque Converter Lock-Up Control.
Adaptation data may be stored permanently and to
some extent, can be diagnosed.
Driving Style Adaptation
The shift point is modified in steps based on the
information from the inputs. The control module
looks at inputs such as:
²vehicle acceleration and deceleration (calculated
by the TCM).
²rate of change as well as the position of the
throttle pedal (fuel injection information from the
ECM).
²lateral acceleration (calculated by the TCM).
²gear change frequency (how often the shift
occurs).
Based on how aggressive the driver is, the TCM
moves up the shift so that the present gear is held a
little longer before the next upshift. If the driving
style is still aggressive, the shift point is modified up
to ten steps. If the driving returns to normal, thenthe shift point modification also returns to the base
position.
This adaptation has no memory. The adaptation to
driving style is nothing more than a shift point mod-
ification meant to assist an aggressive driver. The
shift points are adjusted for the moment and return
to base position as soon as the inputs are controlled
in a more rational manner.
Shift Time Adaptation (Shift Overlap Adaptation, Working
Pressure)
Shift time adaptation is the ability of the TCM to
electronically alter the time it takes to go from one
gear to another. Shift time is defined as the time it
takes to disengage one shift member while another is
being applied. Shift time adaptation is divided into
four categories:
33. Accelerating upshift, which is an upshift under
a load. For shift time adaptation for the 1-2 upshift
to take place, the transmission must shift from 1st to
2nd in six different engine load ranges vs. transmis-
sion output speed ranges.
34. Decelerating upshift, which is an upshift under
no load. This shift is a rolling upshift and is accom-
plished by letting the vehicle roll into the next gear.
35. Accelerating downshift, which is a downshift
under load. This shift can be initiated by the throttle,
with or without kickdown. The shift selector can also
be used.
36. Decelerating downshift, which is accomplished
by coasting down. As the speed of the vehicle
decreases, the transmission downshifts.
Fill Pressure Adaptation (Apply Pressure Adaptation,
Modulating Pressure)
Fill pressure adaptation is the ability of the TCM
to modify the pressure used to engage a shift mem-
ber. The value of this pressure determines how firm
the shift will be.
²If too much pressure is used, the shift will be
hard.
²If too little pressure is used, the transmission
may slip.
The pressure adjustment is needed to compensate
for the tolerances of the shift pressure solenoid valve.
The amount the solenoid valve opens as well as how
quickly the valve can move, has an effect on the pres-
sure. The return spring for the shift member pro-
vides a resistance that must be overcome by the
pressure in order for shift member to apply. These
return springs have slightly different values. This
also affects the application pressure and is compen-
sated for by fill pressure adaptation.
Fill Time Adaptation (Engagement Time Adaptation)
Fill time is the time it takes to fill the piston cav-
ity and take up any clearances for a friction element
VAELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULES 8E - 7
TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE (Continued)

OPERATION
The heated seat system is designed to provide indi-
vidually controlled, supplemental heat to the seat
cushion and seat back surfaces of both front seats.
Because this system converts electrical current to
heat, the heated seat system can provide a measure
of warm comfort almost immediately upon entering a
cold vehicle, rather than having to wait for the
engine coolant to reach sufficient temperature to
deliver heat through the conventional heater system.
This system allows each front seat occupant to indi-
vidually select one of two comfort levels, Hi or Lo, or
to turn the heater for their seat off.
The heated seat system components operate on
battery current received through a fuse in the Fuse
Block on a fused ignition switch output (run-acc) cir-
cuit so that the system will only operate when theignition switch is in the On or Accessory positions.
The heated seat system will be turned Off automati-
cally whenever the ignition switch is turned to any
position except On or Accessory. Also, the heated seat
system will not operate when the surface tempera-
ture of the seat cushion cover at either heated seat
sensor is above the designed temperature set points
of the system.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - HEATED SEATS
Refer toWiringfor the appropriate wiring infor-
mation. The wiring information includes wiring dia-
grams, proper wire and connector repair procedures,
further details on wire harness routing and reten-
tion, as well as pin-out and location views for the
various wire harness connectors, splices and grounds.
HEATED SEAT SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
NO HEATED SEAT SWITCH
ILLUMINATION WITH
IGNITION ON1. Faulty fuse. 1. Check heated seat fuse in Fuse Block.
Replace fuse, if required.
2. Wiring faulty. 2. Check fused ignition switch output (run-acc)
circuit from heated seat switch connector to
ignition switch. Repair, if required.
3. Ground faulty. 3. Check for ground at heated seat switch
connector. Repair, if required.
4. Faulty switch. 4. Refer to Heated Seat Switch for the proper
switch diagnosis and testing procedures.
DRIVER HEATED SEAT
SWITCH
DESCRIPTION
The heated seat switches are located on the instru-
ment panel, in the accessory switch bezel. The two,
momentary rocker type switches provide a signal to
the Heated Seat Relay through separate hard wired
circuits. Each switch contains two light emitting
diodes (LED), one for each High and Low setting to
let the occupant know that the seat heater system is
on.
The heated seat switches and their LED's cannot
be repaired. If either switch is faulty or damaged the
entire switch must be replaced.
OPERATION
There are three modes that can be selected with
each of the heated seat switches: Off, Low, and High.
When the top of the switch rocker is depressed, the
low mode is selected and the low mode LED indicator
illuminates. Depressing the top of the switch rocker asecond time will turn the heated seat to Off. This
same process is repeated for High heat setting. The
heated seats will automatically return to the Off
mode anytime the vehicle ignition switch is turned
Off.
Both switches provide separate hard wire inputs to
the Heated Seat Relay to indicate the selected mode.
The Heated Seat Relay responds to the heated seat
switch messages by controlling the output to the seat
heater elements of the selected seat.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - DRIVER HEATED
SEAT SWITCH
For circuit description and diagrams, refer toWir-
ing.
(1) Inspect the Heated Seat Switches for apparent
damage or sticking/binding and replace if required.
Refer to Heated Seat Switch Removal and Installa-
tion in this section.
(2) Replace the heated seat switch with a known
good unit and retest the heated seat system.
8G - 2 HEATED SYSTEMSVA
HEATED SEATS (Continued)

HEATED SEAT RELAY
DESCRIPTION
The heated seat relay is an electromechanical
device that switches 12v battery current to the
heated seat elements when the relay control coil is
energized. The heated seat relay is located in the
Fuse Block, under the drivers seat. The heated seat
relay is a International Standards Organization
(ISO) relay. Relays conforming to the ISO specifica-
tions have common physical dimensions, current
capacities, terminal patterns, and terminal functions.
The heated seat relay cannot be repaired or
adjusted and, if faulty or damaged, it must be
replaced.
OPERATION
The ISO relay consists of an electromagnetic coil, a
resistor or diode, and three (two fixed and one mov-
able) electrical contacts. The movable (common feed)
relay contact is held against one of the fixed contacts
(normally closed) by spring pressure. When the elec-
tromagnetic coil is energized, it draws the movable
contact away from the normally closed fixed contact,
and holds it against the other (normally open) fixed
contact. When the electromagnetic coil is de-ener-
gized, spring pressure returns the movable contact to
the normally closed position. The resistor or diode is
connected in parallel with the electromagnetic coil in
the relay, and helps to dissipate voltage spikes that
are produced when the coil is de-energized.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - HEATED SEAT
RELAY
The heated seat relay is located in the Fuse Block,
under the drivers seat. Refer toWiringfor the loca-
tion of complete heated seat system wiring diagrams.
(1) Remove the heated seat relay from the fuse
block.
(2) A relay in the de-energized position should
have continuity between terminals 87A and 30, and
no continuity between terminals 87 and 30. If OK, go
to Step 3. If not OK, replace the faulty relay.
(3) Resistance between terminals 85 and 86 (elec-
tromagnet) should be 75   5 ohms. If OK, go to Step
4. If not OK, replace the faulty relay.
(4) Connect a battery to terminals 85 and 86.
There should now be continuity between terminals
30 and 87, and no continuity between terminals 87A
and 30. If OK, check the relay supply circuits. If not
OK, replace the faulty relay.
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) The heated seat relay is located in the fuse
block, under the drivers seat. Refer to wiring for
detailed location.
(3) Grasp the heated seat relay firmly and pull it
straight out from the fuse block. A slight rocking
motion will aid in removal.
INSTALLATION
(1) Grasp the heated seat relay firmly and push it
straight in the fuse block.
(2) Reconnect the battery negative cable.
HEATED SEAT SENSOR
DESCRIPTION
The heated seat temperature sensor is a Negative
Temperature Coefficient (NTC) thermistor. One tem-
perature sensor is used for each seat. The sensor is
located in the seat cushion heating element for all
models.
The heated seat sensor cannot be adjusted or
repaired and if it is found to be faulty, the complete
heated seat element must be replaced.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - HEATED SEAT
SENSOR
For complete circuit diagrams, refer toWiring.
NOTE: Any resistance values (ohmsV) given in the
following text are supplied using the automatic
range generated by a FLUKETautomotive meter. If
another type of measuring device is used the val-
ues generated may not be the same as the results
shown here, or may have to be converted to the
range used here.
(1) Backprobe the heated seat relay wire harness
connector, do not disconnect. Using an voltmeter,
check the voltage of the seat temperature sensor
input cavity of the heated seat relay wire harness
connector. The seat sensor input voltage should be
between 1.7 volts and 3.0 volts with the system ON.
If OK, sensor is OK at this time. If not OK, replace
the faulty seat cushion heating element and sensor
assembly.
8G - 4 HEATED SYSTEMSVA

PASSENGER HEATED SEAT
SWITCH
DESCRIPTION
The heated seat switches are located on the instru-
ment panel, in the accessory switch bezel. The two,
momentary rocker type switches provide a signal to
the Heated Seat Relay through separate hard wired
circuits. Each switch contains two light emitting
diodes (LED), one for each High and Low setting to
let the occupant know that the seat heater system is
on.
The heated seat switches and their LED's cannot
be repaired. If either switch is faulty or damaged the
entire switch must be replaced.
OPERATION
There are three modes that can be selected with
each of the heated seat switches: Off, Low, and High.
When the top of the switch rocker is depressed, the
low mode is selected and the low mode LED indicator
illuminates. Depressing the top of the switch rocker a
second time will turn the heated seat to Off. This
same process is repeated for High heat setting. The
heated seats will automatically return to the Off
mode anytime the vehicle ignition switch is turned
Off.
Both switches provide separate hard wire inputs to
the Heated Seat Relay to indicate the selected mode.
The Heated Seat Relay responds to the heated seat
switch messages by controlling the output to the seat
heater elements of the selected seat.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - PASSENGER
HEATED SEAT SWITCH
For circuit description and diagrams, refer toWir-
ing.
(1) Inspect the Heated Seat Switches for apparent
damage or sticking/binding and replace if required.
Refer to Heated Seat Switch Removal and Installa-
tion in this section.
(2) Replace the heated seat switch with a known
good unit and retest the heated seat system.
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect and isolate the negative battery
cable.
(2) Remove the gear selector bezel trim. Refer to
the Body section for the procedure.
(3) Remove the storage bin. Refer to the Body sec-
tion for the procedure.
(4) Remove the switch bezel retaining screw and
remove the switch bezel from the instrument panel.
Refer to the Body section for the procedure.
(5) Disconnect electrical connections.
(6) Working from the underside of the switch, gen-
tly rock the switch back and forth out of its mounting
location in the switch bezel.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the heated seat switch in its mounting
location in the switch bezel.
(2) Connect electrical connections.
(3) Position the switch bezel and install the retain-
ing screw. Refer to the Body section for the proce-
dure.
(4) Install the storage bin. Refer to the Body sec-
tion for the procedure.
(5) Install the gear selector bezel trim. Refer to the
Body section for the procedure.
(6) Connect the negative battery cable.
VAHEATED SYSTEMS 8G - 5