Why does the seat heater warm the lower back but not the buttocks?

[VanMiguel]

It is most likely due to damage to the heating wire in the heating zone. The principle of seat heating is similar to that of an electric blanket—if the heating wire is damaged, it cannot generate heat. How seat heating works: The working principle of seat heating involves resistance heating wires stitched into the seat cover. By supplying electricity to these heating wires, heat is generated, allowing the car seat to reach the set temperature within a short time. The heating temperature of the seat remains within a comfortable range. Low cost of seat heating: Seat heating is more commonly equipped than seat ventilation because its working principle is simpler, resulting in lower manufacturing costs compared to seat ventilation.

[AriannaFitz]

The car seat heating sometimes has the issue where the lower back gets warm but the buttocks remain cold. I think this is mostly caused by a zonal malfunction of the heating elements themselves. The heating wires in the seat are usually designed for different zones like the lumbar and buttock areas. If the buttock part isn't heating up, it's likely that the wire there is broken or the connection is loose. Electrical circuit problems are also a common factor, such as aging wires causing short circuits or the control module not being properly adjusted. Another possible reason could be that the seat cushion is too thick or there's an obstruction blocking heat transfer. Try checking it yourself by lifting the seat cover to see if the connections are loose, but don't pull too hard to avoid damaging more components. If the problem persists, it's best to take it to a professional shop for diagnosis with proper tools. After all, partial heating failure can leave your buttocks cold while driving in winter, affecting concentration and comfort. Long-term neglect may even lead to bigger electrical issues.

[LeFaith]

When encountering a situation where the seat heating warms the lower back but leaves the buttocks cold, I suspect it's a minor issue with the electrical control system. Seat heating is typically divided into zones, and the heating wire in the buttocks area may be broken or the connection may be rusty or loose. Another common cause is a blown fuse, usually located in the fuse box under the dashboard—check the manual to find the corresponding label and try replacing it with a new one. If that doesn't work, it could be a short circuit or a relay failure. When performing a simple DIY inspection, handle it gently to avoid damaging the heating film. This kind of partial failure is quite annoying, especially during long drives where a warm lower back and cold buttocks can be distracting and increase the risk of accidents. I recommend addressing it promptly rather than waiting for it to worsen before fixing it.

[DiAvery]

When the seat heating warms the lower back but not the buttocks, the issue typically lies with the heating elements or electrical circuits. The heating wires in the buttock area are prone to breakage due to frequent pressure on the seat, leading to heat conduction failure. Additionally, loose wire connections or blown fuses can interrupt the current, leaving certain areas without warmth. In such cases, I first check the seat myself by unplugging and reconnecting to ensure the connections are secure. If you lack experience, it's best not to risk disassembling it yourself; instead, have a professional technician test it with a multimeter. Although this problem seems minor, driving with a cold seat in winter can be very uncomfortable and may distract you, posing safety risks. Fortunately, repairs are usually inexpensive.