2008 MKZ, inoperable drivers side heated/cooled seats, burning smell

[Jasen Hibberd]

Hello!

 

I have a 2008 MKZ, and the other day I was driving on the freeway with the heated seat on, when I smelled a burning smell..shortly after the heated seat turned off...Didn't notice it until I went to go turn it back on. I turned the heated seat back on, you could hear the blower kick on, and about 30 seconds later the burning smell came back, and 60 seconds later the lights for the heated seat turned off...Sounds like something burned!! Just for kicks I turned on the passenger heated seat and it works fine. I turned on the drivers side cooled seat and it did the same thing, burning smell, turn off..

 

So what's going on here? It can't be the heater element since it affects both heated and cooled seat functions? Smells kind of like a very hot MOTOR. Could the blower be the culprit?

 

Looking under the seat does not reveal any smoke when turning on the seat functions.

[drolds1]

There's no heater element per se in the heated/cooled seats.  They operate using a thermoelectric, or Peltier, device.

 

Have you ever replaced the filters in the seats?  If not, the one in your driver's seat might be clogged.  While you're under there, also, look up underneath and make sure the duct isn't crushed shut.