I have owned my 97 ES for about a year and a half. I have noticed that the heated seats never worked. When I push the buttons on the counsil the light comes on but no heat to the seats. Is this a common thing in early 2nd generation ES300s? Is there an easy fix? Thanks

 

Most of the '97 ES have a common problem with defective heated seats, and there is actually a released TSB (technical service bulletin) for this issue. TSB's are known technical issues or problems Lexus (or any auto brand) is aware of. You can browse through http://www.alldata.com , find all TSB's listed for your '97 ES, print the list out, bring the list to your dealership, and point out the TSB for the heated seats to the service dept. They should be more than happy to investigate and hopefully fix the problem for you at minimum or no charge. Hope this info helps out

 

Sweet, I emailed Lexus of Wayzata to see what they will say. Thanks!

 

Check your fuse box and see if the fuse is blown...

 

I'll check it but the power light comes on when the switch is depressed. It should be fused before the switch.

 

what is the current temp? Seat heater doesn't work above 70 degree.
JPI

 

Completely wrong answer. Lexus seat heaters work at all ambient temperatures when they're working properly.

 

Not all lexus vehicle. Please look in book the before stating your answer.
JPI

 

I've owned 3 Lexus's and NOWHERE does it say anything about, "Seat heater doesn't work above 70 degree". In fact, by mistake, I turned on the heated seat switch on a hot summer day and they worked perfectly. The outside temperature was in the 90's.

This photo was taken right out of the 2003 ES300 Owners Manual.

 

Alan,
It won't indicate in your manual. I didn't know about this until I talk to one of the lexus engineer a couple months ago. The system is design diffrently on all lexus.
JPI

 

my 97 has the same problem. They don't come on and I checked everything including the fuses. DId anyone get the TSB for this?

 

Just to set you straight......I just got off the phone with the Lexus Corporation Engineering Dept. I was told that ALL Lexus models & years that are equipped with heated seats work the same way. They are activated with the switch(some models have a low-high position) and are in NO way dependent on the outside air temperature. I therefore stick to what I've said before, "Completely wrong answer. Lexus seat heaters work at all ambient temperatures when they're working properly."

 

I can't speak for ALL Lexus models, but for my 99 GS, the seats work all year round. I accidentally had the heated seats on during the summer (over 90 degrees) and I felt my butt getting real sweaty even with the A/C blasting. I looked down and realized the heated seats were on.

 

Yes, I have tried it in -30+ degree weather and I am positive they don't work. Checked fuses, they are fine.

The TSB is in the link that Lexusk8 gave

 

Let's clear something up, shall we? I was wrong by stating outside temp will affect the operation of heater circuit. This is how the seater unit work. There is a temp sensor unit right on the seat heater. It will take the reading from the actual seat. If the temp is cold enough, your sensor will complete the circuit and your heater will be turn on. I don't know the exact temp and so as the Lexus engineer(Steve). Also when it's reaching a certain temp the unit will turn off by itself. There is a way to check the unit to see if it's working. I can get the pin of the connector and you should be able to trace it.
JPI