The heated seats systems consists of four heated seats, two in the front and two in the rear. Each heated seat consists of the heated seat module, heated seat switch, heated seat back, and heated seat cushion. The rear integration module (RIM), RH front door module (RFDM), LH rear door module (LRDM), and RH rear door module (RRDM) are also involved in the operation of the heated seats. The system will only be functional with the ignition switch in the ON position.

With the heated seat off, pressing the heated seat switch once will turn on the heated seat at the HIGH level. Pressing the heated seat switch a second time set the level to LOW. A third press will turn off the heated seat. The heated seat will also turn off if the ignition switch is turned to the OFF position.

The heated seat system is designed to warm the seat cushion and back to approximately 37°C (98.6°F) when in the low position and 42°C (107.6°F) when in the high position. To regulate the temperature of the seats, a temperature sensor is installed in the seat cushion, called the thermistor. The sensor is a variable resistor (its resistance changes as the temperature of the seat cushion changes). The heated seat module monitors the sensor resistance at the sensor input.

When the heated seat switch is in the low position and the heating element temperature reaches 37°C (98.6°F), the module opens its contacts removing battery positive voltage (B+) from the heating elements.

If the heated seat switch is in the high position, battery positive voltage (B+) is removed when the heating elements temperature reaches 42°C (107.6°F). The heated seat module will cycle on and off to maintain the desired temperature. The system will remain active until the system or the ignition switch is turned off.

There are three levels of load management which is controlled by the dash integration module (DIM). The DIM sends the status of the load management to the rear integration module (RIM) via a class 2 message. In response, the RIM will supply the heated seat modules a signal to indicate the current load management level.

During Load Shed 0, the RIM does not inhibit the operation of the heated seats. During Load Shed 1, heated seats that are on will be cycled 10 seconds on and 10 seconds off, with Temperature Regulation still being enforced. During Load Shed 2, all heated seats are turned off and the instrument cluster will display a BATTERY SAVER ACTIVE message.