So, I figured out my seats are working. Butt they sure seem to be weak on the heat. Now, I'm comparing them to our Mercedes. But, How hot should the xk8 seats get?

 

Mine are so hot I can only leave them on for a few minutes! In other cars with heated seats I've been able to just leave them on.

 

Whaaaaaaaaaa. I want to be in the hot seat!

 

I must have the wrong idea about California. From TV and forum posts I could understand you being worried if the AC wasn't blowing cold enough but weak heated seats .......?

On the few times I've used mine in previous two XK8's and current XK they do get so warm that they need switching off after a few minutes. However I do think they are slow to get up to temperature.

Graham

 

.

 

,

 

I sure thought I remembered that these seat heaters monitor outside temps and shut off above a certain point. Maybe someone can validate that.

 

From the Electrical Guide schematic 12.1, the only temperature regulation appears to be a thermostat in the seat cushion heater.

Graham

 

I use mine to keep the pizza hot on the 30 minute drive home.

 

In my X Type, the seats get really hot very quickly, but switch themselves off after 10 minutes whereas in my XK8, they heat up more slowly and to a lower final temperature; they remain on as long as they're switched on.
I interpret that to mean that the X Type heaters are just intended to get the seats to a comfortable level before the climate control sorts out an acceptable cabin temperature and the seat heaters are no longer required. The system in the XK8/R is designed to allow continuous comfortable temperature to be maintained on a long run on a fine winter's day with the roof down.

 

Anyone know if the thermostat is contained within the electronics seat control box or separate and in the seat itself?

 

Just looked at owners manual. As per 1998 manual: Seat temp is regulated so that it goes no higher (hotter) than the temp selected in the dashboard display. I see that as the reason they don't seem to get as hot in summer weather. I knew I remembered something about that. Now I'll probably manage the temp display differently on 30 degree winter nights. From the sound of that statement i realize I can make seat even warmer by raising the temp on the display. Glad you brought this up.

John

 

Mystery solved! Thanks!