re: Heated Seat Performance

I own a 2017 Ridgeline and I noticed that when I turn on the drivers seat heater on high, it takes sometime for it to heat up and when it does, it never really gets warm enough to turn it to low or off. It almost feel like it is in low heat. If I put it on low it does not get very warm at all. I was wondering if anyone else has this problem and if so what can be done. My wife's 2013 pilot heats up in no time and you have to turn it down in a short time. Thanks

Energy to heat the seat means more amps from the alternator and/or battery. It reduces fuel economy and is not "green technology".

I honestly wish I could explain how SCREWED UP Honda's current mentality is. I honestly don't expect them to be a major player in the North America market in the next few years. Low quality, lagging technology, poor engineering, and terrible assembly. They were also named as one of the worst as far as recalls and being a company that was not FORCED to recall vehicles for safety violations (and it's much more that the air bags). Honda is in chaos. Shipping JUNK in my opinion.

It's very sad. There are still some elite engineers at HRA and they are ignored. The new Ridgelne is a thrown together severe compromise. I'm not disputing it's versatility, but honestly it's poorly engineered and assembled terribly in my opinion. Once again Honda shoots themselves in the foot. They can't ride on their reputation of years ago much longer. They'll be a non-player unless drastic changes are made. GUARANTEED. And yes you can count on your resale tanking if that occurs.

Sometime the truth hurts. Ito ran the company into the ground. The new regime talks the talk but does NOT walk the walk. It's a nightmare at HMA and HRA. Not to mention the screwed up corporate structure they use to avoid US taxes.

The Ridgeline remains the most versatile vehicle in it's class, but engineering and assembly errors more than offset that fact. I will NOT buy a G2 unless I see DRASTIC changes. It's really that bad in my opinion.

 

re: Heated Seat Performance

Energy to heat the seat means more amps from the alternator and/or battery. It reduces fuel economy and is not "green technology".

I honestly wish I could explain how SCREWED UP Honda's current mentality is. I honestly don't expect them to be a major player in the North America market in the next few years. Low quality, lagging technology, poor engineering, and terrible assembly. They were also named as one of the worst as far as recalls and being a company that was not FORCED to recall vehicles for safety violations (and it's much more that the air bags). Honda is in chaos. Shipping JUNK in my opinion.

It's very sad. There are still some elite engineers at HRA and they are ignored. The new Ridgelne is a thrown together severe compromise. I'm not disputing it's versatility, but honestly it's poorly engineered and assembled terribly in my opinion. Once again Honda shoots themselves in the foot. They can't ride on their reputation of years ago much longer. They'll be a non-player unless drastic changes are made. GUARANTEED. And yes you can count on your resale tanking if that occurs.

Sometime the truth hurts. Ito ran the company into the ground. The new regime talks the talk but does NOT walk the walk. It's a nightmare at HMA and HRA. Not to mention the screwed up corporate structure they use to avoid US taxes.

The Ridgeline remains the most versatile vehicle in it's class, but engineering and assembly errors more than offset that fact. I will NOT buy a G2 unless I see DRASTIC changes. It's really that bad in my opinion.

wow. not what I wanted to read. Just ordered a g2 and should be in in Feb. Reading this makes me rethink things and maybe should stick with my Colorado. I test drove one and it seemed nice. But I did put on heated seat and it did not get hot. that is something I use daily in my truck on high because it helps my back butt as much as I am in it.

 

re: Heated Seat Performance

I have also noticed the seat heater is kind of lazy.

 

re: Heated Seat Performance

I've noticed that the seat heater works the best when you really drive the truck harder and get the revs up. My guess on this is the energy saving feature of the power control for the alternator is cutting out the seat heater. They probably provide a minimum amount of on time when the truck is idling or running low RPM's. When you pick up the rpm's above 3k it heats up quick.

Steve M

 

re: Heated Seat Performance

I've noticed that the seat heater works the best when you really drive the truck harder and get the revs up. My guess on this is the energy saving feature of the power control for the alternator is cutting out the seat heater. They probably provide a minimum amount of on time when the truck is idling or running low RPM's. When you pick up the rpm's above 3k it heats up quick.

Steve M

I had to take an accident detour today on a more highway road to work this morning when it was 38 degrees, had the seat on high and thought I noticed it hotter than when I was on my normal road doing 35-50mph vs 65mph this morning. I was on the gas much more than usual and had a thought like the seat was getting more juice because on it, but that was my bizarre thinking self and wasn't sure if true or not. But funny you mentioned it.

 

re: Heated Seat Performance

The real problem in vehicles today is that the power system in use is only 12v. And with all of the power hungry accessories they put into them it is overloading the charging circuits. There has been talk of pressing a 48v system into service in more cars. I know there are few out there now that they've converted to a hybrid system of 48v and 12v (legacy power for existing circuitry). I've read a couple articles about this now and I believe we'll be seeing more of it as we move to electric vehicles.

The real reason for a 48v system is that it is more efficient for use in a car than the 12v one in use.

Steve M

 

re: Heated Seat Performance

I use mine on a regular basis as of late and after about 10-15 mins or so I need to lower the heat or turn it off as it gets too warm for my liking. I really cannot complain at all. That being said, my past cars all had heated seats and do not see any real difference in overall heat or how quickly it heats up.

 

re: Heated Seat Performance

I use mine on a regular basis as of late and after about 10-15 mins or so I need to lower the heat or turn it off as it gets too warm for my liking. I really cannot complain at all. That being said, my past cars all had heated seats and do not see any real difference in overall heat or how quickly it heats up.

Mine is the same, I have no issues with the seat heaters or the seats themselves. Maybe being a climate were a person really needs them makes a difference. The only complaint I could muster up about the seat heater is that they do not turn off when the vehicle is shut down. Well, that and the fact that I have to go to Canada to get rear seat heaters. Which I tried by the way...


Have to add, That negative burst is one persons opinion, in my opinion. Honda has always been a leader in quality and my G2 is as good as any vehicle I have ever owned and that includes many brands known for quality, performance and advanced engineering. In general the automotive press agrees especially as it relates to the Accord, Civic, Ridgeline and others. The auto business is very tough, it has many critics, know it alls and highly opinionated individuals, not to mention all the government interference. I suggest that anyone should do their own research using all available sources, weigh the results and show your opinion with your pocketbook.

 

re: Heated Seat Performance

My gf has a 16 Jetta with a 12v system and those seat heaters roast ass.

I wonder about our seat heaters, is it lack of voltage? Is there a preset timer? Thermostat perhaps?

Time to get a printout of the seat heater electronics. Perhaps there is a modification we might make ?

 

re: Heated Seat Performance

My gf has a 16 Jetta with a 12v system and those seat heaters roast ass.

I wonder about our seat heaters, is it lack of voltage? Is there a preset timer? Thermostat perhaps?

Time to get a printout of the seat heater electronics. Perhaps there is a modification we might make ?

Honda may have tuned down the seat heaters cause it didn't want to beat VW's burned seat rankings
VW Jetta driver 'terrified' by burning seat warmer - British Columbia - CBC News

but joking aside my '11 Regal had the seat warmer spot on - that and gas mileage are the only things that top my new BE.
The heating elements in the Ridgeline don't even go under the base bolsters:frown:

 

re: Heated Seat Performance

Yes, I'd like to see a schematic of it too.

Steve M

 

re: Heated Seat Performance

I'd take it out of ECO mode.

 

re: Heated Seat Performance

well I took the be tonight again for 20 mile test drive and all I can say is I am taking my rtl e . ride and comfort is so much nicer than the Colorado. I really like it a lot and amazed. Wish it was rtl e in silver and id of took it tonight. Now the wait till Feb.

 

re: Heated Seat Performance

I am having same issues as louie, low heat or no heat.
Fairly sure it can be fixed.
Heated seats are old technology.
Maybe thermostat or relay or loose wire.
Will take to dealer next week.

 

re: Heated Seat Performance

My seats heat up fine and has worked every time.

 

re: Heated Seat Performance

HONDA heated seats aren't very warm in any of the vehicles I've owned. 2007 ridge rtl , 2007 accord. Just got a 2017 rtl-e .....same deal barely get warm. Need to go German marque to get warm seats. VW,BMW,PORSCHE etc.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

re: Heated Seat Performance

HONDA heated seats aren't very warm in any of the vehicles I've owned. 2007 ridge rtl , 2007 accord. Just got a 2017 rtl-e .....same deal barely get warm. Need to go German marque to get warm seats. VW,BMW,PORSCHE etc.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Very cold here, recently. Seats on low take too much time to heat up; however, are quite warm when they get there. High is way too hot, so I start on High, then drop down to low once warmed up....can't keep it on High at all.

 

Seat heaters don't work after remote start followed by vehicle entry and pushing star

New problem just started. Intermittently following remote start and then getting into truck neither seat heaters work in front didn't check back yet. Seat cooling still works. Next time I remote start ok don't usually have silly problems like this with Honda. Anyone else?

 

Re: Seat heaters don't work after remote start followed by vehicle entry and pushing

New problem just started. Intermittently following remote start and then getting into truck neither seat heaters work in front didn't check back yet. Seat cooling still works. Next time I remote start ok don't usually have silly problems like this with Honda. Anyone else?

I'm assuming this is for a gen 2 RL as your profile shows a 2006 RL. My seat heater is adequate but does take a little longer than my past vehicle, a VW. But, it does work after using my remote start. Silly question but you are turning it on once you start your RL? It doesn't remain on after remote start mode is ended, same for the steering wheel heater. You have to manually toggle these on after you start your vehicle. You probably know this but I wanted to make sure.

I always use the high setting for my seat heater. I don't feel the low heats up much. Now on the other hand the steering wheel heater works well and quickly!

Paul.

 

Re: Seat heaters don't work after remote start followed by vehicle entry and pushing

yes 2nd gen bought it on halloween. Seat heaters worked well at 1st new problem and yes after I enter the vehicle after remote start and apply brake and start button to get the vehicle into operational mode that is when it intermittently fails.

 

Re: Seat heaters don't work after remote start followed by vehicle entry and pushing

Does the small LED on the switch light up?

 

Yep same issue here but I haven't figured out how to repeat it consistently. Have to shutoff the truck and fire it back up to fix it. Thought our issue was a one off.

 

No the LED won't light up either

 

Re: Seat heaters don't work after remote start followed by vehicle entry and pushing

Had this happen 1 time to mine also. Shut down the car and restarted, back to normal. Was never able to repeat this either. For those reading this thread, it is only applicable to the Canadian version.

 

Re: Seat heaters don't work after remote start followed by vehicle entry and pushing

Thinking outside, or maybe inside the box, a couple of ideas. (disclaimer: I checked last night and my new Touring is sitting in the dealer's prep area so I expect to get the call next week to pick it up, but it means I am not experienced in playing with these options and these are guesses only).

The manual reads that 'if it is cold outside' and I think I read somewhere they classify cold as 41F, the seat heaters, rear defroster, windshield wiper heater and steering wheel heater all turn on when you remote start the vehicle, then return to your previous settings when you take command of the vessel (hit start). If your seat heater was off when you parked the vehicle, it may return to off when you take over control.

I also wonder if you are borderline on the temperature that activates the pampering items and the area around the temperature sensor that activates them warms above the kick in point, thus deactivating them once again. (??)

 

re: Heated Seat Performance

For the record, I love the G2 Ridgeline and I haven't had any issues to date. Have 5000+ miles on it and the ride is great, and versatility is very good. My only complaint is the heated seats. They are just not very effective compared to other cars I've owned. For my first service, I asked them to look at the heated seats, they did, and said that's all they can do. The heated steering wheel is awesome.

 

re: Heated Seat Performance

Initially I found the seats weren't as hot as I liked and a bit disappointing. Previous car was a BMW. I'm not sure exactly what changed, but ( as someone else pointed out earlier in this thread) I stopped using 'Eco' mode to get better throttle response and sometime after this I realized I was getting a noticeable increase in seat warmth. Now it wasn't a match for the BMW, but it seeemed satisfactory.

 

re: Heated Seat Performance

IMHO, we have the damn (Honda) lawyers to thank for this. I suspect that Honda has deliberately kept the temps down for "safety" (read that as "not get sued by some stupid dip****"). Sure there are medical conditions that can result in burns from the hotter seats but those folks pretty much know (or should know) that they have those issues and should be taking appropriate measures (like not using the heated seats). Instead, they deprive the rest of us of seats that get really warm. Speaking as someone with back trouble, I really miss the HOT seats in my 1999 Caravan. Those were "heating pad on high" hot when you set them to high and left them on. Wonderful.

My 06 was not very hot and the 17 is less so. OK to warm on a cold day but useless for much more than that.

I suspect we will only see really hot seats by somehow replacing or hacking the heaters.

 

re: Heated Seat Performance

I used the heated seats tonight and the wife, in the passenger seat, said hers was really warm. Mine barely got warm on the drivers side.
I'll get that on the list for my dealer visit.

 

re: Heated Seat Performance

I use my heated seats and heated Steering wheel as Ohio gets colder. Tomorrow will be 1 week with the RTL-E and I have been very pleased. I have gone over it (and my Son has also) and have found no issues except a sharp piece of trim my finger seems to find once in a while while closing the door. Found the trim cap was not fully on... pressed and fixed.

Seats get warm quickly (I am running on ECO mode most of the time) and I have to move it to low. Not sure about the Passenger side.

As I have said in other post... this truck is a replacement for my 2003 Avalanche. The Increase in Tech (not sure I will ever fully utilize Android Auto) can be over whelming but to be honest, in the 6 new cars I have purchased, this Ridgeline has had the least amount of issue to take back to the Dealer to work on (Zero defects, They are mounting the side moldings for free). Maybe I am still in the "Honeymoon" phase... but at 57 years old, this is the most pleased I can ever remember being with a new vehicle purchase. Maybe its also because I test drove SO MANY other vehicles from Honda and all the rest of the Auto Companies... after the 3rd test drive of the Ridgeline, I knew this was what would fit into my purpose for a vehicle.

Happy New Year all....

 

re: Heated Seat Performance

I ran my seats on high for 15 minutes, eco mode off, heater on hi, 40 degrees outside with leather seats. It got a little warm, but by no means hot. I iahnthy would gt hot enough i had to turn them to low.