Please help with repair for seat heat switching off after 10 seconds

[jb1970]

I have comforts seats with heat and ventilation in my 2015 RS7.
A few days ago the driver's seat heat started to malfunction.
After I turn it on it always automatically shuts off after about 10 seconds.
Ventilation still works and the passenger seat has no issues.

Does anyone have guidance on a DIY repair?

Thanks!

[Valpo A7]

Check wiring, check fuses. If that is all good then either the butt or back heating element is broken and will require a disassembly of the seat to replace the heating element under the leather skin of the seat.

This is for an A4 but its basically the same regardless of manufacture.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ca4lhXDzg_s

[squirrels]

Have you checked for codes using VCDS? If there is a malfunction causing it to shut off early, you will almost certainly have a code or codes which will allow you to formulate a repair plan. I would never start blindly disassembling things looking for trouble. If you have a malfunctioning heating element, it may not be obvious even with a resistance check. Always diagnose the problem before you start pulling things apart.

[jb1970]

These codes look relevant:

Address 36: Seat Mem. Drvr (J136) Labels: None
Part No SW: 4G8 959 760 C HW: 4G8 959 760 C
Component: MEM-FS H04 0157
Revision: AA000000 Serial number: 00000118740698
Coding: C0183B0085012201010001010101112030303333203333
Shop #: WSC 02391 785 00200
VCID: 3A2DCE7F8C557D1B5C7-806E

2 Faults Found:
03657 - Control Module for Multicontour Seat; Front Passenger-Side
004 - No Signal/Communication - Intermittent
Freeze Frame:
Fault Status: 00100100
Fault Priority: 6
Fault Frequency: 18
Reset counter: 180
Mileage: 105597 km
Time Indication: 0
Date: 2022.01.14
Time: 17:30:19

03328 - Seat Flank Heating
010 - Open or Short to Plus
Freeze Frame:
Fault Status: 01101010
Fault Priority: 4
Fault Frequency: 3
Reset counter: 162
Mileage: 107005 km
Time Indication: 0
Date: 2022.02.27
Time: 12:13:33

[squirrels]

Does anyone know which part Audi considers the "flank"? Is this the side of the seat bottom?

Sounds like an inspection of the wiring to this heating element and a continuity test is in order.

[Valpo A7]

https://www.audiworld.com/forums/a7-...oblem-2897052/

This will give you sone insights on trouble shooting

[jb1970]

Getting ready to do some troubleshooting on this issue once the weather improves.

The first thing I will want to do is disconnect some or all of the wiring connectors under the seat with a view to probing with a multimeter.
Is it generally ok to do this?
Do I need to take any special precautions to avoid throwing more codes or possibly interfering with an airbag?
I don't want to disconnect the battery..,but is it required?

[I CU2]

Hi @jb1970, this happened to my car today with the 03328 fault code - did you end up fixing it?

[bkolev]

Same here with the same fault code 03328. Does someone determined what is the problem?

[jb1970]

I ended up buying a heated cushion/pad for $20-30 that gets me through the winter.
I have not attempted a repair (yet).