• Welcome, Guest! We hope you enjoy the excellent technical knowledge, event information and discussions that the BMW MOA forum provides. Some forum content will be hidden from you if you remain logged out. If you want to view all content, please click the 'Log in' button above and enter your BMW MOA username and password.

    If you are not an MOA member, why not take the time to join the club, so you can enjoy posting on the forum, the BMW Owners News magazine, and all of the discounts and benefits the BMW MOA offers?

  • Beginning April 1st, and running through April 30th, there is a new 2024 BMW MOA Election discussion area within The Club section of the forum. Within this forum area is also a sticky post that provides the ground rules for participating in the Election forum area. Also, the candidates statements are provided. Please read before joining the conversation, because the rules are very specific to maintain civility.

    The Election forum is here: Election Forum

2012 R1200RT seat heater ?

M

mifeinstein

New member
Tried rider seat heater for first time since getting the bike. Pillion seat heater works fine as do grip heaters. Switch on right cluster for riders seat does nothing. No indication on dash whatsoever. First thought was a fuse, but nada (Canbus).

Anyone else have this problem? Would it be worth pulling the Tupperware and looking for a disconnected plug? Open to suggestions.
 
I took my RT in for service and also wanted my windshield checked. It would move all by itself mostly when I would adjust it down it would pop back up all the way. PIA especially when it was 100* F outside.

Turned out that there was a recall or BMW campaign to replace bad handlebar switches on my RT. Well they changed them and all has been fine with the shield.

Maybe that is your issue with the seat. Has your grip switches been replaced ?

M
 
I would double check the connectors of the seat wiring to make sure the connector clips are fully engaged and locked.

If that does not work break out the volt meter.
 
Is it as simple as the seat connector was unplugged during maintenance?
Not sure it needs to be plugged in to register on display...but a thought.
 
Thanks guys...I've checked all connectors under both seats..even cleaned them with contact cleaner, but no joy. I suspect the switch may be the culprit. I recently bought the bike so I don't know if this was an ongoing problem or just occurred. There are no dealerships for a couple hours of me. The pin connectors are so tiny and deep in the connector that my volt meter contacts are like trying to thread a needle with a rope.

Since bike is out of warranty, would an unaddressed service bulletin be covered?

Edit: Just checked AutoMD...there are no service bulletins issued for switches for this year and model. I suppose I can live without a heated seat, but prefer that everything work as intended. Perhaps one evening when I'm bored I'll remove the switch, clean contacts, etc.

I have a GS-911 but it's useless for such things. I ran the test function, and all it does is turn the seat heater on so you can see if the dash indicated that it's on. Duh...it's not! In fact, the test for the turn signals did nothing, and they work fine. At least I can reset the service reminder. BTW, there are no fault codes either.
 
Last edited:
mifeinstein said:
Thanks guys...I've checked all connectors under both seats..even cleaned them with contact cleaner, but no joy. I suspect the switch may be the culprit. I recently bought the bike so I don't know if this was an ongoing problem or just occurred. There are no dealerships for a couple hours of me. The pin connectors are so tiny and deep in the connector that my volt meter contacts are like trying to thread a needle with a rope.
Click to expand...

You really need to check to see if there's voltage there. Use a small needle, pin or thing gauge wire to extend the contacts out to where you can touch with the DVM.

Because if it is getting voltage and not getting hot, you could have a heating coil problem. I wonder if there's a fuse inside the seat protecting from possible short.

Used to have a heated seat on my 2008 RT, but my recent 2011 didn't come with it.
 
mifeinstein said:
Thanks guys...I've checked all connectors under both seats..even cleaned them with contact cleaner, but no joy. I suspect the switch may be the culprit. I recently bought the bike so I don't know if this was an ongoing problem or just occurred. There are no dealerships for a couple hours of me. The pin connectors are so tiny and deep in the connector that my volt meter contacts are like trying to thread a needle with a rope.

Since bike is out of warranty, would an unaddressed service bulletin be covered?

Edit: Just checked AutoMD...there are no service bulletins issued for switches for this year and model. I suppose I can live without a heated seat, but prefer that everything work as intended. Perhaps one evening when I'm bored I'll remove the switch, clean contacts, etc.

I have a GS-911 but it's useless for such things. I ran the test function, and all it does is turn the seat heater on so you can see if the dash indicated that it's on. Duh...it's not! In fact, the test for the turn signals did nothing, and they work fine. At least I can reset the service reminder. BTW, there are no fault codes either.
Click to expand...
W


2012 RT's were covered under a switch recall. Both sides. Mine were both replaced at no cost to me.

Doug
 
Certainly worth a shot. Will do.

Update: Touché! Yes, there is an outstanding recall for both handlebar switch units. Appointment is scheduled. Thanks for the tip!
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

guinness58
2012 RT Upgrade recommendation's wanted
Replies
8
Views
394
peteb
P
G
'04 R1150R high idle issue BBS (Idle Screw) fully seated
Replies
17
Views
3K
greywheels
G
R
2007 R1200 GSA no-start - fuel related diagnosis help needed (long)
Replies
7
Views
1K
dalejohn123
D
J
heated seats not working
Replies
4
Views
2K
jfoster
J
pglaves
Battery Woes
2
Replies
36
Views
6K
henzilla
henzilla
Back
Top