Heated steering wheel doesn't get as warm anymore

[Sammar]

The heated steering wheel on my 2021 Willys does not get as warm as it did when I first got it 2.5 months ago. Dealer said it all checked out fine but I can tell a big difference. Anyone else have an issue with theirs?

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[MKC JT]

Mine doesn't get anywhere near as warm as my other 2 Wranglers did. Not sure why though.

 

[dcmdon]

If you can find its pigtail, pop the connector, put an ohm meter across the leads.

If you can find another Jeep with it, measure the same way. The lower the ohms, the warmer it will get.

Also, measure the voltage on the supply side of the connector. If its good, there isn't any reason it should not make heat.

Speculation to follow - I can't think of any way that it is possible for an electrical device like that, which is just a simple resistor, to suddenly change its power output. Assuming the same 12v is provided on the input side.

If the heat output is reduced, it will show up as increased resistance compared to the resistance of a properly functioning heater. So that diagnostic step I mentioned above would flush it out.

 

[sass JT]

I find the colder it gets the warmer it is. That’s my input

 

[Sammar]

If you can find its pigtail, pop the connector, put an ohm meter across the leads.

If you can find another Jeep with it, measure the same way. The lower the ohms, the warmer it will get.

Also, measure the voltage on the supply side of the connector. If its good, there isn't any reason it should not make heat.

Speculation to follow - I can't think of any way that it is possible for an electrical device like that, which is just a simple resistor, to suddenly change its power output. Assuming the same 12v is provided on the input side.

If the heat output is reduced, it will show up as increased resistance compared to the resistance of a properly functioning heater. So that diagnostic step I mentioned above would flush it out.

I too found it strange that it would diminish vs just stop. The dealer actually said they checked the thermostat and connections and all were good. I was surprised that it had a thermostat. If it does have a thermostat I wonder if I have heat blowing through the dash vents onto the steering wheel if that would impact the thermostats and not have the heated steering wheel heat up as much or cycle on as often.

I don't know. I'll need to test my dash vent theory (been taking my motorcycle for the last several days as the temps in Pgh are unseasonably warm so I haven't been in the Gladiator)

I will look for the connections you mentioned as well.

Thanks

 

[jeepin48]

I am pretty sure the power is regulated by a computer and it is not just an on/off 12VDC like aftermarket heated seats.

 

[MDPensFan]

The heated steering wheel in my wife's GC has recently started shutting off after about one minute of operation. After I'm out of warranty, of course.

 

[Hootbro]

IF you are going to do resistance checks, I would check both directly at the steering wheel and also through the clock spring that attaches to the steering column control module.

Many times when the clock spring starts to go, resistance will also go up. I would also inspect connection points for any high amp melting of the contact points.

If somebody has a Tech Authority subscription, they can probably get the trouble shooting steps and/or resistance values.

Attached is the schematic and also technical theory and operation from a Wrangler JL which should be the same as the Gladiator.

 

[dcmdon]

I too found it strange that it would diminish vs just stop. The dealer actually said they checked the thermostat and connections and all were good. I was surprised that it had a thermostat. If it does have a thermostat I wonder if I have heat blowing through the dash vents onto the steering wheel if that would impact the thermostats and not have the heated steering wheel heat up as much or cycle on as often.

I don't know. I'll need to test my dash vent theory (been taking my motorcycle for the last several days as the temps in Pgh are unseasonably warm so I haven't been in the Gladiator)

I will look for the connections you mentioned as well.

Thanks

Or just make the heat come out the floor vents. Like God intended.

Just kidding. I just can't stand warm air up by my face. Even on auto, I make the system put heat out only at the floor unless I'm clearing the windshield.

 

[Sammar]

Or just make the heat come out the floor vents. Like God intended.

Just kidding. I just can't stand warm air up by my face. Even on auto, I make the system put heat out only at the floor unless I'm clearing the windshield.

Actually I'm the same way but I had the vents going to warm my hands up on a 50 deg morning.

 

[Deleted member 28696]

Mine hasn't been on for awhile since it hasn't been cold enough, I did notice on one cold mornng that the steering wheel was almost too hot. I had to turn it off after awhile but my hands were nice and toasty. We will see how it does this winter.

 

[AstroZombie]

Actually I'm the same way but I had the vents going to warm my hands up on a 50 deg morning.

HAHAHA, heat on floor A/C in face!! those are my rules!

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