OBD Guide

U1290

Lost Communication With Front Seat Heater Control Unit

U1290 is an OBD-II diagnostic trouble code meaning: Lost Communication With Front Seat Heater Control Unit. Common causes: open circuit or short circuit in the power supply circuit of the heating unit, damage to the wiring harness to the heating unit. Estimated repair cost: $33–167.

Severity
⚠️ Medium
Can you drive?
Yes, but get it checked soon
Approx. repair cost
$33–167 (est.)

Symptoms

  • Heated front seats do not work
  • The heated seat indicator does not turn on
  • Intermittent operation of heated seats
  • Other comfort systems may not work correctly
  • The Check Engine Light or Other Warning Light Comes On

Causes

  • Open circuit or short circuit in the power supply circuit of the heating unit
  • Damage to the wiring harness to the heating unit
  • Malfunction of the seat heating control unit
  • Connector problems or contact corrosion
  • Software error in the ECU

How to Fix

  1. Check the fuses associated with the heated seat system
  2. Inspect the wiring harness and connectors of the heating unit for damage.
  3. Check power and ground on the heating control unit
  4. Scan the system for other related error codes
  5. If necessary, replace the seat heating control unit

Related codes

FAQ

What does the U1290 code mean?

U1290 is an OBD-II diagnostic trouble code that indicates: Lost Communication With Front Seat Heater Control Unit

What causes a U1290 error code?

The most common causes of U1290 include: Open circuit or short circuit in the power supply circuit of the heating unit; Damage to the wiring harness to the heating unit; Malfunction of the seat heating control unit; Connector problems or contact corrosion.

How do I fix a U1290 diagnostic trouble code?

To fix U1290: Check the fuses associated with the heated seat system. Inspect the wiring harness and connectors of the heating unit for damage.. Check power and ground on the heating control unit. For a complete diagnosis, use an OBD-II scanner.

Is it safe to drive with U1290?

Yes, but get it checked soon

How much does it cost to fix U1290?

The estimated repair cost for U1290 is $33–167. Actual cost depends on your vehicle, location, and labor rates.

See also: Russian version · NationStat