How to turn on heated seats on a Chevy Equinox?

In most Equinox models, heated seats are activated with a dedicated control: press a seat-heater button on the center console to cycle through heat levels, or use the touchscreen in newer trims to enable the feature. Availability depends on model year and trim.

Where to find the heated-seat controls

Physical button on the center console

The traditional, physical heater control is located on the center stack near the climate controls. It uses an icon of a seat with wavy lines to indicate heat. Use this button to toggle heat levels.

1. Turn the ignition to On or ACC to power the seats and electronics.


2. Look for the seat heater button on the center console, typically near the climate controls.


3. Press the button once for low heat; press again for high heat. Some trims cycle Off → Low → High as you press repeatedly.


4. To turn heat off, press the button again until it cycles to Off (or wait for the cycle to complete if your model uses a fixed duration).


5. Repeat the steps for the other front seat if desired (driver and passenger).

Note: Not all base trims include heated front seats; availability depends on year and package. If you don’t see a seat-heater control where expected, your Equinox may not be equipped with this feature.

Touchscreen controls (infotainment system)

In newer Equinox trims, heated seats can be controlled from the vehicle’s touchscreen, often within the Settings or Climate area. This method can provide additional levels or confirm the heat status on-screen.

1. Ensure the ignition is on and the infotainment system is active.


2. Open the Settings or Climate/Comfort menu on the touchscreen.


3. Select Heated Seats (Driver or Front Passenger). If available, choose the desired heat level (Low/Medium/High) or use a digital slider.


4. Confirm the setting is active by feeling warmth in a few seconds or by checking the on-screen indicator.


5. Repeat for the other seat if needed.

Important caveat: Menu names and layout can vary by model year and trim. Some early or lower-trim Equinox models may rely solely on the physical center-console button, while others provide touchscreen options in addition to or instead of the button.

Additional notes and troubleshooting

If heated seats aren’t turning on, verify your trim includes this feature and that the ignition is sufficiently powered. In some cases, heated seats will only operate when the engine is running or the ignition is in a ready state. If problems persist, consult the owner’s manual or contact a Chevrolet service representative for model-specific guidance.

Summary

Turning on heated seats in a Chevy Equinox typically involves a seat-heater button on the center console or, on newer models, a control within the touchscreen interface. The exact method and heat levels depend on the model year and trim. If you don’t see heat or it doesn’t engage, check your trim’s features, confirm power is supplied, and refer to the owner’s manual for your year’s specific steps.

Do Chevy Equinox have heated seats?

Yes, the Chevy Equinox has heated seats, but availability depends on the trim level and model year. For example, heated front seats are standard on the 2025 LT, RS, and ACTIV trims and on the 2023 Premier trim, while heated rear seats are available on higher trims or as an option. 
Availability by trim and year

• 2025 Equinox: Heated front seats are standard, and heated rear outboard seats are an available feature. 
• 2023 Equinox: The Premier trim comes standard with heated front seats, and other trims may have them as an available option. 
• 2026 Equinox: Available features include heated and ventilated front seats and heated rear outboard seats. 

Other considerations

• Heated Steering Wheel: A heated steering wheel is also available on many Equinox models, notes Morgan Chevrolet. 
• Electric (EV) models: The Equinox EV also offers heated front and rear seats, with ventilated front seats available on the top trim, says Serra Chevrolet Southfield. 

Why isn't my heat working in my equinox?

No heat in a 2016 Equinox usually stems from a faulty thermostat or clogged heater core. Start by checking coolant levels and thermostat operation. A stuck-closed thermostat prevents hot coolant circulation, while a clogged heater core blocks heat transfer.

How to activate heated seats?

To turn on heated seats, locate the button or icon for heated seats, which is often found on the center console or a touchscreen display, and press it. Pressing the button will typically turn the seats on to the highest heat setting, and you can press it again to cycle through medium, low, and off settings. 
This video shows how to turn on heated seats in a car: 52sDIY PintoYouTube · Jan 8, 2023
Step-by-step guide

1. Start the vehicle: Make sure the engine is on or the vehicle is in accessory mode. 
2. Locate the control: Find the button or icon for the heated seats. It may look like a seat with wavy lines and is usually on the dashboard, center console, or a touchscreen display. 
3. Press to turn on: Press the button once. This will typically activate the heated seat at its highest setting. 
4. Adjust the heat level (if needed): Press the button again to cycle through the different heat levels (medium, low) until you reach your desired setting. Pressing it one more time will usually turn the heated seat off. 

Additional tips

• Automatic settings: Some vehicles have an automatic setting that will turn the heated seats on or off based on the outside temperature. This can often be enabled or adjusted in the vehicle's settings menu. 
• Remote start: If you have remote start, you may be able to set your heated seats to turn on automatically when you start the car. Check your vehicle's settings for an option like "remote start auto heated seats". 

Why are my heated seats not turning on?

A seat warmer won't turn on due to a blown fuse, loose or broken wiring, a faulty switch, or a bad heating element. To troubleshoot, start by checking the fuse, then inspect the wiring and connectors under the seat, and finally test the heating element itself with a multimeter if you have one. 
Common causes
This video shows how to check and replace fuses: 57sZero PlanetYouTube · Apr 2, 2023

• Blown fuse: This is a very common reason. A blown fuse can cause the seat warmer to stop working entirely. 
• Loose or broken wiring: Wires under the seat can come loose, get damaged, or disconnect, especially if the seat has been moved or adjusted. 
• Faulty switch: The switch that controls the seat warmer may be broken or have a bad connection. 
• Bad heating element: The heating element inside the seat can burn out over time, which is often a common and more complex repair. 
• Faulty control module: The module that regulates the seat's heating functions may have failed. 

Troubleshooting steps
This video demonstrates how to reset the seat heater control module: 50s1A Auto: Repair Tips & Secrets Only Mechanics KnowYouTube · Aug 15, 2020

1. Check the fuses: Locate your car's fuse box and find the fuse for the heated seats. Compare it with a new fuse to see if the connection is broken in the old one. 
2. Inspect under the seat: Carefully check all the electrical connectors under the seat for any that are unplugged or have a visibly loose or burned wire. You may need to re-seat or reconnect them. 
3. Test the heating element: If you're comfortable using one, a multimeter can test the resistance of the heating element. An "open" or no resistance reading indicates the element has likely failed. 
4. Consider the switch and module: If the previous steps don't reveal the problem, the issue could be the switch or the control module. A dealership or mechanic can diagnose these more complex electrical issues.