2015-2017 Chrysler 200 Front Seat: Solving Airbag Faults and Feature Mismatches

Known Issues, Recalls, and Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs)

Before diagnosing or replacing a front seat in a 2015-2017 Chrysler 200, be aware of several official service actions. These are critical for safety and proper function.

Recall S09 / NHTSA 16V-114: Passenger Airbag Calibration

This is the most critical issue for the passenger-side front seat. On some 2015 models, the Occupant Classification Module (OCM) and the Seat Cushion Foam (SCF) may have been replaced separately during a prior service. These two parts are a factory-calibrated set. If they are not replaced together, the system may not correctly detect the passenger's size and weight, leading to improper airbag deployment in a crash. The official remedy is for a dealer to install a new, complete OCM-SCF service kit, free of charge.

TSB 10-001-20: Airbag Warning Light for Open Circuit

Owners may experience an illuminated Airbag Warning Light (AWL) on the dashboard. This can be caused by an open circuit in the side seat airbag wiring. Technicians may find Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) B0028-13 (Right Side Seat) or B0020-13 (Left Side Seat). The official repair involves inspecting the wiring and installing a specific jumper harness within the seat to create a more robust connection.

TSB 08-065-15: Uncomfortable Hard or Lumpy Seat Cushion

For vehicles built on or before September 29, 2014, some customers reported a hard or lumpy spot in the seat bottom. This issue was traced to the heated seat pads. The fix involves replacing both front seat cushion heated pads and the Comfort Seat and Wheel Module (CSWM) to resolve the comfort issue and ensure proper heater functionality.

Common Symptoms of a Failing Front Seat

Failures in the Chrysler 200's front seat typically fall into three categories: power functions, heating/ventilation, or the airbag system.

Power Seat Will Not Move

If the seat is completely dead and makes no noise when you press the switch, the first thing to check is the fuse. In the under-hood fuse box, these are typically circuit breakers labeled CB1 (Driver) and CB2 (Passenger). If the fuse is good, the problem could be the control switch itself, a damaged wire under the seat, or a failed seat motor. If the seat moves in some directions but not others, the problem is more likely a specific motor or the switch, not the main power feed.

Heated or Ventilated Seats Don't Work

A common symptom is pressing the heated seat button, seeing the light turn on for a few seconds, and then turn off. This often indicates a problem with the heating element in the seat cushion itself. The fine wires in the heating pad can break from years of use. Other causes include a bad fuse, a faulty relay, or a failed heated seat module. In some cases, the broken wire in the heating pad can be located and repaired, but this requires removing the seat's upholstery.

Airbag Warning Light is On

An airbag light is a serious safety issue and will prevent the system from deploying in an accident. Besides the issues covered in the TSBs above, the most common cause is a poor connection in the wiring harness under the seat. The yellow connectors are for the airbag system. Constant seat movement can cause these connections to become loose or damaged over time. Do not attempt to test these circuits with a standard multimeter, as it can trigger airbag deployment.

Buyer's Guide: How to Purchase a Used 2015-2017 Chrysler 200 Front Seat

Buying a used seat for this vehicle is complex. A cheap seat that is incompatible will be a frustrating and expensive mistake. Follow these steps to get the right part.

1. The Golden Rule: Match Your EXACT Features

You cannot easily upgrade from a manual seat to a power seat, or add heating to a non-heated seat. The vehicle's body wiring harness is different for each configuration. Your replacement seat MUST have the exact same features as your original.

• Adjustment: Manual or Power? If power, how many ways (e.g., 8-way)? Does it have power lumbar support?
• Climate: Heated only, or Heated and Ventilated?
• Memory: Does it have a memory function?
• Material: Cloth, Leather, or a mix?
• Color: Black or Linen/Beige?
• Trim Level: A seat from a high-end 'C' trim will not work correctly in a base 'LX' model due to different wiring and modules.

2. Physical Inspection Checklist

Before purchasing, inspect the used seat thoroughly:

• Wiring and Connectors: This is the most important check. Look at the main connectors under the seat. Are any pins bent, corroded, or broken? Are any wires cut or frayed? Do not buy a seat with damaged connectors.
• Seat Tracks: Check for rust or debris. Slide the tracks by hand (if manual) to ensure they move smoothly without binding.
• Upholstery and Foam: Check for rips, burns, or stains. Press on the seat bottom and side bolsters. Does the foam feel collapsed or overly soft compared to your other seat?
• Airbags: Ensure the side airbag cover is intact and has not been deployed. Ask the seller if the donor car was in an accident. Never buy a seat from a vehicle where the airbags have deployed.

Cost Comparison: New vs. Used

A complete new seat from Chrysler is prohibitively expensive, often costing thousands of dollars. For most repairs, buying individual components or a complete used assembly is more practical.

Front Seat Replacement Overview

Installation Difficulty: 3/5

Mechanically, removing the seat is straightforward. However, the need to handle the airbag system correctly increases the difficulty and risk. Incorrect handling can result in accidental deployment or a persistent airbag warning light that requires a dealer-level scan tool to reset.

Basic Replacement Steps

1. Disconnect the Battery: Disconnect the negative battery terminal and wait at least one hour.
2. Access Bolts: Move the seat forward or backward to expose the four main bolts holding the seat frame to the floor.
3. Unbolt the Seat: Remove the four bolts. These may require an External Torx socket.
4. Disconnect Wiring: Carefully tilt the seat backward to access the electrical connectors underneath. There is usually one large master connector and sometimes separate smaller ones. Pay close attention to the yellow airbag connectors.
5. Remove Seat: With all bolts and wires disconnected, carefully lift the seat out of the vehicle. Be mindful of the weight and the potential to scratch interior trim.
6. Installation: Installation is the reverse of removal. Ensure all connectors are securely clipped in. Torque the seat bolts to the manufacturer's specification of 44 ft-lbs (60 N·m). Reconnect the battery.

After installation, turn the ignition on and check for any warning lights. Test all power seat and heater functions. If the airbag light is on, it may require a scan tool to diagnose and clear the code.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)