Jeep Cherokee Massage Chair Failure: Repair Guide

I had a nearly identical issue with my 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee Hybrid. The massage seat functionality completely stopped working, though basic seat adjustments still worked fine. After some basic troubleshooting with the seat switch and checking fuses, I took it to my workshop where they diagnosed the problem as a faulty cable connection to the massage control module. The wire harness connecting to the seat massage system had worked loose over time, causing the massage settings to fail. The repair was straightforward, they had to remove the seat cover partially to access and secure the connection properly. Total cost was 95 Euro including diagnostic and labor. The massage chair functions have worked flawlessly since the repair. Before suggesting specific fixes, could you share: Have you noticed any intermittent function before complete failure? Does the electrical system show any other warning lights? Did the massage feature stop suddenly or gradually decline? Which specific error code is showing up? This would help determine if your issue matches what I experienced with the cable connection problem.

Last service was at 154000 KM, just a few weeks ago. The massage feature was working intermittently for about 2 months before complete failure. The seat switch would sometimes respond after multiple attempts, but now its completely dead. No other electrical issues or warning lights are present. The error code showing is E-235. The car upholstery needed to be partially lifted during the last service check, so Im wondering if that could have impacted the massage control module connections. Noticed the massage settings started acting up shortly after that service visit. Would appreciate input on whether this timing suggests a connection issue similar to your experience, and whether its worth having the service center check their work before pursuing other repair options.

Based on your description, this sounds exactly like what happened with my Cherokee. The timing with the service work and lifted upholstery strongly suggests they may have disturbed the wiring harness connections to the massage control module. The intermittent function followed by complete failure matches my experience precisely. When the cable connections start getting loose, the massage seat functions become sporadic before failing completely. The E-235 error code typically indicates a communication fault between the control module and the massage system components. Since your luxury car massage functions started deteriorating right after service where they accessed under the upholstery, I strongly recommend having them check their work first. In my case, the wire harness just needed proper securing and realignment to restore all massage settings to normal operation. A few things to verify: Check if the connector near the massage control module feels loose when you press the seat surface, Listen for any clicking sounds from the massage motors when attempting activation, Try resetting the system by disconnecting the battery for 10 minutes Getting the service center to inspect their recent work might save you repair costs, as this could fall under their service warranty if they caused the connection issue while working on the upholstery.

Thanks for this insight. I'll definitely bring it back to the same service center first, especially since the timing lines up with when they worked on the car upholstery. Just checked and I can actually feel a bit of movement near the seat switch when pressing firmly on the side bolster, which seems to support the loose connection theory. Going to schedule an appointment and specifically mention the correlation between their recent service work and the massage seat malfunction. Since my automotive seats were working perfectly before their service, and the error code matches your experience, it makes sense to have them verify the connections first. Will make sure to document that the issues started right after their work with the upholstery. This could save significant repair costs if it falls under their service warranty. If they push back, at least I now know the approximate repair cost from your experience should be around 100 Euro if it needs to be done elsewhere. Thanks for helping narrow down the likely cause. Always better to start with the simplest explanation, especially when the timing of the failure lines up so clearly with recent work.