Grateful for some advice. Currently attempting to repair heated seats, which presently is only slightly warm and almost not noticeable..

Removed heat element and tested voltage to thermostat which reads 12v. After applying ice to chill thermostat and hearing the "click" the voltage then reads around 8.3v. Is that voltage reading correct? Or should voltage continue to read 12v.

The seat is only slightly warm and not hot enough to heat through upholstery. Thinking it might be the low voltage output and maybe thermostat. Any comments will be greatly appreciated.