Now that the seat is apart...(heater)

["Lino M. Valadas" <valadasl@osha.igs.net>]

You said
> The bare wires DO solder well.

I soldered mine three times (uninstalled and installed the seat three
times). Every time the wire would burn about one inch behind the joint. 
The last time I decided not to solder it.  Its been working fine ever
since.  Coincidence??

You said
> Any ideas on how to test this before I reinstall? 

Check for continuity and if found, plug it in.

Lino