Welcome to the Complete & Definitive DIY Guide to Heated Seats Installation!
I’ve created this new DIY for a few reasons:
-- First, the existing DIY does not include steps or pics for the wiring setup. Wiring can be intimidating, and I can’t blame anyone for not wanting to attempt it without some familiarization.
-- Second, while its photos can be helpful, I believe they could be updated to include more detail (or to be cleaner).
-- Third, there has been a recent surge of folks (probably because it's winter) looking for help on this mod, myself included.
This DIY will consist of four posts:
Post #1: Removing the seats & fabric;
Post #2: Continued fabric removal, heated pad installation, and reassembly;
Post #3: Wiring up the seats for toasty goodness.
Post #4: Reinstallation & toasty goodness!
I know that pictures are worth 1000 words, so I’ve included as many as possible. I encourage you to read through the entire DIY before you begin, so you’ll know what to expect and will recognize what you see.
Since this one’s kind of lengthy and deals with electricity, I must throw in a disclaimer: I am about to show you the method I used to successfully install my heated seats. Perform this mod at your own risk. I recommend all electrical work be performed with the battery disconnected, and all appropriate personal protective equipment be used/worn when applicable. You, the modder, accept all responsibility and risks inherent with automotive modification.
Now that that’s out of the way, let’s begin!
-- End of Post #1: Removing the seats & fabric --
-- Next, in Post #2: Continued fabric removal, heated pad installation, and reassembly --
I’ve created this new DIY for a few reasons:
-- First, the existing DIY does not include steps or pics for the wiring setup. Wiring can be intimidating, and I can’t blame anyone for not wanting to attempt it without some familiarization.
-- Second, while its photos can be helpful, I believe they could be updated to include more detail (or to be cleaner).
-- Third, there has been a recent surge of folks (probably because it's winter) looking for help on this mod, myself included.
This DIY will consist of four posts:
Post #1: Removing the seats & fabric;
Post #2: Continued fabric removal, heated pad installation, and reassembly;
Post #3: Wiring up the seats for toasty goodness.
Post #4: Reinstallation & toasty goodness!
I know that pictures are worth 1000 words, so I’ve included as many as possible. I encourage you to read through the entire DIY before you begin, so you’ll know what to expect and will recognize what you see.
Since this one’s kind of lengthy and deals with electricity, I must throw in a disclaimer: I am about to show you the method I used to successfully install my heated seats. Perform this mod at your own risk. I recommend all electrical work be performed with the battery disconnected, and all appropriate personal protective equipment be used/worn when applicable. You, the modder, accept all responsibility and risks inherent with automotive modification.
Now that that’s out of the way, let’s begin!
- Disconnect the battery. Remember, your seats are equipped with airbags, so the less we confuse the computer about what’s connected (or not), the better.
- Remove the (4) 14-mm bolts holding the seat in place -- (2) in the front, and (2) in the rear. The (2) in the rear are under the square plastic covers, which will pop off with a flathead screwdriver.
- Rock the seat back in place, to access the wiring underneath. Collect your winnings (old receipts, loose change, etc.)
- Disconnect the (2) yellow wire harnesses. (Also, one additional white plug on the driver’s side.) One is simple, just push in the “catch tab”, and pull the plug. The other is more tricky (so I included some pics); pop it out of the black holder, then pull back on the large yellow casing. Then, pull the plugs apart.
- Remove/disconnect any remaining cable ties/attachments that would prevent you from removing the seat. Don’t be afraid to cut them off (if you can’t get them out); you can always zip-tie them back in later.
- The seat is now fully disconnected. Remove the seat from the car, and take it wherever you plan to work on the pad installation.
- If lumbar support is present, remove lumbar adjuster using Philips-head screwdriver.
- Remove seat rear hardcover, by first pulling it back at its top. Don’t be afraid to yank it hard – it’s held on by two tight metal clips. Once these clips are off, then rotate it open and pull it up, to disengage the hooks at the bottom.
Now let's work on the upper cushion fabric:
- Disengage the clips/hooks holding the fabric tightly in place, at the back of the seat. Note, at two locations you’ll encounter hog rings; twist them open with pliers. You may want to remove these so you don’t lose them.
- Remove the headrest.
- Remove the headrest post sockets. Looking up from inside the seat, you’ll see the tips. Squeeze them tightly with pliers, and push/bump them out.
- Time to start removing the fabric from the upper seat! Rather than remove the lever mechanism which makes the seat fold forward, just peel all the fabric back towards the seat-folding lever. Don’t be afraid if you hear “tearing” sounds near the “lower back” section … it’s just the Velcro in seams! However, near the “upper back” section, you’ll encounter three hog rings. Open the rings, pull out the underwire, and flip the removed cloth over the shoulder with the seat-folding lever.
General tip on hog rings: Here's a good system for hog ring removal/installation:
- Grab one side of the ring with your needle-nose pliers, and twist the pliers. This will create a gap in the ring ends.
- Then, simply turn the ring so the gap is parallel to the metal underwire, so you can pull the underwire through it. Leave the hog ring in place.
- During reinstallation, turn the ring again, pop the underwire in, then squeeze or twist the ring closed.
- Grab one side of the ring with your needle-nose pliers, and twist the pliers. This will create a gap in the ring ends.
-- End of Post #1: Removing the seats & fabric --
-- Next, in Post #2: Continued fabric removal, heated pad installation, and reassembly --