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Adding Heated Seats with Factory Switch

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Accessories and Modifications' started by climb.on, Dec 29, 2010.

  1. climb.on

    climb.on Junior Member

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    On Monday, we bought a used 2010, Pkg III, 32k/mi on Monday. What a sweet deal we got!! This car replaces our Civic.

    I've been a member over on a 4-runner forum for a while now, so I know how helpful these forums can be (and the importance of real contributions). I've already got lots of great information here and I'm looking forward to making some contributions as I get this car setup with everything I want (Rosen Navi, mirror, fog lights, and heated seats).

    So on to my topic....I have a local shop that will do heated seats installed for about $450, but I want the factory switch. They have some inline switch on a cord - not very clean. The factory switch part number is 8475152030 and my local dealer wants $89 for it (I actually expected much more). An online Toyota Parts Store has it for $58 (sorry can't post links yet).

    Does anyone know if this switch can be used it with aftermarket seat heaters like the "Warm Seats" on Amazon for $89. Is the factory switch just a straight forward 12 volt switch? If I buy the switch and can't use it with aftermarket seat heaters, I'm sure I can't return it.

    If someone has a picture of the backside of the switch, or a wiring schematic for this system, that would be very helpful.

    Last question...I'd like to just do these myself, so how hard/easy is it to get the fabric seat covers off to install the heaters? I'm not going with seat covers at this time so I have to peel the existing fabric back.
     
    #1 climb.on, Dec 29, 2010
  2. Airbalancer

    Airbalancer Active Member

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    I would go with an aftermarket switch on the side of the seat since the factory switch sucks!!!!
    It under the bridge and I think it would be a pain to use
    I have aftermarket heated seats in my truck and it is on the side, great location
     
    #2 Airbalancer, Dec 29, 2010
  3. cproaudio

    cproaudio Speedlock Overrider

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    Heated seats switches are usually in the center console so that both driver and passenger can have access to the switch. I've been using the heated seats for the last few weeks. It's not that hard to reach. You'd get used to it after a while.
     
    #3 cproaudio, Dec 29, 2010
  4. frodoz737

    frodoz737 Top Wrench

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    Congrats!
    Everyone must make thier own decision. I chose to locate the switches on the outboard lower seat bottom shrouds. They have HI OFF and LO. Each seat controls its own. I also chose to have the backs heated as well...unlike Toyota.
     
    #4 frodoz737, Dec 29, 2010
  5. JimN

    JimN Let the games begin!

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    IMO the switch location is a real PITA as it is at the edge of "arm's length".

    I feel heat through the back & seat.
     
    #5 JimN, Dec 29, 2010
  6. frodoz737

    frodoz737 Top Wrench

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    My apologies, it appears I was misinformed by the sales people and did not double check.:eek:
     
    #6 frodoz737, Dec 29, 2010
  7. climb.on

    climb.on Junior Member

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    Yah, I could probably live with that location. Did you install these? Wondering how tricky it is to get the pads under the fabric?
     
    #7 climb.on, Dec 31, 2010
  8. Flaninacupboard

    Flaninacupboard Senior Member

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    I added heated pads to the leather in my last car (rear seats, fronts were already done). It took a couple of hours, and crimping the hooks was sore on my hands just using pliers instead of a proper crimp tool. But definitely worth it. The guide for adding the OEM heaters looks needlessly complex (adding pins to different harnesses etc) but aftermarket ones with a simple 12V connection and a switch on the seat base would be quite easy.
     
    #8 Flaninacupboard, Dec 31, 2010
  9. eric1234

    eric1234 Active Member

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    I'd also be interested in anyone's experiences adding heated seats to a Gen III.

    There's a great Gen II DIY here - but I'm still not sure what might be different for the GEN III:

    Prius seats
     
    #9 eric1234, Dec 31, 2010
  10. frodoz737

    frodoz737 Top Wrench

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    I purchased my 2010 Base Level II in the Gulf States Region. Negotiated the Leather Interior with heated front seats with the dealer, after delivery, using their installer. Word of warning: the perforated seat covers were "bad from stock" or something. First time vacuum, cloth was pulling through the holes. Complete redo is being accomplished Monday with Solid Leather at no cost and a rental is being provided. The heaters are adequate, and the placement of the switches works for me. If you have installed car interiors before, go for it. If not, then I recommend hiring someone who does it for a living.
     
    #10 frodoz737, Dec 31, 2010
  11. JJB

    JJB New Member

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    Can you post a picture of the seats and switches? I'm getting the leather seats installed next week too. They didn't have an example of port installed leather on the lot.

    Edit: seats are done, and look great. Mine are perforated, so hopefully I don't have the same bad luck.
     
    #11 JJB, Dec 31, 2010
  12. climb.on

    climb.on Junior Member

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    Thought I would update my results. I've been so busy I just had the shop install the heated seats when they did the auto start. They installed the hi/low switches in the panel just below where the factory switch goes. "Edge of Arms Reach" is right! My wife is pregnant and she really can't even reach them right now. They really get nice and hot though - much warmer than the oem heated seats in my 4runner. $429 Installed.
     
    #12 climb.on, Jan 20, 2011
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