Move/Relocate Seat Heater Switch?

It probably doesn't have enough wire on the harness to move it that far up. I've had that escutcheon plate off (it can be pried out carefully) to get an accessory wire to the outlet next to that switch. BTW, I have a II which does not have heated seats. To get to the blank you point out, you would need to remove at least 3 sky-bridge panels and then the power button panel in order to gain access behind that blank. Also, the heated seats switch is probably a different size than that blank.

 

It looks like it is the same size to me. You would likely have to cut and extend the wires. The stock placement makes no sense at all.

 

Not a bad mod if you don't have the Adv. Tech package as that's where the IPA button is normally located and it's within easy reach.

 

Not only that, if they had put the seat heater buttons in the same place where the IPA button is located, we'd be hearing from people complaining that they can't find the seat heater switch as it's a bit hidden from direct view. The IPA button is located where it is because it's a bit out of direct view yet still within relatively easy reach for drivers who know what they're doing.

 

I guess my predictions were true then. Not so easy to do. Sorry it won't work as a "quick swap". Those thin wires and tiny harnesses are very difficult to work with. I did a mod that put a hidden LED on the rear face of the low-bridge. It gives just enough green ambient light that I can see anything in the low-bridge at night. I can even see the outlet and blank for the seat heater.

 

I don't have a real problem with the location of the seat heater switch, since I don't need to access it that often. That being said, I just wish they had positioned the switch so the buttons were left/right instead of top/bottom.

 

Leave the stock switches where they are and simply install another switch at your desired location. Use some that have a rating of 10A switched. Then connect the two poles of the switch to pin 5 and 6 for left seat and the other switch to pin 3 and 4 of the stock switch assembly. Use some wires with the same diameter as the stock ones. No worries as they do not carry much power if any. The switches only control the submodules of the seat heater and drive the two LEDs.

This way you can switch the seat heater on with either the stock or new button and the heater LEDs lights up as usual.

I want to do this mod asap when I find switches that mach the interior (maybe from a donor car) or maybe just install the switches on the seats somewhere.

 

No doubt Engineers put it there for access by both the driver and passenger.

A lousy placement to be sure. But assume Toyota did not want a placement on the console area or near HVAC so vehicles without seat heaters would have yet another unsightly blank switch cover.

But - as others have said - why not at least a left/right orientation for the switch. Is the North/South switch a common item from other Toyota vehicles - $$ savings. One would think that at least they would have redesigned it for model year '11. So many design niggles esp interior that Toyota glanced over in '11. And although I'm pleased with mine, would think twice if I was in the market for a hybrid right now - watch out Toyota....

 

Yes, the switch assembly is absolutely the same as on our 07 RAV4.

I do really don't like the postition of the switches. They cannot be reached blind and I have to bend foreward and look down quickly. That's not really engineering

 

It's just terrible when you're driving along and suddenly you start getting butt chills... necessitating your having to reach down and fumble around for your seat heater switch. Such are the trials and tribulations of modern man!

Seriously, I'm trying to locate after market seat heater switches, and am unable to come up with a better place than the little console cover where the stock switch is mounted.

Another PC thread suggested placing the two aftermarket switches just to the left of the stock switch (blank on my Level II) and to the right of the cigar lighter outlet.

Somewhat of a stretch to reach, but with separate switches for passenger and driver you can see when they are on... when your passenger's getting butt chills, etc.

 

Looks great!

 

Well done

Do you have a schematic diagram of the Switch and its LED? You may try to exchange the brown and blue wires to the button. I guess this will work then.

 

Great job!!!