Has anyone installed their own heated seats?

[deangrell]

Sweet! I might tackle this soon. As for window switch module, it is SIMPLE to pop out without scratching. Especially with plastic tools that you mentioned. Thanks for the info! I'm sure more folks will be inclined to try this now.

 

[snowjay]

Sweet! I might tackle this soon. As for window switch module, it is SIMPLE to pop out without scratching. Especially with plastic tools that you mentioned. Thanks for the info! I'm sure more folks will be inclined to try this now.

Yeah, I'm sure it would of come out easy, but to pop it out remove all the connectors just seemed like a waste of time with a slight risk of damage. Once you get the door panel popped off there are two "arms" that stick out on the bottom that you can rest in holes in the bottom of the door so it's supported and then you take off the handle, put in the new one, rotate the panel 90 degrees and plug the new connection in. Rest door back on the arms, reattach the cable for the latch and put the panel back on.


The whole process wasn't that bad, only time consuming. It's been a long time since I worked that much on an interior of a vehicle. I have to say GM engineered things pretty well as far as ease of installation and removal. With nice fits and tolerances.

BTW, these are the tools I got: http://www.amazon.com/Actron-CP5011-Panel-Molding-Removal/dp/B000VYBLJ4/ref=pd_sim_hi_15

15 years ago they didn't have anything like that, only metal removal tools that you used to wrap in masking tape. I couldn't find that old tool (probably for the best) and bought the ones above.

When I scan the instructions I'll try to include some notes on some of the sections.

 

[Mauro]

When you scan the instructions could you include the pickup instructions? I'm wanting to put these in my silverado, you can just PM me if you don't want to post them all....I think the excess cable is because on the non-LTZ interior pickups, the switch goes in the dash, see the pic below

 

[snowjay]

Yup, I'll include them. It's actually not separate instructions, they are all the same but direct you to certain step numbers depending on your application.

 

[VikingFan]

This is a great thread. It got me thinking about my wife's request to have heated seats. So I checked out the link provided and looked at the option of the $150/pr seat heaters. I called up the local upholstery place and asked what they'd charge for R&R of the leather if I pulled the seats. I was quoted $180 if I did the wiring. Which is not big deal since I was in car audio for several years. However he did tell me that he has a kit he'll do for $400 installed. I drop the truck off in the morning and it'll be ready in the afternoon. For an extra $70 that seems like a nice deal.

I remember taking off leather years ago and having to remove and replace all those metal d-rings. I don't even have the tool to do that anymore. Maybe the new seats don't need it but for a couple hundred bucks I'm willing to save myself the aggravation. Especially if it took you 6-8 hours. I'm all for DIY but this sounds like one I'm willing to pay for.

 

[zach2011]

I wonder if this can be done to the 2nd row seats...maybe even 3rd.

 

[VikingFan]

You could do this to them both, although on the third row you'd need a quick-disconnect for the wiring so you could take the seats out.

 

[CIATAHOE]

Pretty easy to do yourself. We get the kits from roadwire, run about 160 for the 4 heater pads and the switch etc. All you need to do is have basic knowledge of wiring and remove the factory seat covers and install.

---------- Post added at 10:28 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:26 AM ----------

Oy yeh, when you take the seat covers off, they are all velcrow from factory, they do not use hog rings anymore.

 

[shundal]

Pretty easy to do yourself. We get the kits from roadwire, run about 160 for the 4 heater pads and the switch etc. All you need to do is have basic knowledge of wiring and remove the factory seat covers and install.

---------- Post added at 10:28 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:26 AM ----------

Oy yeh, when you take the seat covers off, they are all velcrow from factory, they do not use hog rings anymore.

Any thoughts on the roadwire heating pads vs. oem? How about the switch?

 

[itsspeeds]

Great write up Snowjay. I know its been a while, but I am planning on doing this this summer. Thanks!!!

 

[strongz]

Yup, I'll include them. It's actually not separate instructions, they are all the same but direct you to certain step numbers depending on your application.

Did you ever post the instructions you were going to scan for how to install the heated seat kits? Also, when you bought the kit from GMPD, did it include the kit for both the front driver and passenger seat? Thanks! You can PM me if you prefer.

 

[GreatWhite]

I just finished the install. Yes, the kit covers both seats. I'll see about scanning the instructions although they are only helpful to a point. Overall it worked pretty well, but the photos in the instructions are mostly unintelligible. That means that you are pretty much on your own to figure out the routing of the harnesses under the seats. They come equipped with little Christmas tree fasteners that look like they should pop into existing holes, but I couldn't find many. One thing that is ambiguous is that the seat and back heaters have the same plugs and it's not clear which plugs on the harness they plug into. The harnesses have different thicknesses of wrapping so I matched up thick to thick and thin to thin and it seemed OK. You do need to be basically handy (most people know their limits) and you will need an e-torx socket set (sizes 14 & 20 IIRC) and a trim removal tool set ($5 or so at Harbor Fright). Do be aware that when you are finished nothing will work until you have the dealer re-program the body computer so you are still at their mercy. My dealer quoted me $200 for that - I talked them down to $150 and still feel I got taken, but I didn't have time or energy to go shopping around.

 

[strongz]

GreatWhite - thanks for the info. Did you buy a GM heated seat kit (like from GM parts direct), or did you buy one of the generic aftermarket kits? I ask because it does seem od that your kit had the Christmas tree fasteners but nowhere to connect them to the vehicle.

 

[GreatWhite]

It was the kit from GMPD. There are a couple of big advantages to that over the generic ones: the heating elements fit the seat cushions perfectly, you can use factory switches instead of having to drill holes somewhere for your own and you don't have to root around for a power source - just a pair of plugs behind the parking brake. I suppose there was probably an approved way to route the wiring in which case the fasteners might have lined up, I couldn't discern it from the photos. No big deal, it all sits nicely under the seats.

 

[94blackcamaroz2]

I'm looking to purchase the GM kit for my wife's tahoe. It's a 2007 Tahoe with the 40/20/40 in the front. Its weird because on the Tahoe it's badged 'LS' but according to the build sheet it's 'LT'.

Very confusing to me, but anyways back to the heated seat kit. Does this kit work only for the captains chair or will it work with the 40/20/40?

Any info would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks.

 

[GreatWhite]

Mine's the 40/20/40.

 

[BC Lightning]

Going to be doing this my next go around of parts for my Hoe, I hate getting into my Hoe when its cold. . . . I like it when it's warm!!!

 

[ChevyFreak]

Did anyone ever tackle the second row heated seat install? I have the bucket seats and was interested in adding the heated seat function to them.

I wonder what is involved in this versus the front install, and exactly what parts are needed?

 

[tonester1011]

So if this is the full kit from gmpd the switches go up in front of the door pulls in the panels correct?? And the kit includes the whole'plastic surround that holds the switches?? And if so what color are the plastics??? There isn't much of a description on the site. Just trying to figure it all out so I can order, my butt is cold!!! =)

 

[GreatWhite]

Yes and yes. Actually you get a whole new set of door handles. I ordered "titanium" to match my interior - I think they had black and tan too, but I don't remember since I wasn't looking for those.