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Aftermarket Seat Heaters

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Accessories and Modifications' started by Keith Elkin, Oct 10, 2014.

  1. usnavystgc

    usnavystgc Die Hard DIYer and Ebike enthusiast.

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    No, there are no problems with it. Those pads are small enough that you don't have to worry about it.
     
  2. Keith Elkin

    Keith Elkin Member

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    Perfect... One question I forgot to ask, do the pads affect the feeling of the seat? Does it make it feel bumpy, uneven, different? (I'm hoping that I won't feel any difference)
    -Keith
     
  3. kingnba6

    kingnba6 Active Member

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    if done properly you won't feel anything but the heat.
     
  4. usnavystgc

    usnavystgc Die Hard DIYer and Ebike enthusiast.

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    I feel no difference at all.
     
  5. .paul.

    .paul. Junior Member

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    bookmarking this. Thanks guys
     
  6. Keith Elkin

    Keith Elkin Member

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    Does the switch that came with this kit fit in one of the blanks or did you have to make modifications? Did you buy relays and use those? I don't recall seeing any with this kit


    iPad ? HD
     
  7. usnavystgc

    usnavystgc Die Hard DIYer and Ebike enthusiast.

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    The switch doesn't fit. I enlarged two of the factory blanks. It looks ok but it doesn't look factory. No one has ever said anything about it. All my passengers just assume that's how the car came but most car buffs will notice.

    I installed no relays and the kit doesn't come with any. I just tapped into a 14 gauge wire that is switched on by acc and ig on. Don't ask me what the circuit is lol.
     
  8. Keith Elkin

    Keith Elkin Member

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    By any chance any pics of your switch placement? I didn't do the seats over the weekend since we were both sick, but also now unsure how I want to handle the switch placement... Curious where you put yours.
     
  9. usnavystgc

    usnavystgc Die Hard DIYer and Ebike enthusiast.

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    I could take a pic of my placement but you have to remember, I have a 2013 TCH, not a Prius. Where I placed mine was just in front of the shifter in the console where the factory seat heater switches go. I am not that familiar with a Gen III so I cannot recommend a good place to put the switches. If it were me, I'd try to put them right where the factory puts them. On the Gen III, that's below the flying bridge (see pic)

    Prius-console.jpg
     
  10. Keith Elkin

    Keith Elkin Member

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    Ahhh.. Ok yeah I have the same blanks there
     
  11. usnavystgc

    usnavystgc Die Hard DIYer and Ebike enthusiast.

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    You will have to enlarge the holes/blanks if you're going to use the switches that come with the kit. I enlarged mine with a rasp and file set. I do like the 5 position setting on the switches that come with it over the factory switches but, the factory switches look way more professional. As I said, no one has noticed that I have a non stock install and if you do it well, no one will notice yours either.
     
  12. Keith Elkin

    Keith Elkin Member

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    Maybe I'll see if I can get my hands on an extra piece of that trim so I can go back to the factor someday if I desire. Your install has more than one switch? Mine came with one switch with controls for both seats. The only thing I don't like about putting it down there is that's it's awkward to reach to..
     
  13. usnavystgc

    usnavystgc Die Hard DIYer and Ebike enthusiast.

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    I had the exact same thought about the trim. I looked it up on a Toyota parts website and the trim I had to cut was only $27 to replace so I didn't mind cutting it.
    Yes, mine came with two 5 position switches. I for each seat. One switch kinda sucks because what if you want the seat heater but passenger doesn't or you have no passenger?

    I hear you about the awkwardness of the switch position. I thought that too when I saw where your stock controls are located. The good thing is, you don't use it much (or adjust it much). Idk where else you would put them but, a few suggestions are, in the center console, outside the center console (between the seats), on the armrests, etc. You have to decide.
     
  14. Keith Elkin

    Keith Elkin Member

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    Mine has separate controls for driver and passenger but they're both contained in one housing which means one person isn't going to be able to see or reach their switch... My vote is the passenger: )
     
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  15. kingnba6

    kingnba6 Active Member

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    you could buy the kits with different type of switches. ive seen kits containing dual round switches, dual rectangle switches, single rectangle switches.