2010 Gen III aftermarket heated seats

Has someone created simple instructions to wire aftermarket heated seats? Have them on order from TRD Sparks along with Clazzio seat covers for my 2010. What I'm hoping to learn is where is the best/easiest place to run the power cable (under the console and if so does it need to be removed?) and where is the best/easiest place to connect to a power source

I would imagine they'd come with instructions. Best place I can think of to wire them is to one of the lighter sockets, either inside the console or directly under the shifter, in the "tray". They are fused at 10A so that should be plenty of power, unless they require more, or unless you are using a lot of accessories. Also, they shut off with the ignition, so you won't have to worry about leaving the seats on.

Believe it or not, that black blank under the shifter, is where the FACTORY heated seat switch goes

I'm not an expert on the Prius specifically, I just know what I've learned so far, but I AM an expert on wiring, lol :angel:

Thank you. I figured I could use that power source, but not sure how to 'tap' in. I use the lighter socket inside the shifter for my iPhone so I may have to use the lighter socket under the shifter. What I don't know is how easy the console is to remove to gain access to that power source or does the panel that the lighter socket sits in 'pop' out.

This post should help you disassemble the interior:
http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-iii...mbling-center-console-2010-a.html#post1297629

For the actual wiring, I use 'tap splice' connectors. I attached a picture.

I stand corrected, the sockets are fused 15A not 10A. Here is a wiring diagram so you get the polarity right.

Thanks Trent. 'Tap splice' connectors I understand. Unfortunately, when you start talking polarity with wiring diagrams I get lost. Was hoping (I'm sure it's not that easy) that the blank in the center console under the shifter where the seat heater switch would go had I purchased that model (I have the III w/Navigation) would have the necessary wires right there to make the connection to for aftermarket heated seats.

I, too, have the III with nav. The green (or black) wires are positive. The white wire with black stripe is ground or negative. Unfortunately, the factory wires will not be present. But it is nothing to add them.

I've looked into having a local shop install the heated seat element for me. They wanted like quite a bit of $$ for it, so I haven't had it done yet. Since I tend to drive locally without the heater on, I figured that would be a good way to be comfortable in the car without pulling heat into the cabin. Let us know how you make out!

Yeah, most of the labor comes from removing/installing the seat covers and installing the heaters

I will definitely post how I make out and try to take some pics along the way. Figure since I'm putting the Clazzio leather seat covers on, it is the right time to put the seat heaters in as well. I'm just amazed with all the DIY folks here, no one has posted step by step instructions on how to wire these. Incredible sets of instructions and pictures on how to install the Clazzio seat covers thankfully.

I was overly worried that I was getting in over my head, but this was one of the easier projects I've undertaken and actually fun. I put the Clazzio covers on over a 3 day period due to daylight. I think 4 hours is about the total time. I started by just doing the head rests inside the house. I then took the bench rear seat out. Pulling straight up on the right and then the left and it came right out. Took that inside and installed the cover. Put the 2 main seat covers on next with the bench out. Make sure you follow the instructions and remove the seatbelt bolt just as in the instructions. I finished by putting the fold down center console cover on and called it a day. I put the bench back but realized the next day that doing the 2 side pieces it was much better having the bench out. Took it back out and put the side covers on. They were a little difficult and you definitely need to use the tool to push the leather under the trim. Once I got it started it finished easily. Put the bench back, installed the head rests and the back was done.

Today was the seat heaters and the front seat covers. The heat seaters have sticky tape on 2 sides and do not need to be cut at all. They go on easy and you tuck the cables through the slot between the back and bottom of the seats. Started with the bottom seat cover and that went on very easily. The top you should roll back so you don't have to deal with the velcro. Another tip, cover the velcro on the back seats and front seats with tape of something so it doesn't catch on the fabric. Read this AFTER installing the back, but a great tip.

Wiring the seat heaters is EASY. Remove the center console (5 bolts total). You will see a connector. I disassembled that connector and used the tap slice connectors that come with the heaters connecting the GREEN wire and the red wire of the seat heaters. I did not disconnect the battery. Powered the car up and they came on immediately. All that is left now is to drill holes to put the buttons for the seat heaters. Some like the console under the bridge (Paul58 has his located there) and some like the door side bottom part of the seat. I'm thinking I'm going to opt for each side of the console.

All in all about 4 - 5 hours spent and the seats look great and I can't wait for a cold morning to use the heaters.

Pics of the seats and heater buttons on the console

Looks great! But...tan leather with gray interior? Or is it even tan, I can't tell lol

Looks very good...

Now a question for you....

1) What Color is your interior, and what color Seat Covers did you order ?

This is my next project, but I can not decide on a color...

Thanks,
Dan

I have the bisque interior and went with the ivory seats. If I had the grey interior, it would have been an easier decision since the grey clazzio offers is a great match. With the bisque you start weighing the decision of do you go with grey because the ceiling is grey or do you go with black because of the dash and floor mats or do you go with the ivory. I don't regret going with the ivory and personally think it's a better choice then grey if you have the bisque. TRDSparks is the place to purchase since they still offer the $390 for the set.

Ahh, I see. Awesome. Out of curiosity, does their "gray" match the light gray interior or the dark gray interior?

Pardon me, I am just an old mountain man who sometimes gets confused. I have used sheepskin seat covers for years, and have never had a vehicle with heated seats.
Can someone please explain to me why one would want to go to all the expense and trouble of installing seat heaters when a good sheepskin seat cover sure seems to do the job at a lesser price?

It is all personal preference. I like the look of leather, but $2k factory cost is a bit steep. If you put in leather you'll want seat heaters in the winter. The 'expense' for the install was $450 + 4.5 hrs. The 'trouble' was minimal.

Search 'Clazzio leather seat cover' and go to post #149 by Olyprius. The pictures there are the grey offered and it looks dark. Looks like you and Olyprius may have the same car. Olyprius says in the post that he has the 'misty grey' and the seats are dark grey. Probably a closer match then the ivory in place of the bisque.

that's what we did.. and put the switch in OEM location. BTW we only got one, as 98% of the time it is a single occupant vehicle, and when it is not we did not wanna kids fight for it.