1. Attachments are working again! Check out this thread for more details and to report any other bugs.

What is the Piece of Carpet sewn in to the right side of Leather Seat in 2010 Prius IV?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by knbcpab, Jul 14, 2011.

  1. knbcpab

    knbcpab Junior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 2, 2011
    10
    1
    0
    Location:
    Los Angeles
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    Four
    Strange find - but Dealer/Toyota 800 could not answer. Found a piece of Carpet sewn in to the Leather Drivers Seat on Prius 4. Location is on the right side down by the seat between console. It's like 12" Long right below place where you put seatbelt in and extends to the floor carpet down about 6". It looks like it blocks out change or pens, whatever from falling under the seat - BUT - noticed there is no such thing on the passenger front seat leather cushion left side next to console. Only thing I can guess now is - there are a lot more electronics under the drivers seat and closer to console side - so I think reaching down fishing for change or whatever might disconnect something. On the passenger side only a single box with 1 main wire but towards the door side.

    SO what is it and what is it for?
     
    #1 knbcpab, Jul 14, 2011
  2. pixelmixer

    pixelmixer New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 3, 2010
    102
    10
    0
    Location:
    Seal Beach CA
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    V
    Might be there to prevent rattles from seat belt hardware/console?
     
    #2 pixelmixer, Jul 15, 2011
  3. David Beale

    David Beale Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 24, 2006
    5,963
    1,981
    0
    Location:
    Edmonton Alberta
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius
    Prevents leather wear (that part of the "leather" is actually vinyl) and the squeaks it would cause as the seat moves slightly against the console. Quite common in vehicles.
     
    #3 David Beale, Jul 15, 2011
  4. duffasaurus

    duffasaurus Senior Member

    Joined:
    Aug 22, 2007
    177
    38
    0
    Location:
    Charlotte, NC
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    V
    The piece of carpet like material between the driver's seat & console is a deflector for some objects that might cause a problem with the electronic chasis under the seat. The driver's side seat has a wide clearance on the console side, I don't believe it is for stopping a squeak!
     
    #4 duffasaurus, Jul 15, 2011
  5. car78412

    car78412 Member

    Joined:
    Jul 18, 2010
    284
    32
    3
    Location:
    Hudson Valley, NY
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    IV
    I agree with your explanation. Makes alot of sense.
     
    #5 car78412, Jul 17, 2011
  6. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
    Staff Member

    Joined:
    Oct 2, 2004
    44,829
    16,065
    41
    Location:
    Canada
    Vehicle:
    Other Non-Hybrid
    Model:
    N/A
    But why is it only on the driver's side and not on the passenger side?
     
    #6 Tideland Prius, Jul 17, 2011
  7. car78412

    car78412 Member

    Joined:
    Jul 18, 2010
    284
    32
    3
    Location:
    Hudson Valley, NY
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    IV
    It may have to do with the exact characteristics of the driver's seat which may have casued a problem resulting in the fabric modification of the drivers seat alone.
     
    #7 car78412, Jul 17, 2011
  8. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
    Staff Member

    Joined:
    Oct 2, 2004
    44,829
    16,065
    41
    Location:
    Canada
    Vehicle:
    Other Non-Hybrid
    Model:
    N/A
    One has to wonder if the RHD versions are any different.
     
    #8 Tideland Prius, Jul 17, 2011
  9. car78412

    car78412 Member

    Joined:
    Jul 18, 2010
    284
    32
    3
    Location:
    Hudson Valley, NY
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    IV
    interesting point
     
    #9 car78412, Jul 17, 2011
  10. David Beale

    David Beale Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 24, 2006
    5,963
    1,981
    0
    Location:
    Edmonton Alberta
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius
    I've seen pieces of carpet used there and under the seat bottom to absorb wear, and even inside the seat back. It just wears better and is quieter than any other solution that costs less than a fortune.

    Back when I used to adapt seats from wreckers to 4X4s. Those days are over. With airbags and other restraints, it's dangerous and potentially expensive to mess with seats.
     
    #10 David Beale, Jul 17, 2011
    1 person likes this.
(You must log in or sign up to post here.)