2001 s40:

I've figured out the answer to the previous question about wiring for an aftermarket heated seat.

Another question: how difficult is it to remove the leather upholstery from the OEM seat in order to install the heating pads? have donea google search; can't find an answer.

thanks very much.

 

I don't think it is that bad. I have never had to do a S40 but I know the rest of the cars aren't that bad.
You will need a good set of wire cutters to cut the hog rings. Then you will need a pair of hog ring pliers to install new rings.

 

thanks tech.

i guess i'm most concerned about the airbags and also how do i keep the contours of the leather intact when re-installing? i'm talking about the stitching along the back and on the seat bottom.

thanks again.

 

As long as you are careful you will be fine.
Also where the seams and stuff are there is also hog rings thats what holds the shape like it does.

 

ah-ha! doesn't seem very difficult. you make it sound almost easy! thank you again for your help...

 

Let us know how it goes.

 

Thanks again.

I've ordered the heating elements and a set hog ring pliers.

BUT,I'm still a bit nervous about removing the leather seat covers. Is there a detailed set of instructions anywhere that I can get my hands on, or do I just take them apart and hope I can get them back together again? I just don't want to be left with a seat that I've ruined because I did something stupid.

Thanks.

Cliff

 

Its not that bad the first one I did scared the S*** out of me because if just that reason.
But the foam has like craters where the hog rings go and there is a hole in the cover where the ring was.

 

thanks tech.

so can the hog rings go thru the heating pads??

 

The heating pads should stick to the foam in places away from the spots where the hogrings go.

 

OK, that was one of the more miserable projects i've ever attempted! getting the seat out of the car was no problem. taking the leather off was no problem. putting the leather back on? that took me the better part of last night. from start to finish, getting the heating pads on the seat took about 6 hours; and that was just for the driver's side. i haven't even run the wires or made the electrical connections yet...that's the goal for today.

if i decide to do the passenger side, i think i'll just bite the bullet and pay someone to do it for me.

anyway, thanks for your help...i probably wouldn't have attempted this if it wasn't for your encouragement; you saved me about $150.00!

thanks again.

cliff.

 

The second one should only take have as long as the first one.

Good luck and YOU CAN DO IT!!!

 

thanks tech.

i used some plastic cable ties instead of the hog rings to hold the seat cover back down. i had to put a few holes thru the heating pads; i was careful to put the holes away from the wiring in the pads. they're carbon fiber, so i figured i was safe.

all seems to be working well...nice and toasty!!!

 

Glad all is fine.

 

I know the post is a little old, but has anyone else attempted this mod? I am looking at adding some heat to my '03 V70.
Last winter I went with heated pad that goes over the seat. It didn't even last the winter.

Crosby- can you post some photos, which aftermarket company did you go with, placement of switches etc..?