the seat heating draws like 20 Amps.Whatever existing circuit you connect it to, it will significantly increase the load on the common live wire of the circuit (the live wire between the battery and the fuse). The only safe solution - in my opinion- is a relay from an existing circuit which closes the seat heating circuit when ignition on - and the seat heating circuit needs to have a properly sized completely independent live wire from the battery positive terminal.
Where did you get that it consumes 20A, These pads consume 24~36w per pad so total of 4 pads is 144W is is around 10,35A at 13.9V which is not that much to wire up from an existing wire.
@@Roderiq is this for each? Maybe he’s referring to both wired in tandem and being run. Either way a relay wouldn’t be a bad idea even if it was 10a. A simple relay would be more of a better option than getting power strait from the source only using a variable resister switch like this one has.
I installed this kit but I did not cut the tie down bars, I wrapped extra felt pads(included in the kit) around the element where the tie down bar contacts it and snapped the cover back in place, that way the cover doesn't have any loose spots.
Hey buddy! I didn't know you made videos on the UA-cam! I was looking into doing this on my old F150 and saw your video. How random!! Anyway, why don't you fly on down to Florida and help me out! 😄
Thanks for the quick reply and oddly enough I did find this site as well as 2 others, just minutes ago. All 3 are a lot better than the ones that came with my set. Again thanks
Great video, very detailed, ... almost too detailed. Thanks for posting, now I have to install heated seats for her, no more excuses now, thanks a lot lol :)
The next time you decide to make a video, please consider using some auxiliary light for the dark areas and keep your head from between the camera and the subject you're photographing, please.
Hi Luke, Thanks for an informative "how to". Like some others here I have bought the same kit which doesn't have the instruction sheet, so thank you for posting the pdf. Cheers buddie
How fast does this heat up? I got mine installed and it doesnt even seem get warm. I wired to the same fuses and i get the knobs to light up but no heat. Any ideas? I dont currently have a multimeter to check for power at the seats.
One last question here. Since you have installed this kit have you had any issues or problems with it? Not heating well. The blue light on the knob burning out. The switch failing and only giving you high heat or off. Other... Thanks and great video!
This kit has been awesome. It works better than literally any factory kit I’ve ever tried. No delay to heat up and the 6 position switch is awesome. Everything still works perfectly. I have installed three of these same kits and none have issues.
What I don't get is if the car is already wired and fused for heated seats, why can't you locate the existing wiring and splice your aftermarket 12V constant onto that instead of doing those nasty looking fuse taps? Shouldn't there be a 12V constant already wired to those fuses?
Hey Luke, awesome video. Looks like that link at Amazon is gone. Can you tell me what kit you used, brand and model number. I have a GMC Acadia I would like to add that too. Thanks Jason
www.amazon.com/WATERCARBON-Waterproof-Switch-Premium-heating/dp/B07CPXSLQ4/ref=sr_1_41?dchild=1&keywords=universal+seat+heater&qid=1612798646&sr=8-41 Thanks for the heads up. Updated in the description as well. They have updated the kit a bit.
Hi. Quick question, the carbon fibre elements are contained within that white fabric. Is that white fabric made from asbestos? Assuming it needs to be heat resistant. Thanks.
Hey first of all, good video thanks for sharing it. I have a kind of left field question. This kit looks great but I really, really hate blue led... What do you suppose are the chances that switch can be taken apart and the back light replaced to something that would match the rest of the vehicle's switch lighting (amber, red, cyan etc). Is the switch big enough that you think it might house an actual led that can easily be desoldered and replaced or is it more likely an smd? I know this is kind of a ridiculous question and you didn't manufacture the kit but I figured I'd give it a shot before I attempt to contact the manufacturer. Thanks!
I think its totally legit. I am a huge fan of things matching and looking right at the end product stage. The actual switch size in diameter is about the size of an quarter. I would bet you can take it apart and solder in your own LED. Not sure which size they currently house though...
Good video. I installed what looks like the same kit (same switches), but my controller box only had +12V and GND (no IGN). Anyway, the install was easy, but I find that I get this sound tone from my speakers if either of the switches are set to 1-4. 0/5 (full off/on) don't make any sound. I presume its from the PWM signal of the controller, but I can't seem to get rid of it. Did you happen to have the same issue?
So, I've been looking at this kit and had some questions about the switches themselves. First off, what are the colors? Blue backlights and red indicators? Secondly, are the backlights dimmable with your other interior lights? Finally, how do you turn these heaters off? Do you press the switch, or turn them all the way to the left? Thanks!
The colors are blue for the backlighing of the seat and heat positions. Then the red indicator shows which position its currently on. They are not dimmable with the interior lights the way I have it installed. They are not very bright if that help. To turn them off you turn it all the way to the left.
Hi mate, great video! Just wanted to ask, you know on the lowest setting, are the heats still being heated or are the off? Reason I ask is, if on the lowest setting the seats are still being heated, how would you turn the seats off completely? Is there another built in switch on the control to switch them off? completely?
@@MechanicLife I have this same kit. In the lowest setting it still seems to warm up slightly. Enough to where you lean forward and say, "is this thing still on or is it me?" Wife was doing the same thing on her side, I unplugged hers and she stays cool now. I am considering using a inline power button to turn on and off.
Great video. I have a set of universal heat pads, but my instructions are in terrible broken English. Could I bother you to send me a copy of yours which seems great? Also can the pads be cut in length anywhere or just in specific places? Thanks and I am enjoying going through your videos.
Glad to hear that the videos are helping out! The instructions supplied are not great for sure... Here is the link to a PDF for the same instructions just a different brand name. www.rostra.com/manuals/250-1870_Form5261.pdf Let me know if you have any other questions. You can cut the pads anywhere to find the mount bars of the seat covers. The insturctions will show you how to do this without cutting to much out.
@@montanamade1114 One more question after again watching your 2 videos on these heated seat pads. In both it seems you wire a 12v constant as well as an ACC wire and a GND wire. The kit I have has a ground wire and 1 Pos wire from an inline fuse. I was going to wire that into one of my outfitter switches in my 2008 Ford F350SD, which works on the ACC. Just a different kit with different wiring or am I missing something?
I installed a heated seat kit in my 2019 elantra se. They work brilliantly, the only problem is that they do not turn off when I turn th ignition off. I bought a little jumper/bridge thing to stick in the correct fuse in the fuse box. The fuse that says says heated seat/frt in the fuse box, just below the steering wheel. But there is also a front heated seat relay in the fuse box in the engine compartment.When the heated seat kit is using the correct fuse in the fuse box in the car, the ODB does not get power. If i pullout the heated seat fuse then the odb does get power. I believe I have to do something with the relay in the fuse box in the engine but not sure what to do. I expect I could put the fuse for the heated seats in another 20amp place in the fuse box inside the car, maybe the sunroof? but i would like to do it right. Do you have any suggestions?
Do you think the pad would stick to cloth seat itself? I'm installing a set of thick seat covers in my work truck and am debating on putting the heating pad between the aftermarket seat cover and the top of the seat. On my other truck with these covers, the heat on high feels like low because of the seat covers and cloth seat being to much to feel the heat unfortunately. Wondering if that would be a good idea. Thanks and good job
Just received my kit and no instructions😢. My kit has the same controller switch however it tie in to one Module. What is confusing me is that my harness has red & black thick wires ( constant hot and ground) another thin red wire ( ignition source ) and a thin yellow (????) not sure. After watching your video in thinking it might be the switch backlight. Any thoughts 💭 would help. Thanks for the video.
Could this be a good time to swap out the foam padding? Mine is a 2011 and would consider that as a.....”While I am in the neighborhood” type of repair.
Great Video! Just ordered the same kit you installed for a 2018 Chev Silverado 1500 and am wondering what you ended up using for the fuse splitters? The 15 Amp Fuse (Slot 22 HVAC IGN) is a 3 blade fuse while the other 15 Amp Fuses (Slot 43/44) are the smaller 2 blade fuses. Thanks!
Hi there you fitted this kit just wondering when you cut the hole in the bottom one did you go round the hole with the tape or did you leave it as it was as instructions are very vague
So we have 2014 Impreza. Our kits came with a red positive black ground and a white Accra key door ACC. Does this white wire hook up to the ignition fuse like you mentioned in your video?
Got mine all put together and installed wired taped to the fuses like you did. Knobs light up but i do not get any heat. Not even in the area before i made my cuts. Any idea? I guess i should have tested the pads before i started..
@@MechanicLife negative. I tried messaging the China company but they were no help. Only thing I didn't double check was connection on the box under the dash I figured if the lights were on it was connected good.
Is there a way of doing basic electrical troubleshooting before removing the covers? Seats turn on but shut off after a few seconds. Apparently a self protect feature to avoid overheating. Different vehicle but same concept. I like your five level but I could survive on the factory three level if the universal pads could splice into the existing factory connector
Yes. They are deisigned to be cut for that reason and the heat transfer still happens throughout the remaining grid. I have a thermal gun and should do a quick video showing that it works. The manual that comes with the kit outlines it as well and how close you can cut to the sides of the pads.
Not every vehicle has the same type of plastic clips that keep the fabric tight in the center of the seat. Some have these metal rings that go around a bar. Those are a bitch.
the seat heating draws like 20 Amps.Whatever existing circuit you connect it to, it will significantly increase the load on the common live wire of the circuit (the live wire between the battery and the fuse). The only safe solution - in my opinion- is a relay from an existing circuit which closes the seat heating circuit when ignition on - and the seat heating circuit needs to have a properly sized completely independent live wire from the battery positive terminal.
Excellent point! If your gonna do all this work then do it right so it doesn't ever have to be fixed.
Where did you get that it consumes 20A, These pads consume 24~36w per pad so total of 4 pads is 144W is is around 10,35A at 13.9V which is not that much to wire up from an existing wire.
@@Roderiq is this for each? Maybe he’s referring to both wired in tandem and being run. Either way a relay wouldn’t be a bad idea even if it was 10a. A simple relay would be more of a better option than getting power strait from the source only using a variable resister switch like this one has.
Nice job, learned a lot. Thanks for posting!
I installed this kit but I did not cut the tie down bars, I wrapped extra felt pads(included in the kit) around the element where the tie down bar contacts it and snapped the cover back in place, that way the cover doesn't have any loose spots.
Awesome!!
Hey buddy! I didn't know you made videos on the UA-cam! I was looking into doing this on my old F150 and saw your video. How random!! Anyway, why don't you fly on down to Florida and help me out! 😄
Woot!
Great video, thanks! Fellow Montanan here. How much would you charge to do this for me? Same truck
You bet! I am unfortunately am not in the state right now.
Thanks for the quick reply and oddly enough I did find this site as well as 2 others, just minutes ago. All 3 are a lot better than the ones that came with my set. Again thanks
Did you ever changing the wiring at the fuse box? I would love to see that, a video of the best or alternative ways to wire this to a fuse box.
Great video, very detailed, ... almost too detailed. Thanks for posting, now I have to install heated seats for her, no more excuses now, thanks a lot lol :)
You bet!!
The next time you decide to make a video, please consider using some auxiliary light for the dark areas and keep your head from between the camera and the subject you're photographing, please.
Will do. These were my early video making days before I improved the process.
Hi Luke, Thanks for an informative "how to". Like some others here I have bought the same kit which doesn't have the instruction sheet, so thank you for posting the pdf. Cheers buddie
Glad it helped ya out!
How fast does this heat up? I got mine installed and it doesnt even seem get warm. I wired to the same fuses and i get the knobs to light up but no heat. Any ideas? I dont currently have a multimeter to check for power at the seats.
They heat up in about 15 seconds. Does it get hot at the bottom and not at the top by chance?
@@MechanicLife i got zero heat.
@@MechanicLife i also ran power directly from the battery. It is grounded and taped to the ign fuse to turn on.
All that nice attention to detail in the seat and then... 32:51
One last question here.
Since you have installed this kit have you had any issues or problems with it?
Not heating well.
The blue light on the knob burning out.
The switch failing and only giving you high heat or off.
Other...
Thanks and great video!
This kit has been awesome. It works better than literally any factory kit I’ve ever tried. No delay to heat up and the 6 position switch is awesome. Everything still works perfectly. I have installed three of these same kits and none have issues.
What I don't get is if the car is already wired and fused for heated seats, why can't you locate the existing wiring and splice your aftermarket 12V constant onto that instead of doing those nasty looking fuse taps? Shouldn't there be a 12V constant already wired to those fuses?
Is there a way to wire the two position switch in for hi and low without all the delays and stuff?
After 5 years do u still have the truck and any issues
What kit is this? I can seem to locate one that allows cutting for the hold downs.
You say don't cut all the way across, but the instructions literally indicate that you can trim off the ends to a degree.
Is it possible to change the button light somehow from blue to red? What do you guys think?
Planning on installing some in my 1990 f250 with cloth bench seat. Any suggestions for how I can do it well
Hey that link isn’t working anymore. Any chance you have another link?
Hey Luke, awesome video. Looks like that link at Amazon is gone. Can you tell me what kit you used, brand and model number. I have a GMC Acadia I would like to add that too. Thanks Jason
www.amazon.com/WATERCARBON-Waterproof-Switch-Premium-heating/dp/B07CPXSLQ4/ref=sr_1_41?dchild=1&keywords=universal+seat+heater&qid=1612798646&sr=8-41
Thanks for the heads up. Updated in the description as well. They have updated the kit a bit.
Hi.
Quick question, the carbon fibre elements are contained within that white fabric. Is that white fabric made from asbestos? Assuming it needs to be heat resistant.
Thanks.
Man I hope not....I dont know. Would have to be a question for the manufacturer.
Hey first of all, good video thanks for sharing it. I have a kind of left field question. This kit looks great but I really, really hate blue led... What do you suppose are the chances that switch can be taken apart and the back light replaced to something that would match the rest of the vehicle's switch lighting (amber, red, cyan etc). Is the switch big enough that you think it might house an actual led that can easily be desoldered and replaced or is it more likely an smd? I know this is kind of a ridiculous question and you didn't manufacture the kit but I figured I'd give it a shot before I attempt to contact the manufacturer. Thanks!
I think its totally legit. I am a huge fan of things matching and looking right at the end product stage. The actual switch size in diameter is about the size of an quarter. I would bet you can take it apart and solder in your own LED. Not sure which size they currently house though...
Good video. I installed what looks like the same kit (same switches), but my controller box only had +12V and GND (no IGN). Anyway, the install was easy, but I find that I get this sound tone from my speakers if either of the switches are set to 1-4. 0/5 (full off/on) don't make any sound. I presume its from the PWM signal of the controller, but I can't seem to get rid of it. Did you happen to have the same issue?
How did you do your final wiring? Or did you just leave them ghetto fuse tapped?
Very inspiring! Going to do a rear seat installation on my Mazda CX-5...... Many thanks for your help 👍🏻👍🏻😎
So, I've been looking at this kit and had some questions about the switches themselves.
First off, what are the colors? Blue backlights and red indicators?
Secondly, are the backlights dimmable with your other interior lights?
Finally, how do you turn these heaters off? Do you press the switch, or turn them all the way to the left?
Thanks!
The colors are blue for the backlighing of the seat and heat positions. Then the red indicator shows which position its currently on. They are not dimmable with the interior lights the way I have it installed. They are not very bright if that help. To turn them off you turn it all the way to the left.
@@MechanicLife Thank you! Just what I needed to know.
Hi mate, great video!
Just wanted to ask, you know on the lowest setting, are the heats still being heated or are the off? Reason I ask is, if on the lowest setting the seats are still being heated, how would you turn the seats off completely? Is there another built in switch on the control to switch them off? completely?
The lowest setting turns them completely off. Its all on the same dial. I was worried about that at first too. Luckily wasn't an issue.
@@MechanicLife I have this same kit. In the lowest setting it still seems to warm up slightly. Enough to where you lean forward and say, "is this thing still on or is it me?" Wife was doing the same thing on her side, I unplugged hers and she stays cool now. I am considering using a inline power button to turn on and off.
Your not able to just turn it off at the switch provided?
Can you tell me where you bought the heating elements from please
I bought them from Amazon
Great video. I have a set of universal heat pads, but my instructions are in terrible broken English. Could I bother you to send me a copy of yours which seems great? Also can the pads be cut in length anywhere or just in specific places? Thanks and I am enjoying going through your videos.
Glad to hear that the videos are helping out! The instructions supplied are not great for sure... Here is the link to a PDF for the same instructions just a different brand name. www.rostra.com/manuals/250-1870_Form5261.pdf
Let me know if you have any other questions. You can cut the pads anywhere to find the mount bars of the seat covers. The insturctions will show you how to do this without cutting to much out.
@@montanamade1114 One more question after again watching your 2 videos on these heated seat pads. In both it seems you wire a 12v constant as well as an ACC wire and a GND wire. The kit I have has a ground wire and 1 Pos wire from an inline fuse. I was going to wire that into one of my outfitter switches in my 2008 Ford F350SD, which works on the ACC. Just a different kit with different wiring or am I missing something?
@@montanamade1114 thanks a lot for manual, my kit came without any paper and I was looking two days for any diagram
Nice video. How are they holding up?
No issues what so ever. As good as the day they were installed!
I installed a heated seat kit in my 2019 elantra se. They work brilliantly, the only problem is that they do not turn off when I turn th ignition off. I bought a little jumper/bridge thing to stick in the correct fuse in the fuse box. The fuse that says says heated seat/frt in the fuse box, just below the steering wheel. But there is also a front heated seat relay in the fuse box in the engine compartment.When the heated seat kit is using the correct fuse in the fuse box in the car, the ODB does not get power. If i pullout the heated seat fuse then the odb does get power. I believe I have to do something with the relay in the fuse box in the engine but not sure what to do. I expect I could put the fuse for the heated seats in another 20amp place in the fuse box inside the car, maybe the sunroof? but i would like to do it right. Do you have any suggestions?
Do you think the pad would stick to cloth seat itself? I'm installing a set of thick seat covers in my work truck and am debating on putting the heating pad between the aftermarket seat cover and the top of the seat. On my other truck with these covers, the heat on high feels like low because of the seat covers and cloth seat being to much to feel the heat unfortunately. Wondering if that would be a good idea. Thanks and good job
I do. They are really sticky. Also if you are at all handy with a needle and thread a few stitches would easily tie it up as well.
@@MechanicLife awesome, worth a try. Thanks for the reply. I'll be referencing your video during the install. Appreciate it
Just received my kit and no instructions😢. My kit has the same controller switch however it tie in to one Module. What is confusing me is that my harness has red & black thick wires ( constant hot and ground) another thin red wire ( ignition source ) and a thin yellow (????) not sure. After watching your video in thinking it might be the switch backlight. Any thoughts 💭 would help. Thanks for the video.
Bummer! Can you send photos of the harnesses to me? MontanaLuke01@gmail.com
Could this be a good time to swap out the foam padding? Mine is a 2011 and would consider that as a.....”While I am in the neighborhood” type of repair.
Good call!
Great Video! Just ordered the same kit you installed for a 2018 Chev Silverado 1500 and am wondering what you ended up using for the fuse splitters? The 15 Amp Fuse (Slot 22 HVAC IGN) is a 3 blade fuse while the other 15 Amp Fuses (Slot 43/44) are the smaller 2 blade fuses. Thanks!
Hi there you fitted this kit just wondering when you cut the hole in the bottom one did you go round the hole with the tape or did you leave it as it was as instructions are very vague
I went around the hole with the tape.
Hey man, any way to pull the caps off and paint them?
So we have 2014 Impreza. Our kits came with a red positive black ground and a white Accra key door ACC. Does this white wire hook up to the ignition fuse like you mentioned in your video?
Got mine all put together and installed wired taped to the fuses like you did. Knobs light up but i do not get any heat. Not even in the area before i made my cuts. Any idea? I guess i should have tested the pads before i started..
I just saw this, did you have any luck with it?
@@MechanicLife negative. I tried messaging the China company but they were no help. Only thing I didn't double check was connection on the box under the dash I figured if the lights were on it was connected good.
Are these kits still available I can not find this kit with the switch that rotates
They may have gone out of circulation. There should be very similar ones available though.
Do these turn off all the way?
These do turn all of the way off if you want them to.
@@MechanicLife Still holding up good?
Good job bloke nice explanation
Is there a way of doing basic electrical troubleshooting before removing the covers? Seats turn on but shut off after a few seconds. Apparently a self protect feature to avoid overheating. Different vehicle but same concept. I like your five level but I could survive on the factory three level if the universal pads could splice into the existing factory connector
It sounds like you have a bad t-stat.
Thanks, either way sounds like replacement of the heating pad is the next step. If price is right I might replace cushions at same time.
anyone know where to get those switches?
So can you actually cut out sections of the grids for the clips and the heating element will still work fully ?
Yes. They are deisigned to be cut for that reason and the heat transfer still happens throughout the remaining grid. I have a thermal gun and should do a quick video showing that it works. The manual that comes with the kit outlines it as well and how close you can cut to the sides of the pads.
@@MechanicLife interesting, the ones I ordered are identical however did not come with any documentation
Let me look around a bit and see if I can dig something up for you.
Not the exact same product the but the cutting of the pads is the same
www.rostra.com/manuals/250-1870_Form5261.pdf
hold the pad to some light and you can see how much you can cut towards the edge before slicing through the conducting tracks.kit works well.
Which factory is this from
Link to the heated seats is in the description.
Can they also cool the seats?
No.
Seat coolers are a series of fans throughout the seats that move air through them and vent onto your back.
Lukes Garage thanks that was verey helpful
Was the kit UL Rated? Thanks
Yes
Hi. Thanks for the video. Did you keep the fuse that came with the heater seats or cut it out since you wired it through the fuse box?
I left the fuse in line. Liked the redundancy.
Thanks. I'll follow your good advice
That’s a lot of faith ;)
How are the seat warmers holding up?
Still going strong. No issues with them at all.
Lukes Garage thanks man I’ll probably go with theses for my ram
Lukes Garage hey man maybe I missed the question but how hot is the highest setting? I want it nice and toasty!
They get really warm. Makes my back sweat!
I will install these on my s2000 soon, thanks for doing a great job here, it does look factory in your truck
Thanks! Good luck on your install.
I have the same heating pad and cut a line in but below the cut it not heating so the pad is not cutable
It says in the instructions do not cut….
It says don't cut it not that you can cut it some places it says don't cut it anywhere...
Not every vehicle has the same type of plastic clips that keep the fabric tight in the center of the seat. Some have these metal rings that go around a bar. Those are a bitch.
Hog rings are horrible! I have those on my 1984 Jimmy.
@@montanamade1114 hog rings that's what they are call. Yes they are.
Just replace the hog rings with small zip ties when you do an install like this
@@inspectorsteve2287
@@trailbull zip ties great idea.
Man skipped the only part I wanted to know how to do he skipped, the fuse hookup to the box
This will show tell you what each wire runs to.
www.rostra.com/manuals/250-1870_Form5261.pdf