Can you add a heated seat to a 2001 RX 300?
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: Il
Can you add a heated seat to a 2001 RX 300?
This may be a stupid question (searched and couldnt' find the answer)
but is it possible to change the driver's seat of my lexus to a heated seat? Can I pay the dealership to do it?
Thanks
but is it possible to change the driver's seat of my lexus to a heated seat? Can I pay the dealership to do it?
Thanks
Driver
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 1,800
Likes: 13
From: Maryland
Sure, it is possible. But going to a dealer would be prohibitively expensive. You would need the seat heater switch that goes on the dash, either a heated seat or the heating elements that go into the seat, and I believe either the wiring that goes between the two or you could wire it up yourself. This stuff is all available from auto recyclers (i.e., Lexus junk yards) that are parting out RX300s, but DIY abilities would be required.
I lived up North in the era before heated seats and felt that the coat I wore anyway gave me good thermal insulation from the cold seat.
I think you might reconsider when you get an estimate of what a Lexus dealer would charge. I think they would have to use a new replacement seat (or take the seat apart to put in the heating elements), a new heater switch, and likely a new wiring harness, plus $100/hour labor. That would likely total up to a significant percentage (25%?, 30%?) of what your RX300 is worth!
I lived up North in the era before heated seats and felt that the coat I wore anyway gave me good thermal insulation from the cold seat.
I think you might reconsider when you get an estimate of what a Lexus dealer would charge. I think they would have to use a new replacement seat (or take the seat apart to put in the heating elements), a new heater switch, and likely a new wiring harness, plus $100/hour labor. That would likely total up to a significant percentage (25%?, 30%?) of what your RX300 is worth!
CL Community Team
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 16,583
Likes: 1,397
From: Austin, TX
All all RX prewired would be more appropriate question?
If the answer is yes, then it would be a matter of adding fuse, switch and replacing the seat. If not, then it gets more elaborate/expensive.
Salim
If the answer is yes, then it would be a matter of adding fuse, switch and replacing the seat. If not, then it gets more elaborate/expensive.
Salim
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: Il
I talked to the dealership about it and they said the RX are all prewired. They will not change the seat into a heated one though.
Since I have absolutely no abilities when it comes to working on a car except for putting gas in it and adding windshield fluid I called our indy mechanics at VS Motorsports. They say that they think they can do it but they have to do some research first.
I guess I'll wait and see what they say!
Since I have absolutely no abilities when it comes to working on a car except for putting gas in it and adding windshield fluid I called our indy mechanics at VS Motorsports. They say that they think they can do it but they have to do some research first.
I guess I'll wait and see what they say!
Driver
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 104
Likes: 0
From: wisconsin
Find anyplace that does automotive interiors and they should be able to add heated seats for about $250-300max installed. I work at a dealership and we add leather and heated seats to cars all the time. Don't go to Lexus they will be very expensive. i didn't notice what area you live in but I know quite a few places in the midwest to get this done. Update: I saw your in Illinois if your near Chicago there are a ton of places I can refer you to one that we use if you would like.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 2,110
Likes: 77
From: OH
Definitely take it to a (good) auto upholstery shop - they do this all the time. They will probably put in an aftermarket heating element (which is fine) but can get the necessary switches from Lexus for an OEM-like appearance.
Trending Topics
Pole Position
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 3,426
Likes: 7
From: VA
ClubLexus Stories
Celebrating Lexus & Toyota from Around the Globe
Top 10 Most Confusing Things Lexus Has Ever Done!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Lexus ES Review: Lexus Re-Embraces Founding Principles
Michael S. Palmer
10 Lexus Bargains That are Cheaper Than a New Toyota RAV4
Joe Kucinski
8 Weirdest Things Lexus Has Ever Built
Verdad Gallardo
10 Lexus Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
8 Tips for Improving Your Hybrid or Plug-in Hybrid's Efficiency!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Best Lexus Models No One Remembers
Joe Kucinski
TRD Off-Road Premium: Best 2026 4Runner, Except This One Thing
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Lexus & Toyotas to Drive Before You Die!
Joe Kucinski
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: Il
Thank you everyone for your responses
Frankjames, I pm'd you to ask for a referral. Aftermarket upholstery shop sounds good to me....
I love the heated seats in our bimmer, however that thing never seems to be able to stay on the road for more than a week at a time without breaking something expensive.
Frankjames, I pm'd you to ask for a referral. Aftermarket upholstery shop sounds good to me....
I love the heated seats in our bimmer, however that thing never seems to be able to stay on the road for more than a week at a time without breaking something expensive.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
2001, 300, aftermarket, auto, eyegirl2k7, heated, heaters, indianapolis, installation, lexus, repair, rx, rx300, seat, upholstery
