Can you add a heated seat to a 2001 RX 300?

eyegirl2k7 · 10-01-09, 08:01 PM

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

bob2200 · 10-02-09, 06:31 AM

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!

salimshah · 10-02-09, 07:57 AM

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

eyegirl2k7 · 10-02-09, 09:36 PM

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!

frankjames · 10-02-09, 09:45 PM

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.

carguy07 · 10-02-09, 10:35 PM

http://www.clublexus.com/forums/rx-f...ted-seats.html

sktn77a · 10-03-09, 01:13 PM

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.

tromly · 10-04-09, 04:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sktn77a

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.

+1, stay out of the stealership as the upholstery shops do a fine job for this project. Good Luck

eyegirl2k7 · 10-04-09, 06:41 AM

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.