Hi.

I want a heated steering wheel.

I don't like aftermarket products.

I have two options (it would seem):

1. I get the leather removed from my wheel and install a heating element and wire it up:
i.e.: http://www.gentherm.com/en/page/steering-wheel

2. I find a way to install a 2007+ LS steering wheel on my 2000 LS...I have read all Toyota wheels are interchangeable in terms of their size. I know I'll have to think about button functionality.


Thoughts?
Advice?
Suggestions?

 

option #1 is best.

it may seem that all wheels may interchange but most of the time it will need tons of modification to make the electrical elements function. the wiring clock bundle will differ between generations so wiring up a 2007 wheel will be difficult. it is uncertain if the 2000 spline even accepts the 2007 wheel, plus you have to worry about air bag, cruise, horn and radio functions.

 

Can anyone chime in on the gentherm idea?

 

sounds extremely expensive... Besides the obvious expense of them taking your steering wheel apart (if that is what they do) there would have to be a control switch mounted somewhere, probably in the steering column. From looking at their site it looks like they start from scratch. I mean I can't find any info anywhere that states that they build it into your existing steering wheel.

Whichever option you choose, seems like a daunting task.

My $.02... get some gloves and call it a day. Either that or a 12v space heater mounted just under the steering column which blows up towards the steering wheel. Run the wires where you can't see them.

 

Such a cool idea!
I love adding new tech to a old car.

I want to add auto turn in mirrors with puddle lights.

I'm not sure what else I would like to do, maybe a auto closing trunk, or maybe a powered sun screen for the back.

The heated steering wheel is a cool idea!

 

I will get a quote from them.
Redoing a steering wheel leather is probably $200 so just to remove it and put on the heating element and reinstall should be about the same.
I won't use a heating element under the wood part of the wheel though.

Thoughts?

 

I'm In dubai where it's 120 degrees out, I would love a ac cooled steering wheel

 

Here in Toronto in the summer we get close to that heat (30-40 C) but in the winter we get to -30 to -40C also!