Hi All,

I bought a new RX 450h last summer without the heated steering wheel option and have since learned over the winter that I probably shouldn't have left that option off. Has anyone had the Lexus heated steering wheel installed after-the-fact?

 

Oh oh. It's for sure a different steering wheel that has the heating elements installed in the side hand grips, as well as the wiring that goes from there to the button on the dash -- lower right side of the steering column. Won't be cheap to replace if possible. At least for me here in Southern California, the heated steering wheel was new to the 2013's and was part of an option package, so I don't know to what degree the wiring and such is independent or part of something larger. If you don't get a response on the forum, try your dealer to determine if its possible and their price.

BTW -- welcome to the forum and congrats on your RX!!!

 

Heated steeting wheel is optional of luxury package only....and they are a pain to find

 

you will need a new steering wheel, new clock spring and wiring loom+button-probably >$2000 in parts+labor since removal of clock spring is not that easy (i think)

 

At that price you can get several nice pairs of gloves for a lifetime and still have change.

 

+1

Anything with steering wheels is extremely expensive. I asked an upholstery shop to re-do the worn leather on the steering wheel on my other car - $600. For that price I could have purchased a replacement steering wheel (saving the airbag), but then I'd have to also take apart all the parts of the steering wheel button controls and re-assemble on the new wheel.

I can only dread how much it would cost to do the same, but then also add a wire to control the heating element along with a button and have the dealer program the computer to recognize the button press.

 

Only the leather part of the heated steering wheel gets warm anyway, whilst the rest of the wheel in wood/bamboo trim are going to still feel cold. Hardly seems worth it.