retro fitting seat heating to the s3

[duncanhancox]

from searching other posts, i understand that the heating elements are already in the recaros, so i am trying to fit switches, wiring if necessary, etc to get them working.

anyone done this or got any info, wiring diagrams etc?
i spoke to my local dealers but they wont let me look at the wiring diagrams (they say i wont understand them! and that they would be responsible for anything i did??? - bullshit)

alternatively, anyone in the north west got an s3 with the heated seats, maybe we could meet and i can look at the connectors under the seat?

thanks,
duncan

[Riz_RS4]

Welcome Dunk,

Im not 100% sure if they do actually have the heating elements installed.... but ive not heard anybody who has managed to get them retro-fitted.

Riz [img]images/graemlins/s3addict.gif[/img]

[ChrisG]

Real bummer these cold mornings ain't it [img]images/graemlins/shocked.gif[/img]
I've been told that the elements are there in all recaros. I could be interested as well. So will the dealer wire them up for you ?
We need VAGparts to do a kit , harness, switches and some simple instructions.

[sitas3]

I personally wouldn't go to all the bother of doing this - the heated seats in the S3 annoy me - when starting the car up in the morning (when very cold for example), there is a delay in the heated seats control and climate control unit whilst the engine warms up sufficiently - by then, your arse/back will have warmed up the seat anyway.

Both Mo-S3 and Al-B live in the M'cr area - maybe you can PM them or turn up at a northern meet near Littleborough, and get a mixed grill forced down you.

[Hopsta]

My heated seats work within a minute or so from cold [img]images/graemlins/confused.gif[/img]

[sitas3]

My heated seats work within a minute or so from cold [img]images/graemlins/confused.gif[/img]

hmm what am I doing wrong then i wonder - it was the same in my other S3 as well (and yes I did switch them on before you ask [img]images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]) - takes at least 5 mins in my car depending on the outside temp - sometimes longer - this morning being a classic example.

[sitas3]

also whilst touching the subject of cold weather, do your passenger mirrors demist/defrost? my drivers side one does but not my passenger side. [img]images/graemlins/confused.gif[/img]

anyone? [img]images/graemlins/thumbs.gif[/img]

[Hopsta]

Have beans for brekky, a quick fart and you wont need heated seats [img]images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

I usually swtich them to 3/4 and thats it.. nothing special [img]images/graemlins/thumbs.gif[/img]

[Hopsta]

sounds like you've got a problem there, both of mine demist/defrost.

[sitas3]

Have beans for brekky, a quick fart and you wont need heated seats [img]images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

it is probably excessive farting that has fecked the elements up (from the Mrs as well.) [img]images/graemlins/thumbs.gif[/img]

re Mirrors: Thanks for confirmation - righto, time for a trip to the Stealers, and they can fix the other jobs I've stored up (exhaust, wheel caps and rear wiper arm mechanism that has stopped working)

[Riz_RS4]

Mine are quite quick warming up too.

Riz [img]images/graemlins/s3addict.gif[/img]

[Mo_S3]

Just to confirm, mine heat up very quickly too and thats without needing to fart not that i ever do such a thing in my car. [img]images/graemlins/tongue.gif[/img]
Although having the alcantara it does take a teeny tiny bit longer but i dont seem to need to switch them on coz the alcantara doesnt get that cold.

Not sure about the mirror heating coz mine is in the garage overnight and never have the need to demist them

[sitas3]

OK thanks - another check for you S3 owners who haven't the luxury of a garage - does your climate control/heater work straight away on a cold frosty morning/evening or is there a delay until the engine warms up?

There is a definite delay with mine (although the demister button works) - this frosty morning the delay was between 5 - 10 mins [img]images/graemlins/confused.gif[/img]

[img]images/graemlins/beerchug.gif[/img]

[Riz_RS4]

I have my car inside overnight but must say that the a/c unit does definately have a delay until the engine is hot enough to produce the required temp.

Riz [img]images/graemlins/s3addict.gif[/img]

[s8n]

I dont have heated seats so neer [img]images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img] Never found I needed them as well!

Both mirrors have never been fogged, ever!

As for heater/climate control, warms up very quick I found! Sometimes less than a minute!