Install heated seats 3rd Gen

Just in time for summer....I recently installed heated seats in my 2017 DCLB OR. I was frustrated in my research I couldn't find any one place to go and read a "how to" write up. Just thought I'd pass along what I learned to anyone looking to do the same. I am not a pro and this project was a big learning experience for me so if you see ways to improve it feel free to comment below.

To be fair there are alot of resources out there that were helpful (including a 2nd gen wiring thread and YouTube videos) just not a start to finish in one spot. I didn't do the install with a write up in mind so I don't have photos of my own install, rather I am essentially putting together a synthesis of the resources I used.


Before


After (I also added a blue sea USB fast charger instead of the 12v)

Here is the part number for the factory lower switch panel with 5 switches.
55434-04070-C0
This cost me $130 online and was more expensive than a member (mesojdms) who makes a lower switch panel for $58 with more switch slots. He sells in the 3rd gen marketplace but i had trouble finding it in stock and he makes them with more switches than I wanted on that panel anyway.

The dual USB I found on Amazon $30. I just used the factory wiring for the 12v and dremeled the plastic apart to hook into the back or the new charger.
Blue Sea Systems Fast Charge 4.8A Dual USB Charger Socket Mount, 12V/24V

$39 Blue Sea Systems 1045 Fast Charge 4.8A Dual USB Charger Socket Mount, 12V/24V

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01BV1MTAA?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf

Seat heaters have many options but I liked the look of these switches and they had good reviews so I went with these. $90 (I got lucky and got used for $70)
Besond car seat heater carbon fiber heater element two seats fits Toyota trucks https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MEE6KLX?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf

How to remove seat covers.
https://youtu.be/bo52GJSsBL0


How to install your seat heaters into the seats.
https://youtu.be/_RvA9cuVGqE


How to remove and replace the lower panel with the new 5 switch. The factory switches and panel are slotted on the sides so certain switches must go in certain switch slots. To put the switches in the exact places I did I slightly dremeled some plastic on the sides of the Qi switch to fit into the middle slot, can't see it and doesn't effect it functioning at all. This thread had all the info on what you need to know and more. Particularly helpful if you go with mesojdms switch panel option.
www.tacomaworld.com/threads/installing-mesojdms-custom-lower-switch-panel.539029/#post-17386599

For wiring I read this post from the 2nd gen forum and loosely followed his how too. I didn't have to splice any factory wires! He has links for YouTube videos that I learned alot from and im sure you will too if you are new to wiring/electrical work. Specifically how to tap into the fuse box and using a multimeter correctly. I ultimately didn't wire to the battery like the OP of the 2nd gen thread, I just used 4 add a fuse kits and tapped into the fuse box.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...tacoma-lots-of-pictures.503611/#post-15720200

Link for the fuse taps I used. Just grabbed them from the local auto parts store you may be able to save a few bucks somewhere else.
https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/w...t&actionSrc=Form&searchTerm=Atm+lp+add+a+fuse.

I used one fuse tap for each (2 total) of the seat's red wires (tap into a 20A fuse for each). I tapped into S/roof and the aux fuse for these. One more fuse tap for both seat's red/yellow wires tapped into a 7.5A fuse. I believe i tapped into WASHER. Finally one fuse tap for the yellow wires (both seats again) which will illuminate your switches at night into the TAIL fuse which is a 5A fuse. Hookup the ground to some metal and you are good to go.

At the end of the day I only spent $250 for heated seats and swapping the 12v for a dual USB fast charger. You could spend less if you use mesojdms switch panel instead of the factory one. Not a bad option since I didn't particularly care about any of the other upgrades included in the tech package!

Any questions feel free and I will do my best to clarify.

Good luck,
Thomas

 

Looks really nice. Great write up! I'm down to one blank in my truck. I'm thinking about putting the heated seat only on the driver's side because of that.... And 90 percent of the time it's just me in there anyway.

I really like the switch you used because it looks OEM. On my truck I've got 2 sizes of switches, I hope it shows up in the picture. Do you think the kit you used is the same size for this blank?

 

Hey man! The kit I used is a different size switch than that factory blank. :/ I'm sure you could find a kit with a switch that fits that size though

 

Dang. So you think the switches you used utilize the shorter version then? The same as the one that reads Auto in my picture? Or is there a 3rd size that Toyota is using?

 

As far as i know they use just those two sizes on the taco. And yes my switches are the same size as the "auto" switch in your picture and all the other switches on the center lower panel.

 

That looks so OEM I dont even have words to explain, I've been looking for goo heated seat kits but all the ones with buttons and rollers and crap don't look as good as the switch panel. $220 and a little bit of my time for heated seats? Just have to find a way to drug my wife and have her say yes to me buying more taco stuff....

 

Killer writeup man. I've had the idea to do this, but have been too busy to even think about it. It's people like you that make this forum go round

Amazon, click.....

 

@cmccbham

 

It is more of your time than you might think but well worth it! I also did it over several days in small parts so not sure what my install time was. Removing the cloth seats and all that is pretty tedious. Just tell her if she wants a warm toosh in the winter it's a must!

 

Appreciate it man! I just plagiarized all the info so can't really take credit haha but I had alot of fun with the project and wanted to share.

 

Hey man, to be honest I don't listen to the radio much but when I have listened I haven't noticed any interference. I don't think there would be because it uses the factory hook ups for the the 12v so shouldn't have any issues.

 

Awesome! Hope you enjoy!

 

My DCSB OR came with heated seats from factory. Are Canadian taco's different than American ones? Probably cause we get harsh winters lol

 

Yup that's right I think. Some slight differences for the ones in the USA. We only get heated seats if you buy the premium tech package which I didn't want (except the heated seats).

 

Nice work man, I’ll be doing this soon too. And I like the switches you used better than the rollers, nice find!!

 

Thanks man! I'm happy with how it turned out.

 

Came to read the install, left with a solution for usb charging. Thanks, OP!

 

Just a thought.
Wet Okole offers seat covers with a heated seat option. Looks like they are just putting heaters between the seat and cushion.
In other words couldn't you just put in seat cushions from Amazon and put the heaters in between like they did. Therefore you don't have to rip the whole seat apart ???
Another thing is if the heater went out you would have to go all the way back in. With cushions easy fix.
You have the added cost of the cushions.
Love the factory interface, thanks.

 

Thanks for the comment! That is definitely another way you could do it and seems like it would take up much less of your time! Personally I wanted to maintain the stock seats and eventually when they get worn upgrade to katzkin leather seats. Thanks again for the thoughts I'm sure many would prefer using seat covers.

 

Dude, huge thanks for this write up!!! It took a bit but i got everything in and looking fresh AF!!!
One question though... my driver side is all wired up and ready to rock. used the S/roof for the main power, TAIL for the light, and IG2 for the "power" wire (the other small one. i'm not looking at it right this second). You mentioned using the AUX for the other seat but i dont seem to have an AUX. Also, i was going to use the WASHER, but when i pulled the fuse and put the meter on it, both side of the fuse "holder" had power when the truck was on. That wiring video suggested they should all only be power on one side... so, im assuming, the power goes through the fuse. This seemed very strange to me so I didn't mess with it.

Do you think I'd have any issue running both of the seats (10A, each) off the s/roof (20A) being that i dont even have a Sunroof? Or any other suggestions? as you saw, the taps take up essentially two slots, so my options are getting thin.