Heated Steering Wheel

I would really like to get a heated steering wheel in my 2012 Tacoma. I realize this is not going to be cheap nor easy, but I thought you guys might be able to help me out with a couple gaps in my knowledge. As has been mentioned here before, there isn't a way to easily add heat to the Tacoma steering wheel due to both the construction of the wheel and the clock spring not being able to handle the current for the heater. I'm looking at the feasibility of adapting a junkyard heated steering wheel onto my Tacoma. The Highlander has a heated steering wheel option.. or there's an abundance of wheels around from Cadillacs and Range Rovers, BMW's, etc.

If I were to acquire a steering wheel, airbag, and clock spring from a donor vehicle, what would the electrical install process be like? I have no idea how the wiring for the airbags works.. but if the sensors are elsewhere, it should just be a positive and negative that would be easily adaptable, does that sound right?

Horn switch should also be pretty universal and easy to make fit. Obviously the heater will require some new wiring, but I assume that will be a +12V and pretty simple? I'd like to retain steering wheel controls, but I plan on an aftermarket stereo so I should just be able to get the steering wheel adapter kit for whatever vehicle my wheel came from.

Basically I need some info on what happens on the Tacoma side of the clock spring. Anyone have a wiring schematic or any other useful information?

 

Air bag sensors are numerous, and none are actually in the steering wheel.

Honestly, look at the Lexus LX (Fancy version of the Land Cruiser). It has a heated steering wheel option and will probably be easier to adapt. Now that you mention it, I may look into this myself

 

seriously.... has society turned into this much of a pansy that you need a god damn heated steering wheel. They make gloves for this, much cheaper.


But hey if there is a will there is a way.

 

If they make it ... someone will buy it ... welcome to consumerism

 

I use gloves now.. booorriinngg!! They also make heated steering wheel covers for $30, but that's not going to be a weekend of fun to install now is it?

Consumerism!

 

Good call on the Lexus wheel being easier to adapt. Let me know if you find any good info while you're looking into it

 

Top down in winter? To each his own. They sell heated covers in a lot of the big chain retail stores up here, I guess they aren't as popular in the US? Most of the ones I've seen have a power cable that would be super awkward, but here is one I found with a rechargeable battery that's not too pricey.

 

That's great and all ... but how are you going to eat up an entire weekend installing that?

[EDIT]
I did find this: http://www.clublexus.com/forums/gs-fourth-generation/768935-adding-heated-steering-wheel.html
[/EDIT]

 

Here is your steering wheel.

http://www.lexussouthatlantaparts.c...LACKBROWN-TRIM21-22/9916579/4510060840C2.html

$1700+!!! Doesn't include, switch or wiring, but does include wiring for the column and a clock spring.

 

Right on. I would probably use a switch from a highlander.. assuming they have a push button switch that's the right size. I'm sure I could find a wheel assembly a lot cheaper used too. I was thinking $500 or so would do it at a junk yard.

 

Once again , up in Canada , there is a need for the heated steering wheel .
Gloves freeze to the steering wheel at -50 below .The cold goes directly through the gloves and into your hands . Don't believe me ? wait for a couple other Crazy Canucks to chime in .
It takes 2 to 3 hours for the heater in the truck to warm the metal on the steering wheel at these negative temps .
For those of you who think its cold where you live in the states unless Alaska , don't even bother commenting as you have no clue how bitterly cold it is here . Get ready for a bunch of fluffy steering wheel pictures again as these pop up every time someone posts about a heated steering wheel . What is possibly wrong with a heated steering wheel ? Motorcycles ,quad runners , golf carts , snowblowers and snowmobiles have all had heat for the hands since the late 80,s
I would buy a new Tacoma tomorrow if it had this feature and is the only reason I am considering a dodge or chevy as the domestic line up have had the feature for 20 years now

Here is an earlier post I created http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2n...s-stuck-steering-wheel-any-good-covers-2.html

 

I came through many winters with -40 degrees, never felt the need for a heated steering wheel and never wore gloves to drive...maybe I'm doing it wrong
...now I'll move to FL so I guess I should be good

 

The Lexus LS460 and GX models also come with heated steering wheels as a package option

 

Did this heated steering wheel mod right after the first winter in the truck. Works great.

http://www.carhartt.com/webapp/wcs/...storeId=10051&catalogId=10101&productId=32013

 

I have the same mod, and no blown fuses, no airbag risk, and bonus! other controls in the cab are also heated. and I saved >$1400.00 !!!


no really though I get -heated- steering wheel, but retro fitting one when an airbag system is involved -can bring instant death- if you frig it up and are driving someday and then something goes bad with your retro-fit work....I'll pass. take the airbag completely out of the picture then it's a cool idea.

 

Said by the guy who's never had one

Op I commend you. Not going to be easy.

 

I wouldn't mind heated steer wheel either and can see why owners would want one, but wholly damn no chance I would pay >$1K for one, then again, I'm a cheapo on some stuff!

 

this is like the dude that is going to tear up the whole interior of his truck so he does not have to manully push the door lock button. There are a lot of things that come on luxury cars that I can easily live without.

 

Cut your frame in half and weld a bunch of crap to it in your garage and nobody bats an eye (or calls it a safety concern), but change a steering wheel and everyone looses their minds!