If it wasn't this close to spring I'd be looking into one of those possibly.

 

That switch looks a lot like the one they put in the CDN STI, except there are two dials in one. One for the passenger and one for the driver. In the CDN WRX, there are actually two separate switches. Interesting...

 

Heated seats? I've never been cold in the seats we have...but the coldest it gets here is -20 to -30F. The suede is great...my leather seats in the cadillac however will freeze you dead.

I don't think it's worth it (not that you asked)

 

i agree i have heated seats in mine and never use it

 

I very much miss the heated seats from my 04 WRX (limited), not to mention the mirror and wiper heaters.

DAMN Subaru for not including this as OPTIONS!?! For that matter, I'm even more frustrated by the omission of the Smart Key and Push Button Start features every market other than NA has! Sigh... Perhaps these feature will be added later for those who prefer OEM.


To the OP, thanks for sharing the info... I have been considering going aftermarket to on this. : /

 

For that matter, I'm even more frustrated by the omission of the Smart Key and Push Button Start features every market other than NA has! Sigh... Perhaps these feature will be added later for those who prefer OEM.

No kidding How about we get Recaros and the JDM 2.0 Twin scroll motor instead of this 2.5 bs

 

One of the reasons I had bought an STi Limited.

 

Is it possible to order the OEM heated seats and switches from Canada?

 

If you decide not to go with the OEM seat heaters, I used these, and they work great.

Peak Universal 9" x 18" Carbon Fiber Dual Temp Seat Heater Kit

 

i bought the switch and the driver's side heater but couldn't find the wiring harness anywhere! so I sold it and went with the local shop who did it all for $400 installed.

 

Can someone post a How To on heated seat installation - with pics - including details about how to 'unwrap' the seat and (safely) wire it all up?

 

bump. also interested to see a write up.

 

I think with leather seats which get colder in winter time then our alcantara seats would see more use of the heated seats. I have them and its been cold in Alberta but haven't used them yet.

 

The Alcantra seats definitely dont ever feel cold like leather seats, but it definitely is a worthwile upgrade. The definitely help if you have a bad back.

 

I use the heated seats when it is very cold out, or if I have a sore back. A good feature, but the seat bottom seems to be very hot compared to the back (mostly because the weight is on the seat bottom), but could be better. I know I'm complaining to someone that doesn't even have them... but maybe the aftermarket ones will allow you to adjust the bottom relative to the back and get a better balance.

 

I believe that a more cost effective kit could be pieced together that still uses the OEM switch. We have been installing seat heaters all winter but now that it is 70F+ outside here in Atlanta that has essentially stopped.

Since we still have a GR in the shop, I will see what we can do about making a write up for it. If it helps no one now, it will certainly come in handy when the temp drops again next winter

Cheers,
Alex

 

well, I tried to figure a way to use the OEM seat heater switch. Spent about 3 mos trying to figure it out and finally gave up. I'm no electronics whiz, just use it all. LOL.

 

well at 44 I know I wish I had them. Since my GR is my DD and my wife has them in the Beca, I wish I had them. They do make a ton of difference in the cold weather.

 

Getting the covers off wasnt that hard. I basically followed the guide here

http://www.iwsti.com/forums/gr-interior/111964-heated-seat-install-question-ground-location.html

He didnt have any pictures, but it was pretty straight forward. The only snag is that the bottom seat cover is stiched into the seat into an elastic band that is stiched to the seat foam. I had to cut the band in order to slide the heater all the way into the seat. If you dont cut it, you can only get the heater inserted up to the stich. Once I had it in place, I used some of that "Might Mend-It" glue (the TV infomercial stuff) to glue the elastic to the seat heater.

 

If you dont HAVE to to use the stock switches, I found a nice place to put aftermarket switches. They ar hidden, but still easy to get to.

 

when I had my 03 Vibe GT, I installed leather seats and heated seat elements myself, having no real idea how to do it. Came out pretty well, but it wasn't easy doing the seats. the seat heaters were a cinch. I used hog rings to install the interior and it was quite a challenge but still manageable.