Heated seat/seat memory module questions (long) -
01-05-2009, 12:24 PM
#22
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No idea about the module, but one would assume that...
if you use the module to move the seat into a desired position, then unplug the power and remove the module to return it back to the driver side, the passenger seat should stay where you left it.
You could always just buy a whole seat from a parts recycler for cheap $$.
You could always just buy a whole seat from a parts recycler for cheap $$.
01-05-2009, 02:52 PM
#26
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Good thing/bad news re: heated seats.
Good thing is the obvious that the cohones stay warm down there with the heated seats.
Bad news is that some early medical studies are indicating a higher co-relation inbetween auto heated seating users and testicular cancer or lower sperm count. The studies are only a few, and some research is still going on. NO word on female incidence of cancer relationship to auto heated seating utilization, that I am aware of.
It's still nice to have the heating seating, tho, isn't it? The studies aren't conclusive yet, just ongoing.
Bad news is that some early medical studies are indicating a higher co-relation inbetween auto heated seating users and testicular cancer or lower sperm count. The studies are only a few, and some research is still going on. NO word on female incidence of cancer relationship to auto heated seating utilization, that I am aware of.
It's still nice to have the heating seating, tho, isn't it? The studies aren't conclusive yet, just ongoing.
01-05-2009, 04:44 PM
#27
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Mrs. GBW leaves them on 6, wishes there was a 10, and that's in July (honest)
I've had a number of friends squirm frantically for a few minutes before they finally ask why the seat is getting so &*$#@ hot.
They should get pretty hot on 6, I usually leave mine on 3 to 4 (in the winter). Our Volvo has low and high, and I find the adjustability on the Audi unit to be excellent, covering the full range of bare skin, work clothes, jeans all the way to an Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race outfit. Honest; don't ask how I know.
I believe over time the heating elements are likely to breakdown slowly and produce less heat. Don't know how old or used your set is. If my wife used them, they're worn out. Last winter I <a href="https://www.audiworld.com/tech/elec177.shtml">installed heated seats in an A4</a> so you may find the tech article of interest. Every time Mrs. GBW and I take the A4 out, she reminds me to thank 4driver4 for his assistance with this project; it's saved our marriage.
I wired mine a little differently, using the 30 slot and the OEM harness, and not the 75X for power. It sounds as if you wired it up yourself without the OEM wiring harness (I'm impressed!). What is the gauge of the wire you used....these heating elements use a ton of power and maybe it can't work as efficiently with the gauge used. I also had to play with the ground to ensure it was working properly. I was showing a completed circuit with the volt meter, but the elements would not heat. Doing nothing other than reducing the number of items on the same ground I was using fixed that problem. I wonder if your ground is making good contact or is sharing the ground with too many things and may be limiting the heating power. I'm not sure I understand how you wired yours up from your description, could you provide more details?
They should get pretty hot on 6, I usually leave mine on 3 to 4 (in the winter). Our Volvo has low and high, and I find the adjustability on the Audi unit to be excellent, covering the full range of bare skin, work clothes, jeans all the way to an Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race outfit. Honest; don't ask how I know.
I believe over time the heating elements are likely to breakdown slowly and produce less heat. Don't know how old or used your set is. If my wife used them, they're worn out. Last winter I <a href="https://www.audiworld.com/tech/elec177.shtml">installed heated seats in an A4</a> so you may find the tech article of interest. Every time Mrs. GBW and I take the A4 out, she reminds me to thank 4driver4 for his assistance with this project; it's saved our marriage.
I wired mine a little differently, using the 30 slot and the OEM harness, and not the 75X for power. It sounds as if you wired it up yourself without the OEM wiring harness (I'm impressed!). What is the gauge of the wire you used....these heating elements use a ton of power and maybe it can't work as efficiently with the gauge used. I also had to play with the ground to ensure it was working properly. I was showing a completed circuit with the volt meter, but the elements would not heat. Doing nothing other than reducing the number of items on the same ground I was using fixed that problem. I wonder if your ground is making good contact or is sharing the ground with too many things and may be limiting the heating power. I'm not sure I understand how you wired yours up from your description, could you provide more details?
01-06-2009, 03:07 AM
#30
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Well, on the commute home last night 6 was too much - seats have ~70k on them (more)
<center><img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/92262/kdk_0041.jpg"></center><p>Your tech article was very helpful already - thanks for taking the time to write it up. In the absence of a harness, I just made my own and tested it in the house before putting it all together - when I bought the climate control I looked for one that had the plugs still so I would have something to work off of (see pic).
I set up my wiring to the gauge matched what was there from the factory harness - I did note that the main power for the heat runs to a constant power (as you have it) and the thermostat runs to switched power - I think I will switch mine up and see if that makes any difference. My 75x terminal is becoming a little crowded anyway. Ground is on a chassis screw - not a factory location. I should see about cleaning that up as well. I did not run a separate ground wire to the seats themselves - I ground them in the seat harness (maybe not the best idea in hindsight; could blow fuses in 2 circuits. I'm no electrician-lol)
I am by no means dissatisfied with the heat - I've been waiting to do this for a while so I think it's great. If anyone else is considering a swap there is plenty of info out there to get it done. Feel free to email me with wiring questions. I'll be sure to post a follow up if I make any changes that are significant.
I set up my wiring to the gauge matched what was there from the factory harness - I did note that the main power for the heat runs to a constant power (as you have it) and the thermostat runs to switched power - I think I will switch mine up and see if that makes any difference. My 75x terminal is becoming a little crowded anyway. Ground is on a chassis screw - not a factory location. I should see about cleaning that up as well. I did not run a separate ground wire to the seats themselves - I ground them in the seat harness (maybe not the best idea in hindsight; could blow fuses in 2 circuits. I'm no electrician-lol)
I am by no means dissatisfied with the heat - I've been waiting to do this for a while so I think it's great. If anyone else is considering a swap there is plenty of info out there to get it done. Feel free to email me with wiring questions. I'll be sure to post a follow up if I make any changes that are significant.