Heated seats question help

Dm100 · Feb 18, 2018

Hi everyone hopefully someone can help. I've ought a 2011 rav4 with heated seats as standard. They are controlled by an on off switch but must be timer controlled as well because when turned on they heat up cool down for awhile and heat up again. If I bought an aftermarket heated seat kit could I install the kit but use the original pads so i don't have to take the seats apart. My hope is to have variable constant heated seats

telectrix · Feb 18, 2018

might not be a timer. could be a stat. turning them off if they start to get too hot.

ruston · Feb 18, 2018

It may also be that your vehicle is fitted with a smart alternator/ battery saver too. If your vehicle is demanding too much power the ecu will shut down or minimize power to ensure the battery retains it's reserve charge for essential systems. I am not familiar with the system on yours so I may be wrong.
As @telectrix has said it is almost certain to have a stat of some sort or it would just overheat to the point of discomfort or damage.

Dm100 · Feb 19, 2018

Thanks for the replies. If I take a new feed from the fuse box, and wire in new switches and wiring harness to the original seat pads should i get constant heat or will the pads work the same way as they do now? I don' want to go through the hassle of replacing the pads but I don' want to burn my bum either LOL

telectrix · Feb 19, 2018

or buy a pair of these.
Mobile Warming Pants Baselayer - buy cheap ▷ FC-Moto - https://www.fc-moto.de/epages/fcm.sf/?ObjectPath=/Shops/10207048/Products/Mobile-Warming-Pants-Baselayer/SubProducts/Mobile-Warming-Pants-Baselayer-0006&Currency=GBP&Locale=en_GB&utm_source=Portalexport&utm_medium=GoogleShopping&utm_campaign=GoogleShopping_GB&utm_term=&gclid=Cj0KCQiAiKrUBRD6ARIsADS2OLmzzEQ-kS5EDGkJcM3Nh1KxW_SbqWCyJOnJPPSwDUvAd88Zx7G_8HUaAnKREALw_wcB

Squid · Feb 19, 2018

By the time you are frying your ar5e the cabin heaters should be warm enough to heat the car I think the Rav4 cuts the power to the elements when they reach a certain temp to stop the elements from burning out.