Heated seats

[dorsetdave]

I was planning to fit heated seat elements to the front seats of my CD. Lidl were selling heated seat covers that plug into the cigarette lighter socket for just under a tenner. The trimmer who does some work for mr has a long waiting list so I thought that it was worth a try. Result! They work really well and also give protection to the seat. The only downside is that the covers are only available with the power lead coming out of the left side.

[dorsetdave]

Should have mentioned that they only take 36w each on the higher of the two settings.

[Cavalier342]

36W each? might be ok for a short period but that's a lot of wattage to go through the lighter element. Make sure it's not melting anything behind the ashtray.

[dorsetdave]

Thanks, will do.

[Cavalier342]

Personally I'd never trust anything sold in supermarkets that requires that much power. But if it works for you then great.

[Robsey]

That does sound a lot of currant.

About 6 amps between the two pads.

It is well within the capacity of the fuse for the cigar lighter, which would also be the fuse for factory fitted seat heating pads.

Although I do agree with Andrei's words of caution, to some degree.

In all honesty a named supermarket is less likely to sell unsafe items, than a no-name supplier from China or the local cheap 'n' chearful outdoor market.

[dorsetdave]

They do seem to work very well with no sign of distress to the wiring behind the lighter. Will, of course, keep an eye on it. I have bought many car and DIY related items over the years from Lidl. I have only ever had one problem and that was a Nikon camera that quit after about 18 months. They no longer had any stock left and gave an instant refund and apology.

[Robsey]

If you are really clever, and think that they may become a long term fitment...
You could always get them hard wired to the switches and body loom.

Depending upon how they are wired, and how easily the conversion could be achieved.

[dorsetdave]

Rob, I think that I will just keep them handy for the cold snaps. Fortunately Bournemouth usually has an acceptable climate so they shouldn't get too much use!

[Cavalier342]

Weather in Britain is about as predictable as a snooker match. You've no idea what's going to happen in the next frame.

[dorsetdave]

Update on the Lidl heated seats after a lot of use. They work really well and there does not seem to be a problem with the existing wiring coping with the load. The method of anchoring the covers to the CD seat isn't ideal but it is acceptable. It would be nice if they were handed. Using one on the passenger side the cable comes out on the door side. We find that about 20 minutes of heat is enough, actually about the same period as the auto shutoff on the moderns. The Cavalier heaters are brilliant but the initial period using the seat heating is comforting. If Lidl ever stock them again I will get a pair for my mk5 Cortina estate. The heater in that really does need help.

[Robsey]

Sounds like good news.

I have heard of people using Volvo seat pads, but it is an awful faff to get the covers off and back on.

Hog rings are a nightmare.

[3cav3]

If you suffer in anyway with lower back and or hip pain then heated seats are a god send. I've at present got them in my Jag and have had them in a few Volvo's in the past. If ordering a new car( maybe one day in the very distant future) I would definitely pay the extra to have them as part of the options.

[dorsetdave]

Rob, the Lidl seats take less than a minute a side to slip on. Once on, they don't move around on standard CD seats. Haven't tried them on the LS or the convertible yet. If anyone reading this post is anywhere near Bournemouth they are welcome to a "test drive".

[Robsey]

Yes I have a "slip-over" heated seat cover in my shed...
But if a pukka 'built in' set up was wanted, then I believe the old volvo units are a good fit and work well.

They just need bonding to the seat foam, and the covers refitting.
All doable, but I would set aside a full day per seat to do it properly.

[dorsetdave]

I bought 2 sets of heating pads from China with a view to having them fitted to the CD. The feedback was good and they look well made. If anyone is interested, I can let them have the dimensions. Just PM me. With the Lidl solution I won't be fitting them.