How To Replace seat heaters, cushions and upholstery

Been there... My driver seat heater tried to burn the truck down a few years back.

 

I think you could do the whole thing without removing the seat if you were determined. I have a bad back and it is just easier to pull it out and put it somewhere I am comfortable to do the work. Its also easier to photograph things outside the truck. The only real down side to removing it is the weight, they are heavy. Otherwise I think taking 10 minutes to remove the seat saves at least that much time not navigating through the truck, around doors etc.

 

Awesome write-up. Do you happen to know if the 802a seats with the cooled seats use the same heating element? My driver side sear won't heat but the AC works. Trying to pinpoint the issue but haven't had much luck. Everything I see is based around the seats with just the heated seats.

 

From what I’ve read, no, those use a single element that either heat up or cool down depending on polarity, and air blows across it (hence the fan noise and little round air filters). That’s what I have on my ‘13. So I’d check that heating/cooling element first, along with wiring and connectors to it...

 

@BenBB is correct. They use a Peltier element with a blower, and a controller that is mounted under the seat. The blower/peltier is easy to get to and replace. The bottom one and controller are under the seat and require the seat to be removed. The one on the back just requires you unzip the rear upholstery and pull the bottom tab that holds the front to the back. Neither require seat skin or hog ring removal. I can take photos later.

 

Dang that pic quality is bad. I will try again later. These are 14' king ranch seats which should be the same as 802a
That white disk with the black surround is the lower element. You get to it by removing the seat. The controller is under there too, it is clearly labeled.

That empty hole in the middle of the seat is where the upper one lives. I have it out at this time working on a stand alone controller for the heater/cooler. You can see from this pic though, all you have to do to remove them is gently pull. They are held in by friction and velcro.