NigelB

Hi guys:

I've owned my '97 ES300 for about five years now (250,000km now), and my only real issue is that the heated seats have never worked. Neither of them. Does anyone know a reasonable independent or a seats expert who could take a look and maybe come up with a repair? Location: Toronto

Don't wanna jinx the car, but it's always been first-key-turn reliable. We don't do a lot of mileage but it's a very comfortable and quiet way to do the shopping and the occasional long trip. And heated seats in this weather would be better for my and my wife's backs.

Thanks in advance

BDSL

I have a 97 as well. The drive side heater seat is not working as well.

The heating element is about $100. But the labour involved to remove the leather from the seat and reholstering is too expensive...$200-300 if everything goes well.

You might be better off getting an add-on heating pad from Canadian Tire for $20. I have seen them around.

NigelB

Thanks for this, BDSL. I have to say, my first port of call was to ask the dealer how much it would cost to have them do it, and the answer was over $1,000 per seat. That's why we haven't had it done till now. But I took your suggestion and asked around upholsterers, and the quote I got was around 350 plus parts, for both seats, which is a lot better. Think I'll have this done - winter is long and cold here....

BDSL

The dealership doesn't do the work. They outsource the work to upholstering shops and make a profit from the work.

It is a common thing with these seat heaters. The element will wear out after a few years. I have live without the heated seat for a few years now.