RX - 3rd Gen (2010-2015) Discussion topics related to the 2010 - 2015 RX350 and RX450H models

How to Improve the Cooling of the Front Seats.

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Old 07-13-11 | 08:26 AM
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Default How to Improve the Cooling of the Front Seats.

We all know that the ventilated seats, though not the best, are still better than nothing at all. IMO.

So here is what I have done to improve this situation. First, we all know you need to have the A/C set to bi-level so air is flowing under the seat. I felt that most of this air was just shooting to the back compartment. As you can see in the picture I lifted the rear mat and propped it up against the back of the seat. This then pockets the cold air under the seat and the fan is able to draw colder air into the seat. This definitely makes a difference. I actually feel cold air coming out of the perforations now. I am tall and my seat is almost back all the way and all the way down. Adjustments might have to be made depending on your seat position. I am going to try to devise a permanent flap that hangs under the seat, one that is concealed and will move as the seat does.

I hope this helps some of you. It's worth a try to just prop the mat up and see if there is an improvement. No cost for that.

Keep Cool.
Attached Thumbnails How to Improve the Cooling of the Front Seats.-008.jpg  
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Old 07-13-11 | 08:42 AM
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Good idea, MEP. I think the two large vents underneath the front seats are a bit excessive. Then again, I don't have back seat passengers Maybe you can patent your invention and start selling it It's amazing how something so simple can make a difference. I could have used it the past two days
Old 07-13-11 | 08:46 AM
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I'm going to try that in my LS.

Shh, don't tell Lexus we're messing with the floor mats.

Last edited by caddyowner; 07-13-11 at 08:50 AM.
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Old 07-13-11 | 10:50 AM
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I noticed that the seat ventilation is only on the seat bottom, not the lower back, and on the middle to upper backrest. That is a weird design to me seeing as how the lower back should be the most attention
Old 07-13-11 | 02:38 PM
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This is a good idea, but can we use some other things to block the air flow? I feel pity for mats
Old 07-13-11 | 03:12 PM
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Awesome idea, thanks MEP. I'm thinking like a cloth strip that is detachable, maybe velcro colored in black?
Old 07-13-11 | 06:08 PM
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Default New Approach

Just so we don't have another mat recall I came up with this. Good thing is you can put it back in the winter when you want the heat back. I just released the 2 elastic fasteners on that flap, just reach underneath and you can feel them. I had to fold it backwards a bit to get it to hang down right.



Still might work on something less conspicuous. Along Happy's idea but with vinyl to block the air better.
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Old 07-13-11 | 07:34 PM
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^That's actually a better solution. (Gets out to garage to try it)

EDIT: Ok, done, now will try this tomorrow. Thanks again MEP!

Last edited by happy1977; 07-13-11 at 07:39 PM.
Old 07-15-11 | 03:19 AM
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That is an awesome idea. I always wondered how to improve the seat ventilation. I am going to try this tomorrow. You should contact Lexus with your idea.
Old 07-19-11 | 06:13 PM
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I live in Norman Ok. We have been having record heat lately. The other day my thermometer in my 07 es 350 read 113 degrees. I will be trying this asap! Thanks.
Old 07-19-11 | 06:33 PM
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OK, Temps are back into the 90s and I tried it on my LS. I have to admit it makes the seat feel a bit cooler. We'll see what other LS430 owners (with notoriously weak seat cooling) report.

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls4...ling-idea.html
Old 07-21-11 | 05:11 PM
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MEP, I put this to the test today. It was 102 degrees and felt closer to 105 with the humidity. I flipped the carpeted mat up like you did in your first picture because I couldn't figure out how to release the carpeted piece on the back of the seat. My 450h has the black interior and sits in the sun all day. Everything gets brutally hot even with the sunshade in the windshield and partially opened windows. Well it took a little bit for the seat to cool down. But overall it actually worked nice on the bottom part, making it cool to the touch in about 15 minutes. The back, not so much. At least I wasn't sticking to the seat. Thanks!
Old 07-21-11 | 06:26 PM
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Allow me to add my 2 cents worth. Today I cut two pieces of metal approx
6" X 12" and bent one side of the 6" width approx 2 inches at approx a 40 degree angle. I then installed the longest flat piece under the seat vent pipes thus allowing the air to be diverted via the 40 degree angle up to the seats. Worked great!! I can actually feel the air flowing up through the seat cushion. This will allow me to remove them this winter, if need be, to allow warm air to the rear. They are completely hidden from view and the seats travel fore and aft without any dificulty from the metal diverters. I'm sure there are better methods but this seems to work for me.
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Old 07-21-11 | 08:48 PM
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Picture of that would be great

TIA
Old 07-22-11 | 08:32 AM
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Jerry, Will attempt to send some photos but since this will be a first I may not make it happen. The length of the diverter allows it to fit right under the ducts as the photo shows. Good luck!!
Attached Thumbnails How to Improve the Cooling of the Front Seats.-img_0153.jpg   How to Improve the Cooling of the Front Seats.-img_0154.jpg   How to Improve the Cooling of the Front Seats.-img_0155.jpg   How to Improve the Cooling of the Front Seats.-img_0156.jpg  
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