The driver side seat heater in my 02 Forester just went out (the seat element, not the back element.) Can anyone give me any info on repair/replacement? I ordered 2 service manuals from Subaru (7 & 8, Wiring & Body/Access) but they over no helpful information. There don't seem to be any Chilton or Haynes manuals published yet. Before I just start blindly attacking the job, can anyone offer any helpful info?

 

Thanks, Lenny

Lenny, there are 3 choices:

 

Dealer Repair

 

Auto Upholstery Repair shop

 

Order repair kit, (new elements) from dealer. On the older models, these had a vague set of instructions on replacing the elements. But assumed you already had the seat cover off. Hog ring pliers make it much easier, but you can get by with a good set of long nose as well.

 

TRUE, the Factory Manual doesn't cover this repair at all ! YES I have done 2 of these. Much Easier with the seat removed. Then play the rest by ear, or feel when it comes to the 'blind' hogrings in the lower seat area where you feel the side to side indents in the bottom cushion.

Not impossible, but be careful and take your time.

Thank you for the info.

Since this isn't critical, I have decided to wait until a sunny day in summer to work on it. Will save your notes for then. Could only find one website that offered the heater element (1stsubaruparts.com) and it looks like the element costs $200! Does this sound right? Of course, I will check with a dealer also, when the time comes.

Lenny

 

Lenny, there are 3 choices:

 

Dealer Repair

 

Auto Upholstery Repair shop

 

Order repair kit, (new elements) from dealer. On the older models, these had a vague set of instructions on replacing the elements. But assumed you already had the seat cover off. Hog ring pliers make it much easier, but you can get by with a good set of long nose as well.

 

TRUE, the Factory Manual doesn't cover this repair at all ! YES I have done 2 of these. Much Easier with the seat removed. Then play the rest by ear, or feel when it comes to the 'blind' hogrings in the lower seat area where you feel the side to side indents in the bottom cushion.

Not impossible, but be careful and take your time.