2ND Gen Heated Seats?????

[rocketvette95]

OK I went and traded my 2002 Expedition EB that had everything in it for my 2005 Expedition Eddie Bauer 4x4. The only thing I am missing is heated front seats. I am wanteing to install the factory heated seats,so I can see that if I do this I will need to replace the Electronic Temp Controller since the heated and AC seat contrils are on the EATC. So if I found a 2005 to 2006 Eddie Bauer or Limited with heated and cooled seats and got the seats and the EATC controller should thismake the Factory heat and cool seats work?? I know on GM vehicles there is a BCM that controls everything in the interior,now does the Fords also have a Body Control Module to control the heated and cooled seats? I really do not want to install the aftermarket heated seats,I feel as if the factory heated seats are probobly the best way to go
Any help or opinions would be great THANKS

 

[Griffin]

Found this info on if the seats would be compatible for the swap-​

Seats and Controls Compatibility:

-If you source factory heated and cooled front seats from a 2005-2006 Eddie Bauer or Limited, they should be compatible with your vehicle.
-You'll need the complete seat assembly, including wiring harnesses, to ensure all functions (heating, cooling, seat memory, etc.) work correctly.

Electronic Temp Control (EATC):

-Since the heated/cooled seats are managed through the EATC, replacing the EATC with one from a model with factory heated/cooled seats is typically necessary.
-The new EATC should be compatible, but you may need to reprogram or code it to recognize the new seats.

Body Control Module (BCM):

-Ford vehicles do have a Body Control Module (BCM) or a similar body control unit that manages many interior functions, including heated seats if equipped.
-For the seats to work properly, the BCM must recognize the seat switches and control the wiring accordingly.
-Usually, swapping seats and the corresponding wiring harnesses from the same model year and do a module reprogramming (via Ford scan tool or equivalent) can enable the system.

Wiring Harnesses and Connectors:

-Ensure the wiring harnesses for the seats match or are adapted to your vehicle’s wiring.
-Factory wiring is recommended for reliability and to maintain compatibility with the vehicle’s electrical system.

Programming/Reprogramming:

-After installing the seats and EATC, you’ll likely need to have the vehicle's modules reprogrammed using a Ford-compatible scan tool (e.g., IDS, Forscan with a compatible interface, etc.) to activate the heated and cooled seat functions.

Going factory is definitely the best choice for reliability, longevity, and integration.It’s very likely that with the correct seats, seat wiring harness, and a compatible EATC, plus some programming, you can get the heated and cooled seats fully functional. Be prepared for some reprogramming or coding, which may require visiting a Ford dealership or a knowledgeable aftermarket shop with the right equipment.

 

[whtbronco]

The switches and level adjustment for the heated/cooled seats in my 2004 are in the top of the center console so you'd need that as well.

A slightly different point of view. I agree the results of going with the factory components would be nice in most ways and may very well be the most reliable long term. My wifes 2003 Monte Carlo had factory heated seats. My daughters 2002 Monte Carlo did not. We looked at the factory route and in the end she decided to go with the Dorman kit, at the time $40 per seat and it took us most of a day to install the heating pads in the seat bases and backs, install the switches and wire them up. The factory seat heaters in the Chevy's cycle on/off after a few minutes, the Dorman stayed on until turned off or the ignition was turned off. My daughter preferred the consistent power and to my dismay she would leave the heater on so when she started the car the seat heater didn't have to be turned on again like the factory ones required. The Ford seats simply turn off after like 10 minutes.

The Dorman setup requires just a little wiring, install a couple switches that are lit if desired and remove the seat covers to install the heating pads. So it's substantially less work and expense.

The Ford seat cooling is just a fan. It does help when you are really hot, but it's always seemed odd to me that it doesn't work without the A/C engaged. I have been tempted to rewire the fan to eliminate the A/C requirement, just never have.

As noted I think if you're okay with the cost and effort the factory stuff is probably the way to go, but I thought I'd offer my experience with them.