I just received my Chrysler kit and have read the instructions at least 3 times. I hope it makes more sense when I start taking the seat apart.

I should mention that the heating pad is not very large. About half the size I expected. At this point I am thinking I should have gone aftermarket.

 

Maybe I will do a WIKI on CF seat heaters then everybody can contribute and we will end up with all you need to know to service CF seat heaters in one place. It sure is not here for the novice or in Chrysler's instructions.

 

I don't mean to hijack this thread, but I have some input and questions ...
I have used aftermarket elements to repair SLK32 seats and found them to be easy to install and work well enough. I am, however, mildly curious to hear how much the crossfire repair kits cost and would like to see what the kits include. The Slk32 has no viable "factory" solution because the heating elements are integral with the cover (sewn in). The aftermarket elements (I have used) use half the current and therefore have half the heat output of the factory slk heat elements, But they seem to work just fine in my opinion.

It is typical for SLK32 elements to last for less than 30,000 miles. One thing (I have heard) that leads to their early demise is putting a knee on the seat (if you get into the car to look for something in the center console for example).

While I don't have any experience with the crossfire seat elements, I am familiar with the slk's and (if memory serve) all of them use the one continuous circuit (from beginning to end) style element. So one break in the element and the circuit is open (and non functional). The aftermarket elements by contrast are usually made using a network of circuits in parallel, so one or even several breaks in the element will not cause it to stop working. To fix 2 seats using the aftermarket kits, I have spent a total of $90 (and as they are kits for augmenting non heated seats, ended up with some extra parts to use elsewhere .... some reasonable quality relays and inline fuse holders).

I looked over the Chrysler instructions briefly, and it appears that that the crossfire has "side" elements. The SLK does NOT have these. So my input here may be of no value.


could someone post a picture of the Chrysler repair kit and it's cost?


Chris

 

Picture and part number

https://www.crossfireforum.org/forum...ts-module.html

 

I found no picture in that thread ... just a link that wouldn't open for me.

thanks anyway ...

 

My browser must work better than yours.. 3 pics..two closed box showing address.. one showing connectors and wires and pad..

 

son of a gun ... I see it now ... thanks

Chris

 

Price wise.. well it's an older thread..but surely they haven't jacked the price up over another hundred bucks..

https://www.crossfireforum.org/forum...mpossible.html

 

thanks, I was just curious if it was anything that might be useful for the slk32's. Or conversely if the aftermarket elements might be a great deal better for the crossfire ... neither seems to be the case.

The crossfire would be fine with the generic aftermarket elements ... except it appears that the crossfire has a more elaborate set of elements (with heating in more areas) so the generics might be viewed as a slight down grade. Still, at about $90 for 4 elements (enough to do the seat and back of 2 seats) seems like a good alternative.


Still have your Miata? My turbo'd '94 is in storage for my son ... (can't say i didn't have a lot of fun putting 250,000 miles on it : )

Chris

 

The reason that thread is a sticky is because of the flickr link which does not work now, so its kind of useless. So the best set of photos for a how to are in my previous thread here earlier.
CrossfireForum.org
It's funny how we never heard from the miffed poster since that link was posted. He's from Canada so .....

 

I would have commented earlier but I'm a Canadian with a job so I can't be on here 24/7. Anyway, looks like stayin' away brought results; finally there are some responses with the info, personal experience, pics, etc, I was looking for (including one from you ). Thanks.

 

Thanks onehundred80,

The Chrysler kit and instructions make the seat appear to be significantly different than the slk seat, however, the aftermarket instructions (in the link above) appear to be for a seat that is very much the same as an SLK seat (and the same as an SLK32 seat except the slk32 seat has its original element stitched into its leather). Am I missing something? are there some xfire seats with separate side and front elements in the seat bottom and others without?

Chris

 

Still have her.. it's in need of some TLC, but my son turns 16 this summer and is thrilled to death I got the crossfire. He's more than excited about having it as his first car. Non turbo so at least I know he wont be driving like I do in the crossfire on occasion.. LOL. We have S corners out my way and the other day he asked how good it handled in corners.. about 70 is where I limited the Miata.. I nailed the xfire going into one..about 55..and was doing 85 on exit..and felt like at least another 5 left in her without worry. He (and I) were impressed.

 

Wow.. I'm an American with a job..and putting in an extra hour a day OT .. and still manage to miagrate here daily. Not to mention 1 1/2 hour commute on the round trip. Guess it's all about priorities.. Canadian with a job..is that supposed to be a rare breed? LOL...

 

https://www.skyparts.com/home.php?op=checkout

 

Canada currently has a low unemployment rate compared to the US, thanks to the building trade which booms at this time of year building igloos, whole subdivisions going in everywhere.
To keep this on topic, we use seat heaters on our chairs in the igloos.

 

No actually quite the opposite, unlike those south of the border . That's why I thought it necessary to explain that the reason I hadn't responded within the last 20hrs to onehundred80 and/or the thread is because of the fact I have a job/life. I know most of you americans think the universe revolves around you and have trouble understanding that there are other country's in the world that don't share your problems (unemployment rate) or ignorance as pointed out in onehundred80's igloo comment (it's the same temp here as it is in Oklahoma).

It's all good though I got the info I wanted and you guys got a laugh at my expense. Now ya'll take care now ya hear. Yee haw !

 

That may be the last answer you get, you know where the doors is.

 

Dale Carnegie he's not!

 

Awww ! Come on now, don't be sore. I just figured you could take it since you're so willing to dish it out.