Hello. I'm a new member and I recently added heated seats to our 2011 Tribute. I found a few articles around the internet, including here, but I thought I would share for others who might want details for a 2011.
First of all, the kit was a $99 special from ebay. I looked closely at a dozen sellers and they all appear to carry the exact same kit. It comes with 4 heating pads, wiring, 2 toggle switches and misc. connectors. The quality of the wiring and switches is average but they do use connectors between everything so you can remove the seats, console etc. without tearing it all out. The switches are high-off-low but I dont notice the difference in low. They are both warm.
I tried the passenger side without removing the seat and the driver side with removing the seat. Remove the seats! It is possible but much more efficient to remove the seats. You will need a large torx socket for some of the seat bolts. I forget the size but maybe T50?
Kit and contents (single kit shown)
![Image]()
The top of the console is all snap-plugs. The bezel prys out carefully.
![Image]()
This is the bottom of the powered drivers seat. Both seats have one large electrical plug that needs to be unplugged prior to removing.
![Image]()
The cloth covers are attached with fold over plastic hooks. These are tricky but you'll figure them out after a closer look.
![Image]()
The inside cover hooks are unpinned with pliers and a flatblade screwdriver.
![Image]()
This is the foam cushion. Note the velcro that positions the seat cover. These are easily ripped from the foam so be careful!
![Image]()
Slide in the heat pads, the back of the seat is the same process. Fighting the seat cover is challenging but fun.
![Image]()
Route the pigtails away from the seat sliders. Zip tie wherever possible.
![Image]()
After you replace the two seats you need to search out a 12V source and install the switches. I used a fuse tap and an unused fuse location in the console fuse panel. You may choose a switched source or constant. Beware of killing your battery if you leave them on when using a constant source.
![Image]()
There is a nice threaded stud in the floorboard that is a perfect ground. Just clean the paint off. Sorry but it use a metric nut which the hardware store has.
![Image]()
To mount the switches I would recommend a step drill. It makes a very clean cut and deburrs the plastic for you.
![Image]()
This is the location I used. There are many others.
![Image]()
In summary the kit installed easily in about 3 hours on my carport. It was obviously cheaper than the dealer upgrade. As for performance, these pads get very warm and almost hot on the high setting. They are warmer than the OEM heated seats in my F350.
First of all, the kit was a $99 special from ebay. I looked closely at a dozen sellers and they all appear to carry the exact same kit. It comes with 4 heating pads, wiring, 2 toggle switches and misc. connectors. The quality of the wiring and switches is average but they do use connectors between everything so you can remove the seats, console etc. without tearing it all out. The switches are high-off-low but I dont notice the difference in low. They are both warm.
I tried the passenger side without removing the seat and the driver side with removing the seat. Remove the seats! It is possible but much more efficient to remove the seats. You will need a large torx socket for some of the seat bolts. I forget the size but maybe T50?
Kit and contents (single kit shown)
The top of the console is all snap-plugs. The bezel prys out carefully.
This is the bottom of the powered drivers seat. Both seats have one large electrical plug that needs to be unplugged prior to removing.
The cloth covers are attached with fold over plastic hooks. These are tricky but you'll figure them out after a closer look.
The inside cover hooks are unpinned with pliers and a flatblade screwdriver.
This is the foam cushion. Note the velcro that positions the seat cover. These are easily ripped from the foam so be careful!
Slide in the heat pads, the back of the seat is the same process. Fighting the seat cover is challenging but fun.
Route the pigtails away from the seat sliders. Zip tie wherever possible.
After you replace the two seats you need to search out a 12V source and install the switches. I used a fuse tap and an unused fuse location in the console fuse panel. You may choose a switched source or constant. Beware of killing your battery if you leave them on when using a constant source.
There is a nice threaded stud in the floorboard that is a perfect ground. Just clean the paint off. Sorry but it use a metric nut which the hardware store has.
To mount the switches I would recommend a step drill. It makes a very clean cut and deburrs the plastic for you.
This is the location I used. There are many others.
In summary the kit installed easily in about 3 hours on my carport. It was obviously cheaper than the dealer upgrade. As for performance, these pads get very warm and almost hot on the high setting. They are warmer than the OEM heated seats in my F350.
