[Billyk]

I have two third party seat warmers I would like to install in my vehicle. However, where can one find directions on how to remove the leather seat covers in my 2005 Escape Hybrid?

 

[ajc6882]

I have a 2004 xlt with leather seats and I installed heated seat pads. I did a complete write up on removal and installation. I copied it from another forum. hint hint.

So this morning before work I went to town with my install. I left the seat in the car while i worked. Its not that hard to work on while in the car. By leaving it in the car it helps with the removal of the upper seat cover. The bottom was very easy to remove. Just be gentle when you disconnect the velcro that keeps the cover in place. There is a drawstring holding the seat cover tight(kinda like the top of a hefty trash bag.)

The top section was actually pretty hard to manipulate. Very hard to remove. You have to be patient and take your time and work the leather cover free from the top. First use a flat head screwdriver to break free the bottom snap clip (about 8-9 inches long) at the bottom of the top cover. After that its time for patients and its okay to let your frustration out using cursewords instead of on the cover. once the covers are off its easy from here.

Take the seat heaters you will need to get a heater pad that is 10"x22 to make it cover the entire top and bottom covers. And yes my heaters go from the top of my shoulders to the back of my knees. I used carbon mesh which is enclosed in a thin felt liner. i cut a 3/4" slot in the bottom and top heaters to allow the velcro from the cover to stick to the cushion. ****just dont cut the connecting copper strip that runs down the side, this will ruin the heater.*** you can see the strip when you hold the heater to a light.

Then just lay the heaters in place using the peel and stick tape. and feed your wires to the bottom of the seat. the bottom cushion has a molded area for the heater wire to go into. and reattach the cushion putting tension to the seat cover as you attach it to the velcro.

I ran out of time this morning and I still need to do the electrical. I'm mounting the seat heater buttons on the sides of the lower dash. (I have a 2004 which has the cubbys in the lower dash,under the center dash). I hope to get this thing up and running tonight. I think i might run a jumper off the powerpoint in the dash. and ill post all the pictures when its all complete.

 

[Billyk]

I have your report printed out. The 2005 Hybrid does not use the same method to secure the bottom leather seat cover as your 2004. There is no velcro attachment or any garbage bag tie holding everything in one place. I do not want to remove the seats from the vehicle as I have airbags in the side of the seats and would have to disconnect the electrical connection with the possibility of needing a visit to Ford to "reset" them.

 

[jpark]

This is from the service DVD, although it doesn't seem to describe exactly what you're looking for:

viewtopic.php?f=28&t=3806#p70993

Hope it helps anyway...

 

[Billyk]

JPark, thanks for "tip" about using the service DVD as I have this but "forgot" to look at it. :doh: The information I need is in the DVD(section 501) and more importantly, how to depower the front seat airbags:

501-20B-1 Supplemental Restraint System 501-20B-1
GENERAL PROCEDURES
Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) 3. At the smart junction box (SJB), located at the
Depowering and Repowering RH side of the center console, remove the
cover and the restraints control module (RCM)
Depowering Procedure fuse F33 (15A) from the SJB. For additional
information, refer to the Wiring Diagram
Manual.
WARNING: Always wear safety glasses
when repairing an air bag supplemental restraint 4. Turn the ignition ON and visually monitor the
system (SRS) vehicle and when handling an air air bag indicator for at least 30 seconds. The air
bag module. This will reduce the risk of injury in bag indicator will remain lit continuously (no
the event of an accidental deployment. flashing) if the correct RCM fuse has been
removed. If the air bag indicator does not
WARNING: Never probe the connectors on remain lit continuously, remove the correct
the air bag module. Doing so can result in air RCM fuse before proceeding.
bag deployment, which can result in personal
injury. 5. Turn the ignition switch to OFF.
WARNING: Never probe the electrical 6. WARNING: To avoid accidental
connector on a safety canopy module. Doing so deployment and possible personal injury, the
can result in safety canopy deployment. backup power supply must be depleted
before repairing or replacing any front or
WARNING: Do not handle, move or side air bag supplemental restraint system
change the original horizontal mounting position (SRS) components and before servicing,
of the restraints control module (RCM) while the replacing, adjusting or striking components
RCM is connected and the ignition switch is ON. near the front or side air bag sensors, such
Failure to follow these instructions may result in as doors, instrument panel, console, door
the inadvertent deployment of the safety canopy latches, strikers, seats and hood latches.
and risk of personal injury.
The front impact severity sensor is located
WARNING: To reduce the risk of personal on the radiator support bracket.
injury, do not use any memory saver devices. The first row side impact sensors (if
equipped) are located at or near the base of
NOTE: If a seat equipped with a supplemental the B-pillars.
restraint system (SRS) component is being serviced, The second row side impact sensors (if
the SRS must be depowered. equipped) are located on the C-pillar.
NOTE: The air bag warning lamp illuminates when To deplete the backup power supply energy,
the RCM fuse is removed and the ignition switch is disconnect the battery ground cable and wait
ON. This is normal operation and does not indicate at least one minute. Be sure to disconnect
a supplemental restraint system (SRS) fault. auxiliary batteries and power supplies (if
equipped).
NOTE: The SRS must be fully operational and free Disconnect the battery ground cable (14301)
of faults before releasing the vehicle to the and wait at least one minute. For additional
customer. information, refer to Section 414-01.
1. Turn all vehicle accessories OFF.
2. Turn the ignition switch to OFF.

 

[Billyk]

This is the photo of the seat via the Service DVD section 501

It appears the correct procedure for this project is
1. depower the airbags
2. disconnect the negative battery cable
3. remove the bottom seat cover--it is likely I will need to remove some the plastic hardware around the seat to get the cover off
4. remove the headrest
5. remove the upper back seat cover--this might be easier said than done
6. place the third party seatwarmers on the seat and secure to the seat cushion via the sticky tape. Should one also use sewing thread at each corner to help with this?
7. run the wiring thru the seating area, secure wires and lead them to the smart junction box on the passenger side of the center console but do not attach yet.
8. replace the upper back seat cover
9. replace the head rest
10. replace the lower seat cover
11 replace any plastic hardware that was removed with the lower seat cover
12. hook up the wiring in the smart junction box. Each seat warmer requires 5amp, meaning at least 10amp fuse is required
13. hook up the negative battery cable
14. power up the seat airbag
15 check out your project-if successful, head for dairy queen for a Blizzard.

 

[Billyk]

Caveman returns to let everyone know this project is a pain in the rear end and is difficult to "start". The plastic side seat protectors need to be removed to begin this project.

Lift up the lever that adjusts the angle of the seat back and one finds a screw.

With the correct metric tool, the screw is removed. But the front and rear ends of this plastic piece remain in place. Lets pull it around a little to see what is the hold up. OOPS! I broke :cuss: a plastic clip that holds the front onto the seat frame.

A little more tugging around reveals this project needs an inside "job" (information with photos) or detailed help to get it up and running again. Furthermore, this plastic side seat protector needs to be removed over the handle on the lever that adjusts the seat back. How in the heck does one remove the handle on this lever without breaking it.

Looks like I stuck between a rock and a hard place.

 

[jpark]

I've noticed that the service DVDs aren't always as detailed as they should be.

I removed the shifter assembly from my Edge over the weekend to change the lighting color, and the service DVD's description of the removal didn't match what I found when I took off the console cover.

:shrug:

 

[ajc6882]

I dont see how the seat would be attached any differently. it looks exactly the same. But I guess is could be. If you go under the seat and look there should be a string that is hooked around the bottom of the seat cover.( I think I can actually see the string/strap around the frame of the seat in one of your pictures.) Once that is removed it loosens the bottom of the seat cover. Then the cover can be peeled back from the front, rear and sides. From there the seat cover is held down at the seams in the leather by pieces of green and white hook and loop velcro. This material is sewn into the leather seat cover.

This is the velcro im talking about... its green and white.

 

[Billyk]

If you can see a string under the seat covers in one of my photos, then I would appreciate it if you would identify what photo you are referring to.

 

[ajc6882]

well here is a picture of what my seat looks like underneath.

]

 

[Billyk]

I can relook under the seat again when the rain lets up. I can try to photo this if I can get a good view.

 

[Billyk]

I checked under the seat and there is no drawstrings. There is a molded pan (shown in previous documents) and there are clips that go into this pan. I need better documentation to continue.