Seat Heater

[Joe]

Have a 2003 LL Bean Outback 3.0

Seems like the seat heater has only a low and high switch no off
position.
Here in California I really don't need a seat heater, any way shutting
it off???

 

[Tony Hwang]

Have a 2003 LL Bean Outback 3.0

Seems like the seat heater has only a low and high switch no off
position.
Here in California I really don't need a seat heater, any way shutting
it off???

Hi,
Find a fuse and remove it or unplug it I guess.

 

[johninKY]

Connection under the seat can easily be unplugged. You have 3 harnesses
under the seat. Can't recall which color the heater circuit is. Fairly
sure the yellow wire is for the airbag. Last circuit controls the seat
motor. (I installed LL Bean seats in my older wagon years ago.)

 

[Carl 1 Lucky Texan]

Have a 2003 LL Bean Outback 3.0

Seems like the seat heater has only a low and high switch no off
position.
Here in California I really don't need a seat heater, any way shutting
it off???

It's a 3 position switch. Low-off-high .
We frequently hit ours by accident. Of course, it may be malfuctioning
somehow, an abraded wiring harness or something.

Carl

 

[David]

Have a 2003 LL Bean Outback 3.0

Seems like the seat heater has only a low and high switch no off
position.
Here in California I really don't need a seat heater, any way shutting
it off???

It's very nice to have it on a cold morning, until the heater warms
up. It also does wonders for lower back pain.

 

[Bonehenge (B A R R Y)]

Have a 2003 LL Bean Outback 3.0

Seems like the seat heater has only a low and high switch no off
position.

Is there a master switch elsewhere? My '01 had off in the middle of a
three position switch, with up being high and down being low.

I can't see there being no "OFF" at all. Subaru can't be that stupid.
What does the manual say?

 

[Bonehenge (B A R R Y)]

Connection under the seat can easily be unplugged.

Does it make any sense at all to the fuse pullers and unpluggers that
there has to be SOME method to switch a seat heater off? <G>

I mean come on, even here in Connecticut it gets to the high 90's, and
Canada sees 80's at times. Sometimes, we even use the A/C! <G>

Do you really think we ride around all the time with the heated seats
on?

 

[Joe]

Yep, it's a 3 position rocker switch !

Thanks,

Joe

 

[.._..]

Is there a master switch elsewhere? My '01 had off in the middle of a
three position switch, with up being high and down being low.

I can't see there being no "OFF" at all. Subaru can't be that stupid.
What does the manual say?

OP just missed the fact there is a center position on the switches.

It's a stupid design, as they are very easily bumped, the heat stays a while
so if you get it in the summer it stays hot a LOOONGG time after you notice.

And, the thing draws quite a bit of current to the point it seems to sap
engine power.

I think the fuses also control some other critical electrics (windows, dome
light?).

Now that I know there are plugs, I am going to find them. I never want to
use the heated seat option myself, and would like it completely off on the
driver side.

 

[L. Ross Raszewski]

OP just missed the fact there is a center position on the switches.

It's a stupid design, as they are very easily bumped, the heat stays a while
so if you get it in the summer it stays hot a LOOONGG time after you notice.

And, the thing draws quite a bit of current to the point it seems to sap
engine power.

I think the fuses also control some other critical electrics (windows, dome
light?).

Now that I know there are plugs, I am going to find them. I never want to
use the heated seat option myself, and would like it completely off on the
driver side.

It actually drains the engine power? That explains *so much*. I've
been noticing a definate lack of power from time to time, and I was
worried about the cause. I *also* frequently bump the switch by
accident. I'll bet that's the cause.

Thanks for the heads-up.

 

[Frank Boettcher]

Have a 2003 LL Bean Outback 3.0

Seems like the seat heater has only a low and high switch no off
position.
Here in California I really don't need a seat heater, any way shutting
it off???

With the the average high last month at 101 where I live, finding the
off switch would be a major priority :~). I certainly wouldn't have
chosen heated seats as an option if it didn't come with the package.

Mine is a three position rocker switch, with the center position being
off.

Frank

 

[AS]

Well, I have to admit that here in FL the seat heaters are not that
important, so in order to play a prank on my wife, I would turn the
heater on her seat to max position. She would get uneasy and then
question why she was feeling that hot. It was fun until one day the
heater got the seat so hot that it melted the surface (vinyl) of hear
leather belt and it made a mess of her shirt, pants and seat.