removing seats with side air bags

[damo03]

Hi All,

I'll be changing over the factory cloth seats in my Platinum to leather ones in the hope that the extra lumber adjustment makes them more comfortable on long trips.

Does anyone know whether you need to disconnect the battery to change the seat wiring over and if you do, are there issues with dash (airbag) warning lights when you reconnect?

Cheers.

[erad]

I have not done this job, but I would disconnect the battery, leave it for 30 minutes, with the headlights and ignition on to drain any residual charge. Then, disconnect the plugs under the seat and remove. Ensure that the steering wheel is straight ahead.

When fitting the new seats, connect everything up first, turn off the headlights and ignition, then reconnect the battery. By doing it in this sequence, you should not get any fault codes, but other features such as the transmission and engine functions will have to re-learn after the battery disconnect.

[old Jack]

Ensure the steering wheel is straight ahead before disconnecting the power, then follow Erad's process. It should only take 3 to 5 minutes for any residual voltage to be disappated. If you have ans auxiliary battery, this will also need to be disconnected.

OJ.

[geopaj]

Just to confirm, yes, you do need to disconnect the battery (or batteries) before unplugging airbags - whether seat, steering wheel , etc.

This is to both avoid inadvertently triggering the airbag and to avoid triggering the airbag error/fault light (which can only be cancelled with a MUTT so is usually a trip to Mitsubishi).

[Glenn.c]

I’ve replaced my NW seats (with side air bags) with Recaro seats (also with side air bags).
I did not disconnect the battery.
The one thing to remember is: don’t start the car until you have fitted the new seats and connected the air bag harness to both seats. If you do, the computer registers that there is a fault (open circuit) and the air bag warning light will come on and stay on. To rectify this needs an OBDII device capable of clearing this code. Don’t ask me how I know 🙂

[HarryStottle]

Hi Glen, if you have time and inclination, I'd be interested in knowing the details of the Recaros. Cost, supplier, what model of the seats you chose and why, your thoughts on the difference, you know, all about them.

[PhilipK5]

I also changed to Recaro seats with side airbags. Made the mistake of moving the car with the passenger seat removed. Came up with a dash warning light. Needed to go to an auto electrician after fitting the seat to have the fault code removed. Otherwise all OK

[PhilipK5]

Hi Harry, I purchased the Recaro Ergomed seats about 6 years ago. Initially had them installed in my Suzuki Grand Vitara as the Suzuki seats are not the greatest. When I purchased the Pajero I moved them across. I purchased from idealseat.com.au in Moorabbin Vic who also initially fitted them to the Suzuki. When I moved them to the Pajero I needed to buy bases to fit again not cheap. The prices I paid are now out of date so no point putting them up here but needless to say they are expensive, but I feel worth every cent, particularly on long trips. For short trips they don't feel particularly comfortable as they are quite firm. Mine are basic cloth covered. But you know the difference when you get out of the car after an 8 hour run and still feel good.
Because the ones I purchased have side airbags they could be moved from my Suzuki to the Pajero and once it has been moved on they will be moved to my next car. They have worn very well in the time I have had them and have multiple electric adjustments in the back rest and base tilt. Slide and back angle on mine is manual adjustment. They fit well in the Pajero.

[HarryStottle]

Thanks Phillip for that detailed and informative description, appreciated.

[Glenn.c]

Hi Glen, if you have time and inclination, I'd be interested in knowing the details of the Recaros. Cost, supplier, what model of the seats you chose and why, your thoughts on the difference, you know, all about them.

Hi Harry,

Sorry for the delayed reply. I haven't been online for a while.

The purchase of the Recaros is a real saga that I wouldn't like to repeat. I couldn't find a local supplier with stock for love door money! In desperation I ended up buying them on eBay from some guy in Germany. They arrived damaged and I had all sorts of issues getting the seller to make good. They were advertised as new but were clearly ex-display plus the minor transit damage so I ended up getting a partial refund.

In the end I managed to repair them, get locally supplied slides and fabricated the mounts OK. They are the Ergomed ES SAB models and are great seats.

This was a few years ago now and I ended up paying about $4k all up.

Glenn

[HarryStottle]

Thanks Glenn, wow sounds a drama. I would want a lot of comfort for $4k though.