seat removal risks

Magicarcher · Post by **Magicarcher** » Sun Jan 15, 2017 5:43 pm

I need to refurbish my seats. I also need to do some wiring changes to the audio system/speakers. It would be convenient to remove my seats and do them indoors and also create more space for me moving around in the cabin.

I have heard others suggest it is best to leave the seats alone for fear of SRS warnings, I have also seen others post that have removed the seats and had warnings, so there must be something in it.

I am trying to understand why this should happen. Any connectors associated with Airbags and/or seatbelt pre-tensioners are classed as safety critical components and should be of the highest quality used in the automotive industry. So I would have expected them to be able to handle a disconnection and reconnection.

Can anyone shed any light on this one.

Marlon · Post by **Marlon** » Sun Jan 15, 2017 5:50 pm

I've heard owners taking the seats out just to hoover underneath and popping them back with no issues

markplant · Post by **markplant** » Sun Jan 15, 2017 5:52 pm

Maybe just have battery disconnected while you do it

Magicarcher · Post by **Magicarcher** » Sun Jan 15, 2017 5:56 pm

I was thinking of disconnecting the battery, because I struggle to see how the connector being disconnected and reconnected could be an issue unless there is corrosion in it due to water ingress either before it was taken apart, or moisture gets in while the two parts are separated.

Zoomer · Post by **Zoomer** » Sun Jan 15, 2017 6:01 pm

Ive changed my seats, and not had any issues. Always disconnect the battery beforehand and wait 5-10 mins. I also remove my sat nav DVD before I disconnect battery to make sure it's powered down.

If you have electric seats best to set them at a point where you can remove all of the bolts or remove the front ones before you disconnect the battery, as once the battery s disconnected you can't move them.

MarcBMWZ4 · Post by **MarcBMWZ4** » Sun Jan 15, 2017 6:03 pm

Ive taken my sets out a few times, just to clean or fix rattles/squeeks. Its really not difficult and i've had no warning lights come on. I did disconnect the battery before disconnecting any wiring though.

maxman · Post by **maxman** » Sun Jan 15, 2017 6:05 pm

Zoomer wrote:Ive changed my seats, and not had any issues. Always disconnect the battery beforehand and wait 5-10 mins. I also remove my sat nav DVD before I disconnect battery to make sure it's powered down.

If you have electric seats best to set them at a point where you can remove all of the bolts or remove the front ones before you disconnect the battery, as once the battery s disconnected you can't move them.

As above set the seats in the high setting.Do nor reconnect the battery with the seats disconnected or you will have the air bag light on

Post by **srhutch** » Sun Jan 15, 2017 6:23 pm

Zoomer wrote:Ive changed my seats, and not had any issues. Always disconnect the battery beforehand and wait 5-10 mins. I also remove my sat nav DVD before I disconnect battery to make sure it's powered down.

If you have electric seats best to set them at a point where you can remove all of the bolts or remove the front ones before you disconnect the battery, as once the battery s disconnected you can't move them.

Easier just to remove all the bolts before disconnecting the battery

As mentioned then set to highest setting to make disconnecting the look easier.

Magicarcher · Post by **Magicarcher** » Sun Jan 15, 2017 7:05 pm

Yes they are electric. I'm guessing the seats are pretty heavy and it's best to have the hood down?

MrPT · Post by **MrPT** » Sun Jan 15, 2017 7:15 pm

Magicarcher wrote:Yes they are electric. I'm guessing the seats are pretty heavy and it's best to have the hood down?

Very heavy, yes. Hood down, keep your straight back and be super careful not to prang anything with the rails because they have sharp ends.

As above, I've disconnected and removed my seats lots of times. I usually leave the battery disconnected for about 20 mins beforehand.

goldbcfc · Post by **goldbcfc** » Sun Jan 15, 2017 7:17 pm

The only problem you will get is the airbag light will come on when you disconnect the harness to connected to seat. You will need to reset it on diagnostic computer.

Ive had my seat out to change the DCT/speed sensor under the seat today. As long as you "unclock" the car first, then put the hood down & windows etc if you want for more clearance lifting the seat out. Then leave the car for 10 mins to sleep. Go back disconnect the harness, take seat out etc. "Do not put the keys in ignition or press any buttons" to wake car whilst doing it. Can also disconnect battery this will reset the ECU anyway asm mentioned but isnt necessary.

Steve84N · Post by **Steve84N** » Sun Jan 15, 2017 8:00 pm

In a coupe I would advise having the seat on its lowest setting as there isn't much headroom to manoeuvre it out. It's easy to tilt the whole seat assembly back slightly to disconnect the plug.

goldbcfc · Post by **goldbcfc** » Sun Jan 15, 2017 8:31 pm

You shouldnt have to tilt the seat really you can unplug the wire harness from the front. If you lift the seat up look under then pull the clip out on the left side the wires pulls out towards you easily. Then like you say put the seat down for smaller frame to remove

csquire4 · Post by **csquire4** » Sun Jan 15, 2017 9:18 pm

This should help:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-WdK0EkjsLs

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