Cooled/Heated Seats for QX56 / Armada

[anon2828]

Living in the south I am a big fan of cooled and heated seats (otherwise referred to as Climate Controlled Seats or ventilated seats).

The QX56 in Deluxe trim comes with the ventilated seat option which I did not select on my vehicle (as it was nearly $10k), though I would like to get ventilated seats for the hot days of summer.

Amerigon (http://www.amerigon.com/ccs_seating.php) manufactures the Climate Controlled Seat (CCS) package for just about every major auto manufacturer and last year partnered with Classic Soft Trim (http://www.classicsofttrim.com/) to sell the CCS modules aftermarket. I've had their seats in past vehicles and they are awesome.

So, here is the question - the 2011 QX56 seats are nearly identical from the base trim to the Deluxe trim package (save some additional stitching - they both are perforated) - do you experts out there think that the CCS could be retrofit into the QX56 base seats? I should add that through my research all of the CCS modules are exactly the same regardless of auto they are going into - in fact, they all have the same controls as well - 3 settings for cool, 3 for heat.

I would also imagine that Infiniti only makes one seat and foam package and either includes the CCS (in the Deluxe trim) or the simple heated option in the base trim, so all the mounting points, and importantly holes for the ducts should be there. I looked at the service guide and both seats look identical.

Could the OEM control switch on the dash be ordered from Infiniti parts? I think I can get all of the CCS, controller module, etc. from Classic Soft Trim - then I would need to find someone to install and wire it all up (NOT a project I want to take on with the side airbags in the seats)...

So what do you guys think? Possible to do? Anyone interested in the experiment?

Thanks!

Signed,
A very happy QX owner and happy to be in the Infiniti/Nissan fold again (my 4th Infiniti/Nissan!)

[PapaSmurf2k3]

I wouldn't think they would have a problem retro-fitting the seat, but they might have their own set of controls and switches that they would prefer to use as opposed to the factory Infiniti switches/controls. Your best bet really would be to call them and get their take on the whole thing, seeing as how they would be the ones doing it.

[anon2828]

Talked to Classic Soft Trim about the cooled/heated seat kit for retro fit. They only make entire seat packages - in other words, they take a car that comes with cloth seats and then provide a leather upgrade with options like the CSS ventilation kit (or heat, or whatever).

From here, I guess I need to find a 2011 QX56 part out and get the ventilated seat parts (CSS) and switchwork for the dash.

Anyone know if you can order parts direct from Infiniti/Nissan or other sources? Also, anyone have any experience hiring a Infiniti tech from their local service dept. on the down-low to do some custom work like this?

Still desperately want ventilated seats for the summer...before anyone says, "why didn't you just get the Deluxe package?" - well first it is $9400 of options I couldn't justify to the wife, and second, 95% of the options in the package were stuff we really didn't want/need...why Infiniti doesn't offer ventilated seats as a stand-alone option is beyond me...

Anyone know where I can find part numbers for the seats?

Any help / direction appreciated...

[Timmbo]

Check with www.grubbsperformance.com or www.courtesyparts.com Probably one of them should be able to assist you with the info you need. Good luck and keep us posted.

[anon2828]

OK - It is heating up down here in the south - summer is coming on strong, so my desire to retro-fit my 2011 QX56 with a cooled driver's seat is in high gear:

I see from Timbo's post that I can purchase the appropriate parts to get the job done - but can someone tell me exactly which parts I need? I'm only attempting to do the driver's seat.

I have a tech at my dealership who can do the work but I'm not in regular communication with him to ask what to order. Our deal is that I show up with the parts and he will tear the seat out and install them.

The only dicey part of this whole experiment is that I believe he will have to cut some of the foam out of the seat cushion to make way for the duct work.

Any advice, guidance, etc. from any trained techs or knowledgeable owners would be appreciated.

If I can do this I will post pictures and explanations for other who'd like to spend less than $10k (the Deluxe Touring option) to get cooled seats...

THANKS!

[Timmbo]

I believe you are heading into uncharted territories at this point my friend! I think your dealer would be by far the best sources of advice on this one. They should know exactly what parts are needed. Of course you could always opt for after market cooled seats as well.