Swap out seats

Darth_Vader · February 8, 2017

Using the factory switches isn't going to be an easy task, mainly due to the fact that they actually use both directions of communication on the LIN bus unlike the steering wheel buttons. In short, the BCM calls out to the switch and the switch responds with what state it is, the BCM acknowledges, which then turns on the light on the switch that corresponds with what setting you have it in. The BCM the sends the command to the control module if it's for heating or sends the command directly to the fan (not sure why there is a separate module for the heater but the BCM controls the fan directly) for cooling.

That all being said, a new controller could be developed to replace the BCM for these two tasks but the equipment required would push the price higher than what it would probably cost to have some one like Chris White just reprogram the BCM to enable these features.

I'll keep researching for a low cost, programmable device that will serve as a LIN master but at this time the solutions available are going to run in the $200-300 range after development and programming.

wuznme · February 8, 2017

From my NBS heated seat swap experience, not worth the headache better off buying a aftermarket kit.

Darth_Vader · February 8, 2017

I think I have found a cost effective controller that will allow interfacing with the factory switches. I should have one in my hand by Friday so I might get to play around with it some this weekend. The only downside with this unit is the limited PWM outputs on it which might be an issue when it comes to seats that are both heated and cooled. Most likely it will require the use of the factory heated seat controller in that scenario. Or one controller per seat, which at this price wouldn't be unreasonable.

I will update with more information in the next week or so.

Edited February 8, 2017 by Darth_Vader

Darth_Vader · February 9, 2017

Looks like the seats I'm getting are cooled as well so they have the blowers on them already. Will this be a problem you think? As in plug being different?

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Miles, can you take pictures of any of the extra plugs from the seats you might have? I am ordering all the pieces to build a harness to make this plug and play as much as possible but I can't find as much information as I'd like on the seat connector. It looks like everything passes through one big connector from the body harness to the seat. If that ends up being the only connector I can add terminals to the harness that just push in to place on the stock connector to hook up the new seats.

For those who aren't doing the seat swap I am also working on getting the factory heated seat switches to work with aftermarket seat heaters. I have ordered the pads and controller and will test this when I work on getting the factory style working too.

pgamboa · February 9, 2017

Miles, can you take pictures of any of the extra plugs from the seats you might have? I am ordering all the pieces to build a harness to make this plug and play as much as possible but I can't find as much information as I'd like on the seat connector. It looks like everything passes through one big connector from the body harness to the seat. If that ends up being the only connector I can add terminals to the harness that just push in to place on the stock connector to hook up the new seats.

For those who aren't doing the seat swap I am also working on getting the factory heated seat switches to work with aftermarket seat heaters. I have ordered the pads and controller and will test this when I work on getting the factory style working too.

I have several photos of the main harness connector if this helps. There would be several variants of what plugs into this connector and the various pigtails from it to the seat components. I was looking for a convenient dome lamp circuits which shows to be in the connector but not present in mine.

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Edited February 9, 2017 by pgamboa

Darth_Vader · February 10, 2017

Perfect, is that the seat side or the body harness side? I may have ordered the seat side terminals, lol!

pgamboa · February 10, 2017

This is the body side. The connector removed is what connects to the various seat components.

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pgamboa · February 10, 2017

More pics for ya.

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Darth_Vader · February 11, 2017

Thanks, I ordered the damn seat side! Lol!

blownZ71 · March 8, 2017

I finally received my 2014 Denali seats to install in my 2014 SLE regular cab with full manual seats. I tested the passenger side seat and got no power to the seat. I was under the impression that the power functions would at least work and then work on adding the heat and cool functions through some auxiliary switches, but got nothing. See the attached photos of the seat side harnesses side by side and my body side harness. The seat side harness latch was a bit damaged but I still think I got it fully seated. My plan was to replace the harness but now wondering if I should go another route. I'm stuck here, any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Black Denali Canada · March 8, 2017

Looks like you will need a new harness. Or need to Re-pin that one. Does that run back to the BCM ?

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Darth_Vader · March 8, 2017

I haven't really looked at the seat power diagrams, may be as simple as adding power and ground for that.

I did get the signal information from the factory heated and cooling switches this weekend, just haven't had time to test them with an aftermarket controller but hoping to get some of that done this weekend.

I look in to the power issue tomorrow and report back.

Darth_Vader · March 10, 2017

A little teaser, I've cracked the factory switches and have them talking. I've got a controller that will work but it's $100, and I know I can find a cheaper one to make this work. I'll be posting a new thread talking about this more so keep you're eyes peeled but for now I'll leave you this video and ignore my redneck accent, I'm smarter than I sound, lol!

Darth_Vader · March 10, 2017

I finally received my 2014 Denali seats to install in my 2014 SLE regular cab with full manual seats. I tested the passenger side seat and got no power to the seat. I was under the impression that the power functions would at least work and then work on adding the heat and cool functions through some auxiliary switches, but got nothing. See the attached photos of the seat side harnesses side by side and my body side harness. The seat side harness latch was a bit damaged but I still think I got it fully seated. My plan was to replace the harness but now wondering if I should go another route. I'm stuck here, any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Check out pages 826 and 837 of the upfitter manual, will show you what pins on the seat side harness are power and ground, tie those in and you should be good to go.

pgamboa · March 10, 2017

A little teaser, I've cracked the factory switches and have them talking. I've got a controller that will work but it's $100, and I know I can find a cheaper one to make this work. I'll be posting a new thread talking about this more so keep you're eyes peeled but for now I'll leave you this video and ignore my redneck accent, I'm smarter than I sound, lol!

https://youtu.be/6zzRyD8JHbE

If one has heated seats already both driver and passenger, what are your thoughts of swapping seats for heat and AC?

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Edited March 10, 2017 by pgamboa