REPOST: Sport Seat Install... by Boston Driver

3 minute read

REPOST: Sport Seat Install... 

Compliments of Boston Driver @ audiworld.com

12-6-2004

I deleted the earlier post about my install because I had to clean up a few things. I waited too long to edit the original post, and it is too late to undelete. So, here it is again...

This is an easy DIY install if you can get your hands on OEM sport seats.

Again, the standard disclaimer about doing things to your car...you will be working with some wiring harnesses, including disconnecting the airbag wires. However, I will note that I did not disconnect the battery for my install. I did not get an airbag error code as long as I did not power on the car when the airbag wires are disconnected.

Anyway, step one is to remove the headrests and put the seat all the way upright (which helps in getting the seat out of the car later). Move the seat forward and remove the two plastic covers that hide the seat rails, which are open in the back.



Then move the seat all the way back, and in front, remove the plastic cover for the front of the seat rail. Remove the two 13mm bolts shown in the picture below.



Then, grab the seat from behind and pull the seat back towards the rear of the car to disengage the seat rail from the floor mount.



Then tilt the seat back and remove these five connectors (I do not know which one is which, airbag, power, seatbelt, heat, etc.). The black connector has tabs on the sides that push in towards the center of the clip to disengage. The yellow connector has to slide out of the harness, and then you can get to a purple tab that you need to depress to disconnect. The others have those big tabs you can see, and identical ones on the other side. A small flat blade screwdriver works well here to slide under the tabs on the top of the clips.



Then, just slide the seat towards the back of the car and out of the rails. One tip here is to put something like old socks over the wheels so you do not get grease on the rug, or scratch any of the interior trim. Remove the seat from the car, mine came out the front door just fine, and VOILA!

Good opportunity to vacuum the carpet...ick poo!



Installation was easy, just the reverse of removal. Start by getting the seat in the car and in the rails. Tilt up and reconnect the wires. Slide forward and align the seat rail so you can install the two bolts in front. Replace the plastic covers, and you are done!

Here is the before and after:

BEFORE



AFTER



And, if you are lucky enough to find a set of rears to go with the fronts, here is a post about swapping the rear seats:
rear seat swap