This procedure covers the removal and replacement of a faulty heated seat element in the driver or passenger seat of a 2012-2017 Toyota Camry.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Seat heater element pad × 1 — Use OEM specification for correct seat position
• Hog rings (seat upholstery clips) × 10 — 90467-07113 or equivalent
• Wire connectors (if cutting old element) × 2 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Ensure seats are moved to their full forward or rearward position for easier access to mounting bolts
3. Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait 90 seconds minimum
4. Allow seat heaters to cool completely if recently used
5. Prepare clean workspace for seat if removing from vehicle

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove seat from vehicle
   Move seat fully forward to access rear mounting bolts. Remove the two rear seat mounting bolts using a 14mm socket. Move seat fully rearward and remove the two front seat mounting bolts. Disconnect the electrical connector(s) under the seat including the seat heater connector, seat position sensor, and airbag connector if equipped. Carefully lift seat from vehicle and place on protected work surface.
   Torque spec

   Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Remove seat back panel covers
   Using trim panel tools, carefully pry off the plastic side covers on both sides of the seat back. These covers snap into place and may have hidden clips. Remove any visible screws securing the seat back panel if present. On some models, remove the headrest by pressing the release tabs and pulling upward.
3. 3

   Remove seat cushion cover
   Flip the seat upside down to access the underside. Locate and remove hog rings securing the seat cover to the seat frame using hog ring pliers. There are typically 8-12 rings around the perimeter. Carefully work the fabric/leather cover loose from the foam cushion, noting the routing of any wires. Partially remove the cover to expose the heating element, which is typically adhered to the foam cushion surface.
4. 4

   Disconnect heating element
   Locate the heating element electrical connector, typically found at the rear or side edge of the seat cushion. Disconnect the connector from the wiring harness. Note the wire routing and any retention clips. If the connector is integrated into the element and cannot be separated, mark the wire positions and prepare to cut and splice new connections during reinstallation.
   ⚠If cutting wires, mark polarity and positions clearly to ensure correct reconnection.
5. 5

   Remove old heating element
   The heating element is typically a thin carbon fiber pad adhered to the seat foam with adhesive. Carefully peel the old heating element away from the foam cushion. If heavily adhered, use a heat gun or hair dryer on low setting to soften adhesive, then slowly peel away. Remove all adhesive residue from the foam surface using a plastic scraper or adhesive remover. Inspect foam for damage and ensure surface is clean and dry.
6. 6

   Test new heating element
   Before installation, use a multimeter to verify the new heating element has proper resistance (typically 2-4 ohms for Toyota seat heaters, but verify with element specifications). Check for any shorts to ground. Inspect the element for physical damage, tears, or manufacturing defects.
7. 7

   Install new heating element
   Position the new heating element on the seat foam, ensuring correct orientation with wiring toward the rear/side exit point. Most elements have an adhesive backing - remove protective film and carefully press element onto foam surface, working from center outward to avoid wrinkles or air pockets. Ensure element is centered and positioned to match contact areas where occupant sits. Press firmly to ensure good adhesion.
   ⚠Do not stretch or fold the heating element as this can damage internal heating wires.
8. 8

   Reconnect electrical connection
   Route the heating element wiring through the original path in the seat foam and frame. If original connector was intact, reconnect to vehicle harness. If wires were cut, strip wire ends, connect using appropriate butt connectors or solder joints, and seal with heat shrink tubing. Ensure connections are secure and properly insulated. Use wire ties to secure harness to seat frame following original routing.
9. 9

   Reinstall seat cushion cover
   Carefully work the seat cover back over the foam cushion, ensuring the heating element is not displaced or wrinkled. Align cover properly with all seams in correct positions. Starting from the center and working outward, attach the seat cover to the frame using new hog rings in the original locations. Ensure cover is taut but not overstretched. Verify heating element wiring is not pinched or strained.
10. 10

    Reinstall seat back covers
    Reattach any seat back panels and plastic trim covers removed earlier. Ensure all clips are fully seated and any screws are properly tightened. Reinstall headrest if removed by aligning posts and pushing down until locked.
    Torque spec

    Cover Screws11 Nm (8 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reinstall seat in vehicle
    Carefully position seat back into vehicle over mounting points. Reconnect all electrical connectors under the seat including seat heater, position sensor, and side airbag if equipped. Ensure no wires are pinched. Install front mounting bolts finger-tight first, then rear bolts. Torque all four seat mounting bolts to specification in a cross pattern.
    Torque spec

    Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reconnect battery and test
    Reconnect negative battery terminal and torque to specification. Start vehicle and turn on seat heater system. Allow 2-3 minutes for heating element to warm up. Verify heat is distributed evenly across seat surface with no cold spots. Check that seat heater indicator light functions properly. Test all seat adjustment functions to ensure no interference.
    ⚠Monitor seat temperature closely during initial test to detect any hot spots or abnormal heating patterns.
    Torque spec

    Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all electrical connectors are fully seated with positive locking tabs engaged
2. Verify seat cover is properly aligned with no wrinkles over heating element area
3. Check that all hog rings are secure and seat cover cannot shift during normal use
4. Confirm seat slides and reclines smoothly without binding on any wiring

Verification

• Test seat heater on both low and high settings for at least 5 minutes to verify even heat distribution
• Check for proper operation of all seat controls including position adjustment and lumbar support
• Verify no warning lights are displayed on instrument cluster related to airbag or seat systems
• Inspect under seat to confirm no wires are pinched or hanging below seat frame
• Confirm seat mounting bolts are torqued correctly and seat does not move or shift during use

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