Heated front driver's seat.

[macplaxton]

1982 Volvo 343DL.

Much to my surprise, (SEE HERE) the above has a heated driver's seat fitted.

1) When did it become an option?
2) On what models was it standard?
3) When did they become manually switched?
4) How much extra was it?
5) How exactly does it work and where are the various bits of the circuit?/

Why not choose a radio first? Or perhaps a locking fuel cap? It does seem an odd spec of having headlamp washer/wipers and a heated front seat on a base model. Any ideas?

Cheers

[jtbo]

In those days world was not the same what it is today, petrol was cheap and there were not much of petrol thefts, at least in here. Heated seats in here would been pretty much number 1 option to choose, also headlamp washers are good option as we have mostly dark hours at winter, but in UK those seem to be bit off, imo.

Also I think that in UK there were already some issues with petrol thieves during those days?

That makes me think that maybe car was northern europe spec vehicle?

[trabitom99]

I think one of the major marketing ideas for the 300 series in some markets was that of the "shrunk big Volvo" built for arctic circle temperatures and safety. So much was made of headlamp wash/wipes, bars in the doors and ... heated seats

Germans probably just saw a rebadged DAF, so they didn't bother with those fine extras over here

Heated seats are noted for failing over time, so enjoy it while it lasts!

Cheers

Tom

[jtbo]

I think one of the major marketing ideas for the 300 series in some markets was that of the "shrunk big Volvo" built for arctic circle temperatures and safety. So much was made of headlamp wash/wipes, bars in the doors and ... heated seats

Germans probably just saw a rebadged DAF, so they didn't bother with those fine extras over here

Heated seats are noted for failing over time, so enjoy it while it lasts!

Cheers

Tom

Indeed they fail, but those are repairable, it is really simple element, well actually two elements in seat. Here they did sell aftermarket units also years ago, don't know if still available, but those were exactly same kind of elements that I have found in my 360 seats.

Early versions had some kind of thermostat maybe? Such part failing could be enough reason to convert them for manual switches, if thermostat is hard to come by. Was it mk2 or mk3 when warmed seats were manual switch operated? I know that I have read that from this board, but can't now remember what thread it was or when it was, my head has been all fuzzy lately...

[macplaxton]

Indeed they fail, but those are repairable, it is really simple element, well actually two elements in seat. Here they did sell aftermarket units also years ago, don't know if still available, but those were exactly same kind of elements that I have found in my 360 seats.

Aftermarket items, both over and retro-fit under the cover types are still available

It does have a pre-set cut-in and cut-out temperature according to the handbook, but I've no idea where the thermostat device is on the car.

[jtbo]

Thermostat should be logically near heating element itself, so I would search from seat, probably in heater element itself?

I know there has been car fires because of failed seat heater, that makes me to lean towards switch type quite strongly.

[macplaxton]

Ok, had a closer look at the green books.

There is a wiring diagram for heated front seats, but it only shows the switched type. Elsewhere in the specifications books for fuses, it does indicate something about "driver's heated seat cushion". So I assume that the later switched type had a pair of heated seats that were manually switched, and both the seat squab and backrest were heated? The earlier type was driver's seat, squab only and automatic? So when the change? I've only had a single confirmation from a 1985 DL owner that theirs is automatic too.

[SteveP]

Didn't know you had an 82 343... pics!

Yeah, it was quiet common to have heated seats on the 82's even on base specs and controlled by a thermostat so no switches to give it away.

[macplaxton]

Didn't know you had an 82 343... pics!

You have been napping Mr P! SEE HERE First one to post a reply to that thread!

[trabitom99]

Now I remember You need to make an avatar with that hat picture, so our memories are jogged

Tom

[SteveP]

I remember the car now, just didn't put two and two together Early Mk2's are great

[volvosneverdie]

Now I remember You need to make an avatar with that hat picture, so our memories are jogged

Tom

Shame on you all.
Forgetting active mebmers indeed!

That Hat photo is burned on my retinas for all time i think.
Ive totally asked for one for xmas.