The Volkswagen Golf Mk7, known for its compact size and dynamic performance, continues to be a popular choice among car enthusiasts and everyday drivers alike. However, some owners might feel the need to expand their car’s comfort features, especially during colder seasons. One such feature that is gaining popularity is the installation of heated seats. But can you retrofit heated seats in a Volkswagen Golf Mk7? Let’s delve into this topic and find out.
Understanding the Retrofitting Process
Retrofitting refers to the addition of new technology or features to older systems. In car lingo, it means upgrading your vehicle with features it didn’t originally come with when it left the factory. Before you make the decision to retrofit heated seats in your Golf Mk7, it’s essential to understand what the process entails.
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This upgrade involves replacing the seat with a heated one or installing a heating module in the existing seat. It’s quite a task, as it requires not only mechanical expertise but also an understanding of the car’s electrical system. You need to know where to tap into power, how to run wires without interfering with other controls, and how to integrate the heating control into the car’s existing system.
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The Role of VCDS in Retrofitting
The Volkswagen Communication Diagnostic Software (VCDS) is an essential tool when retrofitting heated seats in your Golf Mk7. The VCDS is a powerful diagnostic tool for Volkswagen Group cars, like the Golf Mk7. It allows you to access the car’s on-board diagnostic system, check fault codes, and control the various modules in the car.
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When you’ve joined the seat with the heating element and connected it to the car’s power, the VCDS will help you integrate the heating control with the car’s existing system. It’s done by ‘telling’ the car that it now has heated seats. With this, the car’s control unit recognises the new feature and allows you to control it using the existing setup.
Verifying the Retrofit Installation
After you’ve installed the heated seats and integrated them with the car’s system using VCDS, the next step is to verify that everything works correctly. This involves checking the location of the controls, testing the heating element, and ensuring that the car recognises the new feature.
You need to make sure the heating controls are conveniently located and easy to use. The number of heating levels is also crucial. Most heated seats offer at least two levels of heat. The seats should warm up quickly and maintain a consistent temperature.
Additionally, the car’s system should not show any fault codes related to the heated seats. If there are any, it might mean that the installation was not done correctly or there is a problem with the heating module.
The Reaction and Score of Retrofit Heated Seats
Your decision to retrofit heated seats in your Golf Mk7 should primarily be driven by your need for extra comfort. However, it’s always a good idea to consider the reactions of others who have done the same upgrade.
Searching online for reviews or asking on car forums can give you a pretty good idea of what to expect. Many users have reported a positive reaction to the added comfort that heated seats provide, especially during colder months. The overall score of retrofit heated seats in terms of user satisfaction is generally high.
However, bear in mind that the retrofit process might impact your car’s warranty. Always check with your car dealer or service centre before making any significant modifications to your vehicle.
Weighing the Costs and Benefits
Retrofitting heated seats in your Volkswagen Golf Mk7 is undoubtedly appealing. It enhances your car’s comfort levels, especially if you live in a location with cold winters. However, it’s essential to consider the costs involved as well.
The price can vary significantly depending on the type of seats you opt for, and whether you decide to do it yourself or hire a professional. When you consider the price, don’t forget to factor in the cost of any additional tools you might need if you’re doing it yourself, like the VCDS.
On the benefits side, apart from the added comfort, heated seats can also increase the resale value of your car. They are seen as a premium feature and can make your car more attractive to potential buyers.
In conclusion, retrofitting heated seats in your Volkswagen Golf Mk7 is doable, but it requires careful planning and consideration. Remember that while this upgrade can boost your car’s comfort levels, it’s crucial to ensure it’s done correctly to avoid any problems down the line.
The Importance of the Serial Number
The serial number is a crucial element when retrofitting heated seats into your Volkswagen Golf Mk7. This unique identifier is related to many parts and systems in your car, including the VCDS. It’s important to note that every VCDS serial number is different, serving as a unique identifier for the software. It helps you keep track of your software and is needed when accessing or updating the system.
Now, when adding heated seats, the serial number of your VCDS comes into play. You need this to access the car’s onboard diagnostic system, which is a crucial step in the retrofitting process. The VCDS user must input the unique identifier to ‘tell’ the car that it now has heated seats.
If you’ve opted for professional installation, ensure that the expert is verified VCDS user. That is, they should have the necessary knowledge and experience in handling the VCDS. This will reduce the chances of any malfunctions or faults, ensuring a seamless integration of the heated seats into your car’s system.
Monitoring Fault Frequency and Understanding Freeze Frame
Retrofitting heated seats requires in-depth knowledge of the car’s electrical and mechanical systems. An essential aspect of this process is keeping an eye on fault frequency. This refers to the number of times a system or part of your car has malfunctioned. High fault frequency might indicate a problem with the installation or the heating module itself.
In the event of a fault, the VCDS records a freeze frame. This is a snapshot of the car’s data at the exact moment the fault occurred. It includes crucial information such as the mileage, time, and the status of various components like the seat belt and steering wheel. This data can help diagnose the problem and develop an appropriate solution.
In the process of retrofitting, make sure to clear freeze frames after the fault has been fixed. Failure to do so might result in the car’s system continuously recognizing the issue, even when it has been addressed.
User Reactions and Satisfaction Scores
The reaction score to retrofitting heated seats in a Volkswagen Golf Mk7 is generally positive. Many users report that the added comfort during the colder months makes the time and monetary investment worth it.
Before deciding to retrofit, you can click expand on online forums to view more detailed reviews. Look for verified joined users, i.e., those who have actually undergone the retrofit process. This will give you a realistic idea of what to expect.
The score location on these forums often indicates user satisfaction. A high score means that most users are pleased with the retrofit process and enjoy the added comfort.
In Conclusion
Retrofitting heated seats in a Volkswagen Golf Mk7 is a feasible project that can significantly enhance your driving comfort. Still, it’s vital to consider the process’s complexity, potential costs, and the impact on your warranty.
Engaging with verified VCDS users, keeping track of the fault frequency, and understanding the role of freeze frames can ensure a successful retrofit. Remember to check out the reaction scores and reviews of others who have retrofitted their Golf Mk7.
Remember, retrofitting heated seats is not just about comfort; it’s also about the satisfaction of personalising your car to meet your specific needs. Go ahead and explore this exciting upgrade for your Volkswagen Golf Mk7.
