QuestionMy son has an 05 Sienna XLE with most all extras except Navigation. He also doesn't have memory driver seat which is a big problem. He does have electric driver seat.
Can you tell me the parts or part numbers needed so he can add the memory seat to his car? He and his wife are of different heights thus causing the problem. Also I believe Toyota came out with memory seats in 06.
My logic is because he that since they already have the electric seats it a matter of adding the additional harness and switches to make it memory (and maybe a chip).
Please help
Regards,
Corky
AnswerHi Corky,
If only it were that simple, really.
The memory seat option as well as the DVD Nav system were upgrades not only to the option packages but to the vehicle as well. What I mean is that the wire harness in your vehicle will differ enough from that of a vehicle equipped with a mem seat that the item will not plug-in or function. Also, there is a memory module (multiplex) mounted under the left side of the dash that will not have the memory provisions and the wire harness from that would need to be replaced also. The best part is that Toyota placed the equipment up front, but wired everything to the rear for the navigation system. So to install navigation (factory) you'd need to replace every wire harness in the vehicle with the exception of the engine control and injector harnesses.
So, other than buying a new car what are your options? Well, retro-fitting memory and navigation will not only cost you for the units (nav head, seat, module, antenna, etc.) but you'll also need to purchase the wire harnesses. That in and of itself will prove to be the impossible step. The dealership does not have wire harnesses available and salvage facilities, such as Knucklebusters, won't be of much help because of the nature of the part and what you plan to do with them. Anything you purchase used from a recycler will carry NO warranty as to fitness so if the harness you pay $300.00 for does not fit your needs, you just wasted a bunch of money and you still need to find the part(s). You'd probably be 3 or 4 thousand into it before finally giving up without the systems functioning.
So install an aftermarket nav system if you are having a hard time finding your way through town and downgrade to a manual driver seat if two vastly different people will be driving it because those seat motors won't last forever being moved forward and backward a few times every day.
Adding systems in a vehicle not originally equipped with them is not like asking for extra pickles at BurgerKing. There is no magic button or universal-fit parts. Auto manufacturers change small parts like that all the time to insure that parts won't interchange without headaches as job security.
Looking for a reputable service technician? My advice on finding a good technician is: Steer clear of the dealership and 'chain' stores like Firestone, Sears, Pep Boys, Monro Muffler/Brake, Midas, etc. as they usually only employ ONE ASE Certified Tech just so they can say they do and chances are, that guy is the asst. manager or manager and is not in the store to diagnose/repair vehicles anyway. Find a service location in the link below or get some names out of the yellow-pages and do a drive-by. Garages that employ ASE Certified Technicians will be marked with the 'Blue-Seal' insignia. If unsure about whether a place employs Certified Techs, just ask to see their credentials. ALL ASE Certified Technicians will be PROUD to show and display their certificate(s).
Thanks for the question, I hope this information was helpful to you.
Fred
Knucklebusters Used Auto & Truck Parts, Inc.
www.knucklebusters.us
570-453-0910
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