Swap Seat Base Cover Drvr to Psngr?

[mwebster22]

On my ‘06 Sport, my drivers side seat cover has a small tear at the outboard seam. I’m wanting to switch it with the passenger side cover, as the tear would be mostly hidden up next to the center console (and to save money). It’s black leather, I think which may be dealer aftermarket installed; has a tag “Liquicell” on the cover.

Has anyone done this or installed/replaced covers and have any advice for me? The seat shape looks identical so I think it should work. I’m hoping it won’t be too difficult...

 

[RobD]

A quick Google shows that Liquicell might just be an insert under the material to give better cushioning. Your actual seats might be covered with someone else's leather kit, like Katzkin, or factory leather with the Liquicell pads. Are they an aftermarket leather kit?

Sorry, can't be of more help.

 

[simple]

Sorry man, you can swap cushion, but not cover. They’re cut different to make room for the electric or manual seat controls.

 

[mwebster22]

Thanks for that. But do you think it would be possible to make the necessary additional cuts, as the control areas are covered by plastic trim? Bmaybe I can modify?

 

[simple]

Thanks for that. But do you think it would be possible to make the necessary additional cuts, as the control areas are covered by plastic trim? Bmaybe I can modify?

Yes, but, there’s certain attach points under the seat, so you may have to figure out something to keep the cover tight on the sides. The other point would be if there would be enough fabric on the other side to fully cover the cushion on the passengers side.

 

[mwebster22]

Thanks for the info. Is it a hard job to disassemble to try it, or is it not worth the effort?

 

[simple]

Thanks for the info. Is it a hard job to disassemble to try it, or is it not worth the effort?

It’s a pain. But the back is worse. You’ll need tin snips to cut the hog rings. I used zip ties on mine, so pick up some 40lb zip ties and you should be square. Also if you have electric seats, make sure you push them adequately enough forward to access the front screws to remove the seat plastic trim. If you have seat airbags, you’ll also need to disconnect the battery for at least 2 mins before you unplug the yellow harness. It may take some finessing, but you don’t have to remove the backcushion to remove the bottom seat cushion.

 

[simple]

Actually, I think the cushions are universal so you may be able to just keep the seat cover on and just try the swap. Way easier.

 

[mwebster22]

Actually, I think the cushions are universal so you may be able to just keep the seat cover on and just try the swap. Way easier.

That’s what I thought may be possible, but was unsure if the airbag weight sensor in the passenger seat might be an issue with swapping sides. No seat heaters on mine though.

 

[simple]

That’s what I thought may be possible, but was unsure if the airbag weight sensor in the passenger seat might be an issue with swapping sides. No seat heaters on mine though.

I’ve taken apart my seats several times and have never seen a sensor in there. My assumption would be it’s a part of the seat frame itself. The airbag connector is for the airbag itself which is in the upper seat frame. There are certainly no wires that hook up to the foam cushions.

 

[V8Man]

Covers should swap.
Just replaced my passenger side on my 04 with another from from my 03. Both sports.
Here is a picture of the seat airbag sensor.

 

[cbelisle]

I have a SR5 so it may be slightly different, but i swapped mine. the materials on the sides of the lower cushion are different, and you'll need to cut an extra hole on the drivers seat for the adjustments, but it's pretty easy. took me an hour or two. I swapped the cushion and cover.