110Matty

Member
Hello again,

I know there’s a lot of info available generally but specifically would like to know if I can use OEM dash switches with Rimmer seat heating kit (ie can I cut off the aftermarket switches?). I know the OEM switches aren’t dual stage, so how would the wiring work. Many thanks.
 
Hello again,

I know there’s a lot of info available generally but specifically would like to know if I can use OEM dash switches with Rimmer seat heating kit (ie can I cut off the aftermarket switches?). I know the OEM switches aren’t dual stage, so how would the wiring work. Many thanks.
Update folks. Not sure if I need yet another post! My 90 has Mazda RX8 leather bucket seats (very comfortable by the way), the drivers side has electrics. Some research suggests that all leather versions of these are also heated - that would be a huge Brucie bonus, so I won’t count on it yet until I have a good look underneath. If it’s true, I think I’ll only need suitable cable / relay / fuse (to go with the expensive OEM switches I just bought off fleabay). Any recommendations on relay type and fuse and cable amp rating? Was thinking 20 amp cable and 15 amp fuse? Will that be enough? I would wire direct to battery with fuse close to the battery and relay on a switched ignition live near the switches in behind the dash. Does that sound about right? Cheers
 
Fit relays etc into the fuse box. Easier to acsess.
Cheers. Obviously I can take a look, but is there plenty of space for relays - i have a heated front screen going in, heated seats and potentially others (i'm doing heated mirrors too but i think they can run from the switch as they are low power).
 
I don't think you will need a relay for the seats, maybe find out what power the switches can handle?
 
I don't think you will need a relay for the seats, maybe find out what power the switches can handle?
looks like the genuine ones (which i have coming) are 10 amps? I wouldnt want to risk it as the seats are Mazda RX8 and i know very little about the current draw. The drivers seat is also electrically adjustable. I can research it, but assumed a relay was a safer option.
 
looks like the genuine ones (which i have coming) are 10 amps? I wouldnt want to risk it as the seats are Mazda RX8 and i know very little about the current draw. The drivers seat is also electrically adjustable. I can research it, but assumed a relay was a safer option.
Adjustable will be different power wise, I was on about the heating element only.
 
looks like the genuine ones (which i have coming) are 10 amps? I wouldnt want to risk it as the seats are Mazda RX8 and i know very little about the current draw. The drivers seat is also electrically adjustable. I can research it, but assumed a relay was a safer option.

How do you know what relay to use if you don't know the current draw?
 
You can get heated seat switch which replicates the original from Mudstuff. You will need a relay as they are only a low capacity switch
 
You can get heated seat switch which replicates the original from Mudstuff. You will need a relay as they are only a low capacity switch
Hi there, yeah I think the Mud ones are only rated 3 amps when i looked online.
How do you know what relay to use if you don't know the current draw?
Like I said, i'd have to research it but had assumed i would need a relay (as opposed to just working from the switches). What I can tell you is that the electric adjustment side of things had a blown the 10a fuse that a previous owner had fitted.
 
How do you know what relay to use if you don't know the current draw?
I'm sure I'll be corrected ;) but RX7/8 forums suggest 10amp fuse for each seat (heating elements only), so 30 amp relay? Motor parts (driver only seems to suggest separate 20 amp fuse, with / without relay)? Any advice / guidance greatly received :)
 
I would wire each seat separately using a relay for each seat, I wouldn't use a timed relay.
You might like to use a timed relay for the front screen, the one on my Focus runs about 5 mins, if it's not long enough, you can switch it back on again.
 
Cheers. Obviously I can take a look, but is there plenty of space for relays - i have a heated front screen going in, heated seats and potentially others (i'm doing heated mirrors too but i think they can run from the switch as they are low power).
You can attach the relays to the rear of the fuse board. There is a bit of room on the front to then mount any fuses
 
You can attach the relays to the rear of the fuse board. There is a bit of room on the front to then mount any fuses
Nice one, would never have thought of that. I had a very Quick Look today and despite being a hard top with few comforts (currently), there were 3 yellow relays there already. Cheers Phill.
 

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