P2 front seat swap

[azureblue]

I think this is right - if not please correct:

1- Make sure you have the right replacement seat and it is in good working order. Make sure the electrical connectors are clean and not damaged.
2 – Measure the seat setting on the donor seat and move the original car seat to the similar settings - the same tilt, recline, etc.
3 – Disconnect Battery, and wait at least 10 minutes before unplugging anything electrical on the original seat
4 – Move the steering wheel all the way up and in to get more clearance
5 – Unbolt seat from car
6 – Tilt it back and release the seat belt from the seat frame by pushing in that really small release button on the housing the seat belt plugs in to. There are youtube vids of this and it's hard to describe in words.
7 – Unplug all connectors from the seat control box. All connectors have press in to release tabs
8 - place a piece of heavy carpet or rug over the door transom to keep the seat rails from scratching anything.
9 – I rotated the seat 90 degrees with the upper seat to the center armrest, then I lifted the seat bottom over the door transom. Yes the seat is heavy.
10 – Place both seats on their backs
11 - On both seats, remove the 2 hex bolts that hold the black seat control box to the frame. You must use your original control box.
12 – Wiggle the thing out until you can reach to the backside of it and press down on the tabs that hold each of the two connectors to the unit. Remove connectors from control box.
13 – Swap control boxes, plug it back in, and bolt it down.
14 – Put replacement seat in car, but don’t bolt it down.
15 – Plug in all under seat electrical connectors.
16 – Hook up the battery.
17 – Test seat controls, if all works, then proceed to step 18. If not check for obvious causes like a connector that didn’t get plugged in all the way. If nothing obvious then unhook the battery, wait ten minutes, and remove the seat, and fix what doesn’t work, like a motor, etc.
18 – Push the seat belt connector into the housing until you hear a click and make sure it is locked into place
19 – Bolt down the seat.

[- Pete -]

Also make sure you have the year correct. I believe there was a seat frame change either beginning in 2005 or mid-2005. Either way, you’ll want to make sure the replacement seat frame matches yours.
So 2005 & newer won’t fit 2001-2004’s.

[azureblue]

True - 2001 to 2004 interchanges, so I put that Caveat in the first line. I think the process should be the same for both seat varieties

[vtl]

For wagon it is easier to remove rear bench cushions, fold the backs down, cover everything with cardboard, put the seat's rear legs on something sturdy (I've used old kid's sled) and slide the seat over to the rear door. Zero chances you damage any paint, plus it is much easier on your back.