front seat back removal

[Darcyb]

Hi all,
New 2017 i3 REX owner. Love it so far!
With our past cars, we have had the front seats modified by an upholsterer to smooth out the seat back to remove the lumbar bump. We would like to do this with the i3 as well.
Just wondering if anyone knows if the seat back can be removed without disconnecting the electrical clip under the seat?
If the the electrical clip needs to be removed, would you need to also disconnect the high voltage and 12 volt battery?
What actions can set off an error?
I would like to understand what is entailed before we take it to the upholsterer as I am not sure he has worked with an ev before.
Any comments are appreciated .

 

[jadnashuanh]

The circuit going into the seat is for heating. I think that there is also an occupancy sensor that adjusts the speed of airbag inflation, and I think there's an airbag there as well. You may find the car will indicate an error on the airbags if you disconnect plugs. Your best source would probably be your dealer's service department.

 

[wiepie]

I’m also interested. Have you found a solution?

 

[Steve999]

You could try this: https://youtu.be/SS-MLTdeLhc

 

[tongsli]

Has anyone else tried this modification? I'm not sure the foam he bought is dense enough for the job.

 

[Jim0el]

The circuit going into the seat is for heating. I think that there is also an occupancy sensor that adjusts the speed of airbag inflation, and I think there's an airbag there as well. You may find the car will indicate an error on the airbags if you disconnect plugs. Your best source would probably be your dealer's service department.

Yes, jadnashuanh, and when there's weight on the seat, the driver is alerted to have the "passenger" employ the seat belt (from my experience with my 2017 REx). I've learned to put my grocery bag on the floor!