Removing the Seats

[My Detailing Guys]

Do you remove the seats? I can see the benefits in the cleaning process. However, has anyone had any issues by removing the seats?

Thanks, Greg

[jankerson]

Only in very extreme cases and with the owners approval and signing off on any issues that may happen because of it....

[HateSwirls]

I will not remove seats or anything for a customers car besides the license plate.
Always worry something could go wrong, however I'll help the customer remove the seats but only in his presents.
However for those that do sure goes a long way pleasing the customer.

[WillWashesCars]

Only in extreme cases. Like @HateSwirls said, I am worried about something going wrong. If seats need to be removed, I will have the customer sign a waiver.

[DaHen]

In my own vehicles, yes. But not in someone else's.

[AutowerxDetailing]

Things that could go wrong when removing seats:

- Wiring or harnesses could get jacked up
- Wiring clips and attachment points could get jacked up
- Triggers seat belt warning light (or some other warning light)
- If removing battery: GPS or stereo gets locked if security anti-theft code is unknown by current owner
- Bolts could get stripped or snap in half
- Plastic trim covering the anchor bolts could get cracked or otherwise break
- Other parts of the vehicle could get damaged while removing the seats

If all of that is worth it to you to clean some part of the vehicle that will never be seen GO FOR IT!

I prefer compressed air and contortionist like moves to reach the hard to get areas. If there is a weird smell or stain that goes under the track I will remove the seats but only as a worst case scenario.

[Scott@IncrediblyDetailed]

I will only do it in older cars (90s early 00s) where typically only the drivers seat has one connection and the car is extremely neglected. I charge extra as well. Sometimes it's quicker to remove everything than fight for positions.

[Harry Da Hamster]

Things that could go wrong when removing seats:

- Wiring or harnesses could get jacked up
- Wiring clips and attachment points could get jacked up
- Triggers seat belt warning light (or some other warning light)
- If removing battery: GPS or stereo gets locked if security anti-theft code is unknown by current owner
- Bolts could get stripped or snap in half
- Plastic trim covering the anchor bolts could get cracked or otherwise break
- Other parts of the vehicle could get damaged while removing the seats

If all of that is worth it to you to clean some part of the vehicle that will never be seen GO FOR IT!

I prefer compressed air and contortionist like moves to reach the hard to get areas. If there is a weird smell or stain that goes under the track I will remove the seats but only as a worst case scenario.

Or more importantly you could injure yourself while removing the seat. 70lbs at an awkward angle = herniated disk

[swanicyouth]

I removed seats from BMWs before and its hit or miss wether or not it will trigger the SRS light (airbag). Even when you d/c the battery, you can still trip the SRS light. I believe the reason is because the module senses a temporary open circuit in the seat sensors and thinks there is a malfunction.

Resetting the light is not as easy as resetting the SES light either. I BELIEVE it can only be done by BMW. At least that was the case a few years ago, as there wasn't an aftermarket scanner that actually worked at resetting the light.

Ask me how I know.

[Fast Eddie]

Rarely do I ever remove seats, but I do have some clients that have been customers for years that requested I remove the seats. But then again, I share a space with an upholstery shop and they remove seats of cars all day ever day, so at least I have some guidance if I run into any issues.