scheel-mann Seats FAQ | Tolerance Stack

FAQs: scheel-mann Seats

Questions about scheel-mann seat features, comfort, wiring, and maintenance that apply across vehicle platforms.

Comfort & Ergonomics

Q: Are scheel-mann seats worth it for long-term use, especially for someone dealing with back issues?

A: Nearly every single order we have received to date has come from someone dealing with chronic back problems -- people looking for relief on long commutes or long trips. We have heard back from all of those customers and they are all saying roughly the same thing: these seats make driving in their truck much more bearable. Zero regrets from any of our customers.

As for a personal opinion: when we first encountered these seats a few years ago, we didn't understand the price or the need. Fast forward to a 9-hour drive in our Tacoma with the scheel-manns installed. At two hours in a stock seat we would normally be sore. This time we didn't feel the 9 hours at all. That was the moment it clicked. These seats make a real difference on long trips.

Q: Are the seat adjustments easy to make while sitting in the seat?

A: Yes. The adjustment knobs are large and positioned mostly on the sides of the seat, so most adjustments can be made on the fly without getting out. Fore/aft, seatback angle, and lumbar can all be reached from the seated position.

Seat Features & Options

Q: Where can I try sitting in a scheel-mann seat before buying?

A: There is a showroom in Portland, Oregon -- that is where scheel-mann USA is located. You can sit in the seats and get a feel for the different models before committing.

Q: How is the seatbelt handled when replacing factory seats?

A: The system is designed to reuse your OEM seatbelt setup. The buckle and latch hardware carry over from the factory configuration.

Q: How do I install the armrest?

A: For vehicles where the armrest is compatible -- including the FJ Cruiser and 4Runner -- the two mounting points are located on the transmission tunnel side of the seat. You can feel them through the upholstery. Using a razor blade, cut a small X into the material at each point to expose the countersink screws underneath. Unbolt those, position the armrest over the threads, and reinstall the countersink screws.

Q: My headrest was pulled off its frame during install. How do I put it back together?

A: This happens when the headrest is pulled too hard without realizing it is latched inside the seat. Search "Vario Headrest Removal" on YouTube for a video walkthrough.

The foam and headrest skin lift vertically off the metal frame -- wiggle gently if needed. The plastic clip pieces are tapered with the narrow end up, and are left/right specific. Once clipped onto the back of the headrest frame, the foam and skin go back over the frame. The final plastic closure snaps together: the front edge is a U/J-shape, and the back edge is a flat piece that folds over and clips into the back of the J. Pull the skin taut while snapping the two halves together. This can be done with the headrest still in the seat, which is usually easier than removing it first.

Q: Are seat spacers available for extra height?

A: Seat spacers are not applicable to Tolerance Stack mounts. Seat height on our brackets is set by the bracket design itself. Spacers are available for other mount brands in several increments, but that is a separate purchasing decision outside our product line.

Klima Heating & Cooling

Q: Do Klima seats include both heating and cooling?

A: Yes. All Klima seats come standard with both heating and cooling. The fans and ductwork are pre-installed and ready to go.

Q: Can heat and cooling levels be adjusted, or is it just on/off?

A: There are two round switches with Klima seats: one for heat (off/lo/hi) and one for cooling (off/lo/hi). Both can be run at the same time -- running heat and cooling simultaneously is normal and expected.

Q: What Klima switch behavior is normal?

A: The heat switch only lights up in the lo or hi position -- there is no indicator light when it is off. The cooling (fan) switch does not light up in any position. Both switches can be operated simultaneously, so heating and cooling at the same time is normal.

Q: Does Klima ventilation work with real leather upholstery?

A: Yes, but the leather must be perforated. Unperforated leather will not allow enough airflow for the cooling function to work properly. If you are ordering with a real leather option and want Klima to function as designed, confirm that perforation is included.

Q: Are the Klima switches waterproof?

A: They are not officially rated for water exposure and have not been tested for full immersion. They should handle incidental moisture fine -- getting in and out on a rainy day, wet clothing brushing against them, and similar everyday exposure. They are similar in construction to generic round seat-heat switches, so there is no specific IP rating to reference.

Wiring & Electrical

Q: What is the amperage draw for the seat heater and Klima cooling?

A: Each seat draws 5 amps. Make sure your power source is on a circuit capable of handling that draw -- 5 amps minimum for one seat, 10 amps minimum if wiring both front seats on the same circuit.

The red wire on the included harness connects to a 12V power source. Switched power is strongly recommended so the seat cannot be left on and drain the battery. The black wire with ring terminal needs a clean, solid chassis ground connection.

Common connection methods include a fuse tap at the fuse panel, a terminal block or bus bar, or an automotive relay triggered by a switched circuit. For seats with heat only (no Klima), there will be a blue connector that is not used -- leave it alone.

Q: How difficult is the wiring for heated seats in a vehicle that never had factory heated seats?

A: It is essentially two wires: a ground and a 12V positive. The ease of the install varies by vehicle depending on how accessible a switched power source and a solid ground point are, but the wiring itself is straightforward.

Q: When do I need a thermistor for seat heaters?