So I just learned that the Canadian version of the TLX with tech package (and presumably the advance package as well) have a heated steering wheel. To operate this, is there a physical button or is it controlled via the infotainment screen like most other things? I would LOVE to swap wheels if it were possible to get this in the American car...

 

It's a button on the steering wheel, on the lower left.

You can see in this image:

 

Correct, there is a button on the lower left side of the steering wheel. If I'm not mistake, my Advance turns it on when car starting (linked to temperature).

 

There was a thread here a few years back about swapping a US steering wheel for a heated Canadian one - as I recall there may be issues with the wiring harness and in the end it would be a rather pricey proposition.

 

So... I've done a lot of research and people have proposed 2 different options:

1. Retrofit an MDX wheel and switches
2. Retrofit a Canadian TLX wheel and switches

I will continue to investigate the Canadian option since I think it'll be easier, but that will require calling a dealer in Canada since I cannot find any online parts database for Canadian versions of the TLX...

Regarding the MDX wheel, here's what I've found:
MDX steering wheel diagram and parts:
STEERING WHEEL (SRS) for 2017 Acura MDX 5-DOOR

TLX steering wheel diagram and parts:
STEERING WHEEL (SRS) for 2016 Acura TLX SEDAN

The two diagrams are very similar and share many part numbers. The TLX diagram, however, shows that parts 4, 5, 12, and 14 are basically unused. It is my suspicion that some or all of these will be necessary, including part # 8 (the heated wheel itself):

# Name $ Part #
4 switch asmbly 55.20 35885-TZ3-C11ZA
5 case 17.10 35886-TZ6-C01ZB
7 harness 27.05 77901-TZ6-C10
8 wheel 200.31 78501-TZ5-C52ZB
12 plate 2.15 78516-TZ5-C51
14 hsw switch 439.40 78550-TZ5-C51

Total (if all needed): $741.21

That's a lot of bread for warm hands. I'm not sure what's going on with part # 14 though... I mean $439.40 for a simple control unit? Anyway, something to look further into. Once I get an estimate for Canadian parts, I'll post em here too.

 

That's a lot of cheese for the heated wheel. I'm in Dallas and would recommend saving that $$$. There are vast amounts of sleek, warm gloves available at your local/fine online retailers for a fraction of the cost. Ignore the fact that we're going to
go from 68 degrees to 19 degrees F tomorrow.

 

I don't find the leather steering wheel that cold even on -10 F days. But I keep my TLX in a heated garaged at night and after work, I use the remote start to warm the car for about 5 minutes and enter into a toasty car.

Even though I probably would have paid a bit more when ordering the car for this option; adding it now for something I would rarely to never use does not benefit me.

 

You are in Texas and really want this? Funny.

 

I certainly appreciate the apparent irony of wanting a heated steering wheel in Texas, but it's going to get down to 18 degrees on Sunday! And I plan to move back to Colorado soon-ish as well.

I didn't get a chance to call any Canadian dealers, but will next week. Tonight I had other important priorities (Star Wars).

Even then, if it's close to the same price as an MDX swap (and I don't see why it wouldn't be), then perhaps I'll just grow up and pull my gloves out of the closet lol

 

^^^ I live in the DFW area... it's gotten down that low and lower before... nobody died. You'll survive without a heated steering wheel this weekend.

Now, if they had air conditioned steering wheels in the DFW area, you probably should be opting for that.

 

Just curious-

Are those Canadian prices? If not, I wouldn't be surprised if the prices double. No joke. I could see about 1500 Canadian dollars, which will be like 1000US. We pay more for Honda/Acura parts. I'd still call to confirm (because I can be wrong), but that's what I'd expect it to cost. Parts here can cost anywhere from 15% more, to 400% more

 

Yes, it is turned on by remote start, but it turns off as soon as you hit the start/stop to activate the car. You then have to turn it on manually.

My car is also parked overnight in underground parking that usually does not drop below 40F, but even then I will turn on the heated steering for 3-4 minutes to take the chill off. My wimpy, skinny hands appreciate the warmth. This is a great winter feature of the car, and I still cannot understand why it is not an option for the US market.

 

I do love the heated steering wheel feature, along with the 4 door locking/unlocking, the heated windshield, the heated rear seats, and a few other Canadian only features - but I might trade for the cheap lease deals available in the US.

 

is there any way to apply all this to a 2013 TL?