bigalpha

Just picked up a 2013 Tech and was wondering if it's possible to swap over new technology (e.g. parking sensors or ventilated seats) from later years into mine?

Gadgetjq

Anything's possible but at what cost? Most of the tech involves built in sensors linked to vehicle computers.

You could probably find ventilated seats at a local or online auto wrecker then just install a switch to turn the fan on/off. An upholstery shop might be able to recover your seats with a suitable covering, punch some holes in the seat foam and install a small fan for you.

OEM parking sensors not only beep but also show warnings on one of the screens so there's a whole lot involved. You'd be better off purchasing sonar sensors from Amazon or eBay vendors and installing them in your bumpers. All come with warning beepers, some offer little modules you put on your dash showing estimated distance to an obstruction.

Tip for the future, determine your wants/needs before you go car shopping and make sure those items are already built into a vehicle before buying. It'll make your life a lot easier.

Cheers!

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

^and even then...those aftermarket sonar sensors will not look factory and involves drilling...

bigalpha

I've never owned an Acura so wasn't sure on how compatible different years were with each other. On my Jeeps and subarus there tended to be plugs already built into harnesses and a lot of compatibility between vehicles.

So, while I won't go and spend thousands on trying to get these new features, plug and play or minor mods would be helpful.

For example, I'm under the impression that some Gen2's come with ventilated seats. So I wouldn't be building a custom seat, just installing one from a later year. I'm not sure if people even really mod these things and if it's been looked at or not.

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

^well, you can try!!! swap a seat and see. Someone has to be a guinea pig, someone has to be a test pilot....it's likely on your other cars, people had already test fitted and retrofitted those items... this is your chance to be a hero, baby.
it's just gonna be more expensive and more troublesome than if you had bought the car already equipped with these items.

bigalpha

I figured that the car has been out long enough that someone has looked into compatibility of pre/post face-lift components. Besides, ventilated seats weren't available pre-refresh.

markAZ

ISTR someone on here posted about an after market set ventilation kit he installed in his Gen 2. It mighta been a year or more ago but you might try searching for it. I don't think ventilated seats were available on Gen 2 RDX.

bigalpha

I did a search but didn't find that thread about the aftermarket kit. I only found a brief discussion of seat swaps in a TL or something. I took a quick look at parts diagrams and the 2016+ def. have ventilated seats.

markAZ

Here's the thread I was thinking about. Not real specific but might get you started. Apparently such a kit does exist but I haven't pursued it.

https://acurazine.com/forums/perform...-seats-898963/

bigalpha

Hmmm. I wonder if I could find a wrecked RDX with ventilated seats. Gotta be cheaper than a shop-installed kit.