‘73 914: Electrical connection to right seat

[OldMark]

I just bought a ‘73 2.0, my 6th since my new ‘71. The right seat cushion has an electrical connection that disappears into the upholstery. The seat have been recovered, but I’m reluctant to remove the seat covering to see what this electrical connection does. Any ideas? Your advice is appreciated.

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

That is a seat occupancy sensor. It plugs into the "FASTEN SEAT BELT" system. On a 74 (and some later) car, it would plug into the Dreaded Seatbelt Interlock Relay (TM) system.

If you don't plug it in, the FASTEN SEAT BELT light should not go on even if there is someone sitting in the seat. Assuming the sensor and all the rest of the system works.

.... and assuming I am correct about the way the system works, which is not definite. I've had mine unplugged for more than two decades at this point ....

--DD

[OldMark]

Thank you very much, Dave. If I’d have thought about it a little more I might have come to the purpose. I’m an escapee from San Jose/San Mateo, now living the pleasant life in North Idaho.

Thanks again, Mark

[Sniper]

Congrats on the new 2.0, sounds like a great find, especially with that bit of mystery! That electrical connection in the seat cushion is likely for a seat heater, which some 914s had as an option or were retrofitted with later. Aftermarket kits from the era often tucked the wiring under the upholstery like that.

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

Seat heaters were never an option in the 914. I think the "seat heater" thing started as a joke, actually. It really is for the seat occupancy sensor.

--DD