2nd Gen Seats in a 1st Gen Fusion

[SELV6]

I like the idea of finding 2nd gen (2010-2012) fusion leather and installing it in my first gen SEL. The seats in my 2011 SEL were so much better than the seats are in my 2007. Granted, it seems that the leather in my 07 is significantly more durable, as it is in very good condition overall for having 145k miles on it, including the drivers seat. The leather is clearly much softer in the second gen as the color was already wearing off my light colored leather in the 2011 after only 50k miles, but still. I'll take the trade off for the huge comfort upgrade, including the option for the power passenger seat, which I cringe at not having for my front seat passenger(s).

 

In addition, it also seemed like the driver's seat allowed a slightly lower seating position in my 2011, as my head is in contact with the headliner in the 2007 when the seat height is at absolute minimum.

 

Issues I'm foreseeing:

• Airbag compatibility?
• female seat belt buckle electrical connector change? (I haven't actually checked whether it's a part of the seat assembly, or if it's bolted to the floor)

Insight on this?

[fordtech1]

There is a large possibility they will bolt into the same. The issue will be definitely passenger seat occupancy module compatibility. It will not communicate with the RCM. I've had issues where a 2008 ocsm will not work in a 2007. Side bags in the seat should be fine. Ocsm uses sensors in seat track. You may be able to use old seat track rails and module but use new seat.

[SELV6]

The occupancy sensor is something I hadn't even thought of. Because it's in the track and the fact that the seats are very similar, I would probably agree with the idea that the bolt pattern is probably the same to the track. Does the ford system require a calibration of the sensor after being toyed around with?

 

My only issue is that, as I'm sure you're aware, the early first gens had issues with the passenger seat and it's squeaking issue. Mine definitely has that issue and was hoping to eliminate that as a fringe benefit of swapping in new seats.

 

I have not performed the full procedure of the TSB regarding that seat squeak issue, but imagine it would be a good time to do that if swapping out the seats. I took the seat out a couple of years ago and put some thick felt tape in places where it seemed like the squeak could be occurring, but didn't do the widening of the hole where the track meets the body. My quick fix improved the initial issue significantly, but it is still present at odd times when a passenger is present. On a side note, any tips/tricks on that TSB procedure that have prevented comebacks?

 

I've already tracked down two different cars that have the exact seats that I'm looking for, and the prices are actually more reasonable than I was expecting. It's sort of annoying that they're both in the northern midwest though. Definitely wouldn't want to commit to something like that unless I was 100% sure on the compatibility.

Edited October 11, 2016 by SELV6

[fordtech1]

Technically according to workshop manual you are to recalibrate the ocsm anytime the seat is unbolted. I wonder if the old seat track rails will fit on the new seat bottom. If I get a min I'll check out the harnesses. I suspect reusing as much of the original harness and ocsm system will be a safer bet. Also, not that you wouldn't already know this, incompatiblility of the harness could be an issue with deploying seat airbag so definitely be aware. I will have to look at the manual to see how similar the connectors are. You are working on 07 and 2011 fusions? Power both sides? Plus first generation fusions didn't offer power recline. Do the Seats you are looking at have that?

[fordtech1]

I think it can be done for sure. It's just a matter of how much trouble it is. I suspect some wiring will need modified. I'll try and look into it tonight.