Originally Posted by Phreakdout

There is a connection between the passenger seat control and the soft top lock switch. Interrupt the soft top lock switch operation and the top's not going to work.

I assume when you removed the seat, the B353 connector was attached to the seat.

(Just a thought) If you could remove the seat control and wire harness from the pass seat leaving everything connected, then perhaps there would still be continuity between the control unit and the switch. Tricking the system to thinking the seat is still there. Strap it all together with plastic zip ties and place it under the aftermarket seat.

Just curious, when you remove the factory seat, does the airbag light come on? I'd think it should.