mffarrell

Hi,

I have searched high and low for aDIY to replace the lumbar bladder.

Thanks!

mffarrell

I ran a PIWIS test of the lumbar system, which tests the 4-way valve and compressor motor and the components passed. So, I probably have bad compressor, bladder or supply lines.

I think the only way to find the failure is visually check whether there is air coming out of the compressor to eliminate that component, then if it is working, find the leak! The lower lumbar support use to work, but the upper never worked.

My problem is that I can’t pull-off the center seat back cushion to test the pump, bladder and lines. There are 3 clips at the top of the cushion that hook to the yellow metal grill at the top.

Supposedly, you pull-up on the cushion so the clips release from the metal grill bar that runs horizontally. I have pulled up on the cushion very hard, but the clips won’t release.

Could you help me figure out what I am doing wrong? I am afraid if I pull harder the center cushion might tear.

Thanks!

Here is a picture of the 3 clips circled in blue.

Idaho911

Do you have a copy of the Workshop Manual?

mffarrell

No, I don’t.

meirschwartz

Did you disconnect the cushion rail from the bottom first?

Just one more

Don't know if this will help but I found it very informative .

mffarrell

No, I didn’t. Would that help? How do you disconnect the bottom? I saw other posts that say disconnecting the bottom isn’t necessary.

Thanks for your help!

meirschwartz

from the back of the seat at the lower part, it is attached with a plastic channel. It is kind off a tongue and groove system.
it’s described in the beginning of the video attached by “just one more”

mffarrell

It looks like I will need to remove the seat in order to unhook the bottom of the cushion. I have seen a couple of threads where some claim you can unhook the top of the cushion without unhooking the bottom first.

I have tried several times to unhook just the top, but was unsuccessful. I am trying to avoid removing the seat to get to the lumbar bladder to test the compressor and to check for leaks in the bladder and supply lines.

Any other ideas?

Thanks!

meirschwartz

move the seat all the way forward, and recline it. You should be able to get to it from the back seat.
this is what you are looking for.


I don’t see how you can lift the cushion up without releasing it from the bottom first. It’s pretty tight.

mffarrell

Thanks a lot, I will give it shot next week. I have heated seats, will this be a problem as there must be a connection of some sort to the cushion?

sanyata

There is a wire connected to the bottom cushion heating pad that snakes out the back, close to the hinge. The bottom side of the frame has a connector located towards the front of the seat that is easy to disconnect. You can unfasten the four bolts holding the seat in place and then just tilt it back towards the rear without taking the seat out of the car. Raise the seat up first before you do this. This will allow easy access to all the connectors. Also, I have all the motors and a bladder available just sitting in storage. If you need any parts, let me know and you can have them for free.

mffarrell

Thanks everyone for your help. After I figured out what had to be done, it only took a couple of minutes to remove the center cushion. Here is a video that is very helpful:


https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Ev4m5cZf5S0

I determined that my bladder leaks and the compressor isn’t supplying air. Has anybody ever replace the compressor? It looks like it’s a real PITA to change, as it’s hidden behind the seat bolster.