I have a 2009 HHR SS that has a bad power lumbar support. When I press the switch, I hear a very faint motor noise and the support hardley works. The car is out of warranty, and I am wondering if I could replace the electric motor myself? Is it difficult?

Also, is the lumbar support operated by a pump or a set of gears?


Thanks for your help!

 

Years ago I installed some factory GM unit's in my truck. Air bag, pump and switch. Sounds like you just have a weak pump. Should be on the bottom of the seat.

 

Thanks for the reply solman98. After I posted the message, I managed to find an exploded view of the drivers seat. At first, I thought it was an air bladder that served as the lumbar support but I was mistaken. The lumbar support consists of a horizontal bar that creates a lower bulge in the seat when the switch is actuated. Also, I found out that the lumbar support assembly consists of a bar and motor that is geared, and is available as a seperate piece from the dealer. Cost is under 200, but its a big job because it looks like the only way to do it is to remove the seat cover.

When I get a chance, I am going to remove the seat back again and snap a picture to post it on the forum in case anybody else is having problems.

One last thing, after checking out the assembly I am thinking that it might be a better idea to slide forward a bit when your increasing the support in order to reduce the stress on the motor and lumbar support assembly.

 

Mine quit working today, did you ever repair yours?

 

I have an '08 SS. Never checked for any type of lumbar adj. I never saw it on the RPO list. Is it standard?

 

It is I believe. It's one of the toggle seat adjust buttons. Mine on occasion won't work either, but inconsistently.

 

I checked mine again and it appears to be working fine. Btw, the assembly for the power lumbar support costs about $150. The switch for the lumbar support is located about mid point on the left side of the seat and is a switch that rocks or toggles in both directions. If you want to see the assembly, you carefully pull off the plastic back to the seat. I haven't been checking the forum lately because it turned out to be fine. Also, contrary to my believe, its not an air bladder but rather a motor that moves a bar up and down to created a bulge in the seat that acts as a lumbar support. If I get the time and ambition I will remove the panel from the driver's seat and snap some pictures.

If it does go bad btw, its a hell of job by the way!