Question about Power Lumbar motor

[dtorres]

I recently purchased a new Explorer and have noticed that when using the power lumbar option (adding air for more support) the motor is really loud. It sounds like a $5 electric bicycle tire pump and typically surprises any passengers in the vehicle. Is this normal for Ford or could there be an issue with the pump?

 

[RiverRat]

They make noise but aren't really loud. Other than the noise does it work ok?

 

[mjbach]

Your post reminds me to search for a solution for fixing a leaking lumbar support but I've been overwhelmed by more serious X problems lately.

Yes the motors make a weird noise but if that's your only complaint--count your blessings. None of the lumbar supports in our two Xs hold air anymore and my back hurts!

 

[jimbo74]

thats normal..... i drive a lot of vehicles at work, and most of them with that kind of option makenoise, afterall, its an air compressor under the seat in the cabin trying to fill up an airbag.....

 

[Flounder]

dtorres,

My '04 ST leather lumbar makes a ton of noise too. It seems to be 'normal.'

 

[Bottomlesspit]

mjbach,
I just recently installed some 'new' leather seats in my X. I noticed the lumbar was not holding air in either seat. Once I got into the workings, I found it was the lumbar switch on the side of the seat that was leaking the air out....BOTH seats. I bought new switches from ford and they work fine. Just something for you to check out.
Ken

 

[mjbach]

Ken: Thanks for the idea. Next trip to the junkyard we'll try and get a few to try it. It was a nice feature when they worked.

 

[dtorres]

Thanks everyone for the info and advice. At least I know now it's nothing to worry about. I was a big fan of the message boards at fordranger.com but now that I've traded in my beloved Ranger I'm glad to have found this Explorer board.