WARNING: Supplementary restraint airbags are installed within the seat assembly, proper precautions must be taken to ensure safe working in the vicinity of the seat airbags at all times. If you are in any doubt about undertaking the work refer the job to a qualified mechanic.

Symptoms:

The inflatable lumbar support pad in the driver’s seat stops operating when the button is pressed. Other seat adjustment functions may also stop working. Upon investigation, the fuse blows when the driver operates the lumbar adjustment switches.

Cause:

A poorly designed part with inadequate wiring protection results in the wiring to the actuator solenoids on the lumbar support pad fraying through due to abrasion on the seat frame. Subsequently, the wires contact the seat frame and short to ground, causing the fuse to fail.

Repair:

Recommended repair is replacement of the seat lumbar pad. This involves removing the seat from the vehicle and extensive dismantling of the seat backrest part to remove the plastic cover, armrest, seat covering and seat cushioning from the seat frame to expose the lumbar support assembly. Inspection of the replacement part reveals a protective cover is now included to prevent the problem recurring. Ensure this is in place when refitting the new part to protect the wiring from further abrasion issues.

Famous Four specialise in diagnosis and repair of issues with Land Rover and Range Rover vehicles old and new, more details are available via our Workshop page.