Chevy Impala Uncomfortable Lumbar Support

Oops.
Forget what I said about stuffing the seat. I went out to look at the seat to see how easy it is to access its innards and what do I see ? An air bag.----- Don't touch. Don't go there.
This is the first car I have owned with a side air bag and forgot it was in the seat.
If you cannot find a comfortable seat setting after trying all the possibilities, you will probably have to resort to using some sort of small pillow(s) behind your back.
If your 08 had no air bag in the seat, perhaps that is an indication that the innards of the 09 seat had to be re-engineered to accommodate the air bag, resulting in a different and less comfortable seat.

#5 of 7 Re: Uncomfortable Lumbar Support [voorhees1] by ryster

Feb 08, 2009 (4:38 am)

Replying to: voorhees1 (Feb 05, 2009 5:31 pm)

I have to ask...did you test drive the '09 before you bought it? Was the seat uncomfortable during the test?

Regardless of the seat mounted airbag, a skilled and reputable auto upholsterer should be able to add padding where you need it without affecting the airbag.

Based on my experience with my current '06 Impala, the padding in the seat will break down over time. Perhaps the seat will soften up enough on its own and become more tolerable.

Replies to this message:

voorhees1 (Feb 12, 2009 11:41 am)
- p100 (Jul 18, 2010 9:52 pm)

#6 of 7 Re: Uncomfortable Lumbar Support [ryster] by voorhees1

Feb 12, 2009 (11:41 am)

Replying to: ryster (Feb 08, 2009 4:38 am)

I did test drive it but not as much as maybe I should have. I did drive an '08 for a year and loved it.

I drove the '09 home but didn't notice how uncomfortable it was until AFTER I tried the lumbar support a day or two later and then couldn't deflate it all the way.

I hope the padding will break down and the seat becomes more tolerable.

Thank you for your suggestions. You time and help is greatly appreciated.

Replies to this message:

p100 (Jul 18, 2010 9:52 pm)

#7 of 7 Re: Uncomfortable Lumbar Support [voorhees1] by p100

Jul 18, 2010 (9:52 pm)

Replying to: voorhees1 (Feb 12, 2009 11:41 am)

I too have noticed that lumbar support in my '09 LTZ is somewhat irritating to my back. Have not noticed it during the test drive, The ratcheting mechanism for the lumbar adjustment in this car is cheap and cheesy. Why couldn't they install an air inflatable lumbar support? It certainly could be justified in a car with $ 31,300 sticker price.

After I ratcheted the support to its firmest setting, I then released it fully and pushed hard on it to see if I could "deflate" it or release it further. I was somewhat successful and it does not bother my back that much now.

Another option I am considering are custom tailored sheepskin covers. Yes, they have to be custom tailored, because these seats are huge and no standard sheep skin will fit them! Also they have side airbags, so a regular sheepskin would not be suitable.

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