Summary: This automotive repair blog is on a common Chrysler Pacifica seat problem. The drivers lumbar support can fail in one of several ways besides having a bad switch. The motor can fail, the cable can strip or the mechanical flex plate may wear and come apart. The lumbar support mechanism can be changed easily by anyone who is somewhat mechanically inclined. Unlike in some other cars, the seat cover does NOT have to be removed, just the rear access cover taken off for access. This is done in the vehicle making the replacement an easy do-it yourself project.

If the lumbar feature support doesn’t work on your Chrysler Pacifica, you may be in luck since the repair can be done fairly easily in most cases. Unlike the lumbar support in some other models, the Pacifica uses a mechanical flex plate system instead of an air filled bladder. The air filled bladders can leak and are a real pain to replace, since the seat has to be removed and seat upholstery taken off to access the bladder. On the Pacifica the rear trim cover is removed by using a trim tool to access the lumbar motor and mechanism assembly. After removal of the access cover, the mechanism can be inspected for loose pieces, the cable for stripped ends and the motor can be checked to make sure it is receiving power from the switch. The lumbar motor and flex plate are sold as a unit, so there’s no need to spend a lot of time diagnosing the specific issue as long as the motor is getting power and ground.

The new lumbar assembly from the Chrysler dealer comes with wiring attached to the motor. The wiring can be unplugged from the motor and the old wiring used. This is easiest since the other end of the wiring is not easily accessible (it’s buried down into the seat). Unscrew the Phillips screws holding the top bracket using a screwdriver or a cordless drill. After loosening the top metal bracket, the lumbar assembly can be unhooked from the seat and replaced with the new one. Once the new lumbar assembly is replaced, screws can be put back into the top bracket and the trim cover popped back into place.