Lumbar Support

[Skip to 2nd Paragraph if you're looking for your answers for LUMBAR SUPPORT]. I was so frustrated with the lack of lumbar support in my Kia Seltos "S" model. That I actually went to trade it in for a 2021 Chevy Trailblazer. The lumbar support in the Trailblazer was pretty good but the actual lower seat is really short compared to the Seltos. Basically, the Seltos seat reaches the back of my knees 100%, while the Trailblazer only goes about 75% to support my legs. It is a bit annoying but I'd choose dealing with short leg support over the lumbar support. Needless to say, I only test drove the Chevy Trailblazer for about 3 miles and it started smoking in the rear of the car and it was smoking quite a bit. I thought I was imagining it but when I got back to Chevy Dealership, it smelled HORRIBLE, like it was onfire or burnt platic smell. I told the sales guy but he didn't seem concerned. The Trailblazer already had 7 miles on it and my Kia only had 6 when I test drove it and no smell from the Kia. So, not moving forward with the Chevy Trailblazer, plus they only offered me $17,500 and I only have 600 miles on my car. So, not paying another $8000.00 just to get lumbar support.

SO HERE'S THE DEAL! I couldn't find any info online for Kia Seltos and lumbar or about the Seats, so I just went for it. I took off the back cover of my driver seat and saw that it does have the correct metal springs/material to hold an aftermarket fully electric Lumber Support. I ordered one last night and will have it next week. I will post pictures of the install but from what I can tell it should be much easier on this car. The nice thing is that it will support REAR MOUNT LUMBAR SUPPORT, so this is more authentic feel and actually pushes the front foam forward rather than feeling like you just shoved a pillow in there.

For those who want a QUICK FIX: Pop off the back HARD PLASTIC COVER to your Seat & you can actually stuff your own foam or pillow and it should work to your liking, the only negative thing is it won't be adjustable like the one I will be installing. I'll post some quick pics of how to remove the hard cover but more once install the actual unit.

ENJOY!

Here are pics I promised of removing the back seat hard cover to install Lumbar Support directly in your seat.

Look Under the seat and remove the 2 Straps. The above image shows one of the straps & you basically just pull it toward the front of the car and unhook them both.

Closer picture of the strap (2 of them total though).

This is the hardshell back of seat cover that is to be removed.

Picture of the 2 straps after unhooked from bottom of seat. To remove the hard cover, there are a few clips holding it in. The way I removed it, was to start at the top & pull out just a bit while pulling upward. Look at the clips in the upcoming picture and you can probably figure out an easier way but notice the bottom part/clips requires you to pull UPWARD.

Hard Cover removed. Now you have access to everything you need. To install Lumbar Support, the bladder will be slide between the metal "bed springs" and the actual cloth looking material. Or if you just want to add more memory form, you can do that as well. Basically the Metal "Bed springs" are just holding everything in place.

This is the back view of the Hard Shell Cover that is removed from the seat. See below for side view of the clips, so you can figure out best how to pull it out and up to remove it.

Tops Clips in image above.

Middle Clips in image above.

Bottom Clips in image above.

I hope this is helpful, I spent countless hours searching the internet with no luck, so I just went for it. Hopefully this will save some body the hassle and help them fix their own lumbar issues. Even if you have the factory lumbar, if you feel it's not good enough, you can simply use these instructions to add more foam in the areas that need it.

Once I actually receive the Electric Lumbar kit that I will install, I will share details of where I purchased it, the cost, how to install it, and how well it works.

Blake

Sorry, I never had a chance to post the pictures but I COMPLETED the electric LUMBER SUPPORT install in my driver seat and it was much easier than expected. I highly recommend it to everyone. OMG! The seat is so freaking comfortable now!!!

Look at the pictures/instructions that I posted earlier (above) on how to remove the Seat cover. Continue below installing the actual Lumbar Support.
BEFORE:

White square piece easily slides from top to down, like putting a piece of paper between the cushion and the metal wires. This part is the portion that inflates/expands and push the seat cushion toward your back. Much more natural feel that having an air pillow directly to your back.

Align these hook/brackets over this wire, I felt this was the best position for total comfort but you can move up or down if you prefer.

Better view of lumbar installed

Run the is clear tubing hose below the seat (just follow yellow wires and tie wrap them together).

Showing clear tube going under the seat.

another view of tube going under the seat.

I could not take a good picture under my seat but this is exactly how you install the other piece under the seat, basically you just need to use Tie Wraps to hang it under the seat & that's it.

You then route power wire to the fuse panel (which is located on the left side of your dash). The grey/black door floor panels do pops up, has clips holding them in place. Just grab it and pull up one portion at a time. This is where you hide the power wire out of sight going toward the dash. I don't have a good pic of the floor panels but the pic below is where you bring the wire up (behind those panels that hold the Hood Lever). You need to remove hood lever by just pulling it hard to the right (no screw in it, just a clip holding it).

Below is where you will connect your Black Ground wire from lumber support. I recommend going to your car battery first and disconnect the Black cable connected to your car battery & then the Red Cable to battery (there is no AntiTheft code, so you won't loose on your radio, at least not on my Seltos "S" model). Then go to the pic below & just unscrew the existing bolt holding that blue wire and add your ground wire and tie them together.

Then you route the power to your fuse box. Sorry I don't have a picture but I used a "Add-A Fuse" or "Add-A-Circuit" adapter, which allows you to share a fuse port. Can't add more than 10 pics...will add another post to cotinue....

Continuing install below:

Then you route the power to your fuse box. Sorry I don't have a picture but I used a "Add-A Fuse" or "Add-A-Circuit" adapter, which allows you to share a fuse port. Make sure you get the Fuse size correct, it's a MICRO2 size (the ATM or MINI size is too big). I tied mine in with a 20amp fuse labeled Power Outlet, as it only powers on when the car has power as not to waste battery. It's something like "


Fuse Location "Power Outlet" that I tapped into.

The hardest part was using a Dremel to drill the square hole in the side of my seat, the Lumbar seat had a cutout template in the instructions for the correct size. I was scared to death of the result, it looked like a nightmare. BUT once I snapped the button in place, it covered up the mistakes.


I hope I didn't miss any steps but if anyone has any questions, just reply here or hit me up. Make sure you purchase the Rostra 250-1453 (Rear-mount kit), this is the Complete Lumbar support with all the part you need (except you'll have to by the small Add-A-Fuse noted instructions). This model is for the Rear Mounted Seat, rear mount is always preferred to work best and its the easiest to install. Again, part # 250-1453 is the only model that will work! Get from Rostra.com or Amazon but DO NOT BY THE ONE ENDING IN 1454, I almost made the mistake thinking it was newer but it was a different type of seat for the front.

Lumbar Seat System that I purchase and installed: Rostra 250-1453 (Rear-mount kit).

Enjoy,
Blake