My 1994 has a seat bladder issue that I would like to solve. The pump runs and works fine for the passenger seat. All passenger bladders fill and empty as they should. Now, when I switch over to the drivers seat and press any of the buttons, the pump begins to run but quickly slows to a stop like it's stalling out. This is true for any of the bladder bladder buttons, and happens whether filling or emptying. It appears that something is completely plugged on the drivers side, not allowing any air in or out. I don't know where to begin looking for the problem and some help would be appreciated. I doubt the included image will show where I need to start, but is included for reference only. Thank you.

 

I am going on OLD memory but didnt the 94-96 use one pump for both seats?

 

Yes. Same pump. The issue has to do with switching the air from passenger to driver's side. I think there's some sort of control manifold that diverts the air one direction or the other. The issue isn't the pump not working or the bladders leaking. The air being pumped just goes nowhere and once pressure develops, appears to stall the pump.

 

I would check the diverter valve for restrictions

 

Okay. Sounds like a great place to start. Where is said diverter valve? Are we talking about the part in the picture with the red, yellow, blue & black lines? Second, does the seat need to be removed from the car to check this diverter valve? I've performed internet searches and only get returns about replacing the bladders or servicing/replacing the pump. Same when search for YouTube videos.

 

I had a similar issue with the pump in my 94. Pick up a FSM for your 94 if you don’t already own one. It covers the sport seat operation with steps to troubleshoot. I ended up pulling the pump apart and cleaning it. Put it back together and it’s working great. Note the 94-96 pump is different than the pumps used in previous years.

 

So, hasn't anybody checked out this diverter valve that's been mentioned? If I don't have to take the seat out, I'd prefer not to. The more you mess with a 26 year old car, the more you ask for problems (i.e. twisting off a seat mounting stud). Is there a procedure of inspecting/repairing this valve? I was hoping a Corvette forum would be able to offer a little more detail from others who had done this before. Thanks.

 

It's been more than a dozen years ago but if I recall you do not need to remove the seat tracks but you do need to remove the bottom seat cushion for both seats. If I recall all of the switch gear to move air to the drivers side is located under the passenger seat near the air pump itself. There is then a tube that runs from the diverter (under the passenger seat) under the carpet from the passenger side to the drivers side.

 

Thank you Mr Peabody! That was a big help. Everything on the passenger side checks out okay, so I removed the supply line from the drivers side diverter valve and suddenly the pump was able to run free (blow/suck air, inflating or deflating). That told me that the line that crosses the vehicle wasn't pinched, and that the problem was somewhere in the driver side diverter valve. How is this diverter valve removed, and is there a way to disassemble it for possible repair? If so, please share. Thank you all again.

 

I got the valve out. It looks like it was pop riveted on on both ends. I still don't see a way to disassemble for repair. Looks like a salvaged replacement is in my future.

 

May well be I don't ever remember seeing a discussion on taking apart and repairing that manifold. Check with Vette2Vette and also Mirrock Corvette for a salvage unit.

 

It's all fixed! I got the part out and carefully disassembled it. Once I saw how it was made, it was clear that this thing has no chance of working without some sort of electrical connection. Back to the car, and after much digging around a searching, I found the loose electrical connection under the seat. So back I go to the table and reassemble the valve. Then I take it out and connect the air supply line and low and behold, it worked perfectly! Ten more minutes to reassemble everything and I'm done. Compare the image below to the first one in the thread and I trust you'll see the problem. That said, I want to say thank you to all who took time to reply to my thread. If it weren't for Mr. Peabody's comment that put me on the right track, I'm not sure how long it would have taken me to get around to the answer. One lesson I learned was when you're a new owner of a 26 year old car, don't assume anything you see is correct. Since I had no prior experience with these air bladder systems, I had no clue what some of the components were or how they work. Needless to say, I feel more versed on the '94-'96 air bladder system today. I also appreciate not hearing "do a search" and minimal amount of "buy a manual". This is a forum where we help each other. Thanks again.