Third Row Passenger Seat May Not Fold Down Flat and/or Hight Effort to Release Seat Back, Right Rear Seat Latch May Not Disengage (Replace Inboard Recliner Latch and Cable)

This bulletin is being revised to update the recliner latch part number, add the cable part number, update the replacement procedures and update the labor operation description and time. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 07-08-50-002A (Section 08 - Body and Accessories).

Some customers may comment that the third row passenger seat has high effort to release the seat back and/or the seat back may not fold down flat. Other customers may comment that the right rear third row seat latch may not disengage.

The cause may be one or both of the following:

Replace the inboard recliner latch and cable.

1. Open the liftgate.




Tip
Try to release the passenger third row seat assembly by pushing on the seat back from the front and back while pulling on the release handle (1).

2. Remove the third row passenger seat assembly from the vehicle. If the seat can be removed, proceed to Step 3.

2.1.	If the seat assembly cannot be removed, then unhook the bottom J-channel of the seat trim cover.





2.2.	Lift up on the seat trim cover to gain access to the push trim retainers shown in the above graphic.

2.3.	Remove the push trim retainers with a door trim tool or equivalent.





2.4.	From the front of the seat assembly, pull upward and forward on the front seat foam cushion to gain access to the two TORX screws (1) holding the left side inner inboard seat trim cover.

2.5.	Remove the two 30 mm TORX screws from the left side inner inboard seat trim cover.

Important: The left inboard trim cover may not be removed at this point.

2.6.	From the back of the seat assembly, gently pry the snaps open on the left side inner inboard seat trim cover apart with a screwdriver.

First Design Inboard Recliner Latch and Cable Shown





Tip
Use a flashlight to help see inside the trim cover to find the cam.

2.7.	Place a screwdriver on the cam pin as shown in the graphic above. Do Not place the screwdriver on the cable end.

2.8.	Push forward on the cam pin to release the cam from the sector arm.

2.9.	Pull the release handle knob and fold down the seat back.

2.10.

Pull the center handle on the seat to release the seat latches from the floor.

2.11.

Remove the seat assembly from the vehicle.

3. Place the seat assembly on a clean workbench.

Important:  Manually locking the rear position seat latches will allow the seat back to be folded up and down during repair.

4. Replace the inboard recliner seat back latch and cable using the procedure below:

4.1.	Remove the inboard recliner seat back latch. Refer to Rear Seat Inner Recliner Replacement in SI.

Tip
The recliner latch bolts are self tapping bolts.

4.2.	Install the new inboard recliner seat back latch, P/N 25913455, and tighten the latch bolts.

Tighten
Tighten all the seat recliner bolts to 50 N·m (37 lb ft).





4.3.	Replace the seat back cushion latch cable with a new cable (1), P/N 25913454. Refer to Rear Seat Back Cushion Latch Cable Replacement in SI.

4.4.	Adjust the new cable.

4.4.1.

The rear seat latch cable is self-adjusting. The seat must be in the upright position and fully locked in place.

4.4.2.

The cable adjuster must be open with the button pulled out.

4.4.3.

The inboard and the outboard release levers should be in the fully locked position, making sure the latches are in the full travel position.

4.4.4.

Push the cable adjuster button in.

Important: The seat back must be in the fold down position before pulling out the center rear seat latch release handle.

5. Install the left rear seat latch release knob and the two 30 mm TORX screws.

Tighten
Tighten the screws to 2 N·m (18 lb in).

6. Install the center rear seat latch release handle and the two nuts. Refer to Seat Latch Release Handle Replacement in SI.
7. Install the left and right inboard seat trim covers.
8. Install the 30 mm TORX screws for the inboard plastic trim covers and tighten.

Tighten
Tighten the screws to 2 N·m (18 lb in).

9. Install the push pin retainers that secure the seat foam.
10. Install the seat trim cover J-channel.

Important: The seat back cannot be raised or folded unless properly secured to the floor first. Push and pull on the seat assembly making sure it is locked into place.

11. Install the third row passenger seat assembly back into the vehicle without the seat cushion trim panels.

Important: If the seat back locks down in the fold position and will not release to the upright position, the recliner latch cable may need to be readjusted. Refer back to Step 4.4 new cable adjustment.

12. Forcefully "slam" the seat back to the upright position and then to the fold down flat position. Cycle the seat back ten complete times to wear in the sector and pawl.
13. Remove the third row passenger seat assembly from the vehicle.
14. Install the seat cushion trim panels. Refer to Rear Seat Number 2 Cushion Panel Replacement (AS3) in SI.
15. Install the third row passenger seat back into the vehicle.
16. Verify that the condition has been fixed.

The new design recliner latch (1) will require a new design cable (2). The old cable cannot be used with the new latch.

For vehicles repaired under warranty, use: