GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Chevrolet 🢒 2003 🢒 Cavalier 🢒 Body and Accessories 🢒 Seats 🢒 Front Seat Cushion Replacement

Removal Procedure

    Caution: When performing service on or near the SIR components or the SIR wiring, the SIR system must be disabled. Refer to SIR Disabling and Enabling . Failure to observe the correct procedure could cause deployment of the SIR components, personal injury, or unnecessary SIR system repairs.


    Object Number: 278885 Size: SH
  1. Disable the SIR system, if equipped with side impact inflatable restraints. Refer to SIR Disabling and Enabling or SIR Disabling and Enabling in SIR.
  2. Remove the front bucket seat. Refer to Seat Replacement .
  3. Remove the seat cushion outer trim panel screws.
  4. Remove the seat cushion outer trim panel from the recliner.
  5. With a flat-bladed tool remove the lumbar knob from the actuator, if equipped.
  6. Remove the lumbar actuator from the cushion frame, if equipped. Refer to Front Seat Lumbar Support Replacement .
  7. Unfasten the lumbar actuator cable from the cushion frame, if equipped.
  8. Unfasten the wire harness for the Side Impact Air Bag (SIAB) from the cushion frame, if equipped.
  9. Remove the seat back recliner bolts (6).
  10. Remove the seat back pivot bolt (3).
  11. Remove the seat back (1) from the seat cushion (5).

Installation Procedure

    Object Number: 278885 Size: SH
  1. Install the seat back (1) to the seat cushion (5).

    2. Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

  2. Install the seat back pivot bolt (3).

    3. Tighten
    Tighten the bolt to 20 N·m (15 lb ft).

  3. Install the seat recliner bolts (6).

    4. Tighten
    Tighten the bolts to 20 N·m (15 lb ft).

  4. Fasten the wire harness for the SIAB to the cushion frame, if equipped.
  5. Fasten the lumbar actuator cable to the cushion frame, if equipped.
  6. Install the lumbar actuator to the cushion frame, if equipped. Refer to Front Seat Lumbar Support Replacement .
  7. Align the lumbar knob to the splines on the actuator, if equipped.

    8. Press onto the actuator until fully engaged.

  8. Install the seat cushion outer trim panel to the recliner.
  9. Install the seat cushion outer trim panel screws.

    10. Tighten
    Tighten the screws to 1.9 N·m (17 lb in).

  10. Install the bucket seat. Refer to Seat Replacement .
  11. Enable the SIR system, if equipped with side impact inflatable restraints. Refer to SIR Disabling and Enabling or SIR Disabling and Enabling in SIR.