Service VME - Seat Back Recliner Does Not Maintain the Set Position - keywords back bracket frame recline seat

The following diagnosis might be helpful if the vehicle exhibits the symptom(s) described in this PI.

There have been complaints about the driver's seat back recliner not maintaining the set position. This may be caused by the owner removing the seat bottom cushion support springs. These springs are located under the seat bottom cushion foam and are visible when looking at the underside of the seat bottom cushion. The springs are attached between the foam support and the rear of the seat bottom frame.

Some owners may remove the seat bottom cushion support springs in an effort to lower their seating position and provide additional lateral support. This results in the seat cushion contacting the recliner release cable when the seat is occupied. Pressure on the recliner release cable results in a partial release of the seat back recliner mechanism. Loading of the seat back recliner mechanism when in a partially released position will, over time, result in the recliner mechanism not maintaining the set position.

The complaints of the seat back recliner mechanism not maintaining the set position should not be considered a warrantable condition if it results from the above described seat modification.

Please follow this diagnostic or repair process thoroughly and complete each step. If the condition exhibited is resolved without completing every step, the remaining steps do not need to be performed.