GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Pontiac 🢒 2000 🢒 Grand Am 🢒 Body and Accessories 🢒 Seats 🢒 Driver or Passenger Seat Recliner Replacement

Removal Procedure
  1. Remove the front seat. Refer to Seat Replacement .
  2. Remove the front seat back. Refer to Front Seat Back Replacement .
  3. Remove the driver/passenger seat buckle side belt. Refer to Front Seat Belt Buckle Replacement in Seat Belts.
  4. Remove the seat back recliner handle. Refer to Seat Back Recliner Handle Replacement-Front.
  5. Remove the seat cushion outer trim panel. Refer to Seat Cushion Trim Panel Replacement-Outer.
  6. Remove the front seat cushion cover J-retainers.
  7. Lift the front seat cushion cover in order to access the recliner bolts and cable.
  8. Remove the recliner cable retaining screw from the outboard recliner.
  9. Remove the cable from the outboard recliner mechanism. Disconnect the cable from the outboard recliner by rotating the cable downward approximately 90 degrees.

    10. Object Number: 280463 Size: SH
  10. Remove the cable (2) from the inboard recliner mechanism (1).

    11. Unsnap the cable casing from the inboard recliner.

    Disconnect the cable (2) by rotating the cable end downward.

  11. Remove the cable from the recliner mechanism. Discard the cable.
  12. Remove the front seat inboard recliner bolts.
  13. Remove the front seat inboard recliner mechanism (1).

Installation Procedure

    Object Number: 280468 Size: SH

    Important: When installing the inboard recliner mechanism, meet the following conditions:

       • Set the recliner seat back arm (1) in the same position when the arm was removed.
       • The lower edge of the recliner seat back arm is parallel to the rear edge of the recliner seat cushion arm (2) .

  1. Install the front seat inboard recliner mechanism.

    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 front seat inboard recliner bolts.

    3. Tighten
    Tighten the bolt to 25 N·m (18 lb ft).


    Object Number: 280463 Size: SH
  3. Connect the new cable (2) to the inboard recliner mechanism (1).
  4. Connect the cable to the outboard recliner mechanism.

    5. Important: DO NOT apply excessive force in order to remove the slack. This action may partially unlatch the inboard recliner.

  5. Pull rearward on the cable casing in order to remove the cable slack.
  6. Install the recliner cable retaining screw.

    7. Tighten
    Tighten the screw to 4 N·m (35 lb in).

  7. Inspect the inboard recliner after installing the cable by pulling back and forth on the recliner seat back arm. Ensure that no play is felt. If play is evident, replace the recliner cable.
  8. Inspect the recliner for secure latching.
  9. Install the front seat cushion cover J-retainers.
  10. Install the seat cushion outer trim panel. Refer to Seat Cushion Trim Panel Replacement-Outer.
  11. Install the seat back recliner handle. Refer to Seat Back Recliner Handle Replacement-Front.
  12. Install the driver/passenger seat buckle side belt. Refer to Front Seat Belt Buckle Replacement in Seat Belts.
  13. Install the front seat back. Refer to Front Seat Cushion Cover Replacement .
  14. Install the front seat. Refer to Seat Replacement .