Front Seat Cushion Cover Lower Edge Loose Due to Broken Cushion Drawstring (Replace Drawstring with New String From Kit and Install Protective Sleeves on Cushion Cover and Cushion Pan)

Some customers may comment on a loose front seat cushion cover. They may also comment on a blue and white drawstring that is dangling below the front seat cover edge.

The front seat cushion cover retention drawstring may be broken.

Remove broken drawstring and install new drawstring in existing location. Add protective sleeves to edge of cushion cover and cushion pan.

Important: If existing cover is damaged severely, replace front seat cushion cover with 2nd design front seat cushion cover, which has 4 J-strip retainers. A 2nd design seat cushion pan must be used with a 2nd design cover. Second design seat cushion covers will not attach to 1st design seat cushion pan assembly (1st design seat cushion covers with drawstrings, however, can be used with 2nd design seat cushion pan). Vehicles built after and including VIN 3S837821 are equipped with a 2nd design front seat cushion pan. Replace only the front seat cushion cover on vehicles equipped with a 2nd design pan.

1. Remove front seat from vehicle. (Refer to "Front Seat" removal procedure in the 2002-2003 Saturn VUE Body Removal and Installation Service Manual).



2. Place seat on a clean work bench.
3. On driver's side, raise seat cushion to full upward position.

Important: Proceed to step 9 if the vehicle is not equipped with the heated seat and lumbar support option.

4. Heated Seat and Lumbar Support Option

Disconnect heated seat wire harness from seat heat module.

5. Remove heated seat module retainers and remove module.
6. Position lumbar to the setting of least support.
7. Remove the lumbar cable from the actuator.
8. Remove the lumbar knob by pulling firmly on knob.



9. Remove seat cushion pan fasteners and remove seat cushion pan assembly.



10. Disengage cover retainer from seat cushion pan.
11. Disengage J-strip at rear of cushion.
12. Remove seat cushion cover by carefully disengaging hook and loop retainers.

Important: If replacement of seat cover is necessary, proceed to step 14

13. Remove and discard damaged drawstring from seat cover.

Important: Put an S-hook on the last loop of string to prevent string from pulling past the start of the tunnel webbing.

13.1.

Restring cover with service kit drawstring.

13.2.

Install seat cover to foam pad assembly and press hook and loop retainers to engage them.

Important: Do not overstress string when securing S-hooks.

13.3.

Position cover and pad to seat cushion pan and attach S-hooks to pan.

Important: The retaining flange on the inside of the molding should be on the outside of seat cover (drawstring side).

13.4.

Cut excess drawstring hanging from S-hook to cushion pan attachment.





13.5.

Slide 100 mm (4 in.) U-channel molding at front corner of the installed seat cover.

13.6.

Align end of U-channel molding with front seat cover seam and wrapping around radius of cover toward the rear of seat cover.

13.7.

Slide 100 mm (4 in.) U-channel molding at front corner of the installed seat cover.

13.8.

Align end of U-channel molding with front seat cover seam and wrapping around radius of cover toward the rear of seat cover.





13.9.

Attach 50 mm (2 in.) U-channel molding to cushion pan where drawstring crosses edge of pan.

13.10.

Proceed to step 20.

14. Remove seat cushion pad from the frame.

Important: Perform step 15 if the vehicle is equipped with the heated seat and lumbar support option. Proceed to step 16 if the vehicle is not equipped with the heated seat and lumbar support option.

15. Drill out two (2) rivets from lumbar actuator and remove actuator from pan.

Important: When replacing seat cover that is retained with a drawstring, discard pan and seat cover. Retain foam assembly.




16. Fit new seat cushion cover containing 4 J-strip retainers to foam pad assembly and press over hook and loop retainers to engage them.

Important: Determine which design seat cushion pan assembly is in vehicle. Second design pans will be marked with the letters "EC". A 2nd design front seat cushion pan is required if a 2nd design front seat cushion cover is installed. A 1st design seat cushion cover can be used with a 2nd design seat cushion pan.





Important: Perform step 17 if the vehicle is equipped with heated seat and lumbar support option. Proceed to step 18 if the vehicle is not equipped with heated seat and lumbar support option.

17. Install lumbar actuator to seat cushion frame with screws, P/N 11518969.
18. Position cover and pad to seat cushion pan.



19. Engage J-strips to cushion pan in the following order: Rear, Front, Sides.
20. Position seat cushion pan over seat adjusters.
21. Install fasteners.

Important: Proceed to step 29 if the vehicle is not equipped with the heated seat and lumbar support option.

22. Heated Seat and Lumbar Support Option

Install heated seat module with retainers.

23. Connect heated seat wire harness to seat heat module.
24. Install the lumbar knob.
25. Install the lumbar cable in the actuator.
26. Pull back the cable sleeve.
27. Insert the barrel end of cable into the actuator.
28. Turn the lumbar knob to ensure lumbar is operating.
29. Install seat into vehicle. (Refer to "Front Seat" installation procedures in the 2002-2003 Saturn VUE Body Removal and Installation Service Manual).

Important: If replacement of seat cover is necessary, determine seat (driver or passenger), seat options, and seat color to obtain parts information. If seat is equipped with lumbar support option, two (2) fasteners are required to complete repair.

To receive credit for this repair during the warranty coverage period, submit a claim through the Saturn Dealer System for C6870 (Cover and/or Pad, Front Seat Cushion, Right -- R & R or Replace) or C6871 (Cover and/or Pad, Front Seat Cushion, Left -- R & R or Replace). An "add time" is provided to replace the drawstring and install protective sleeves.