GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Front Seat Recliner Mechanism Replacement Fold Flat

Removal Procedure

  1. Remove the front seat from the vehicle. Refer to Front Seat Replacement - Bucket .

  2. Object Number: 981031  Size: SH
  3. Remove the outer trim panel screws from the seat back recliner.
  4. Remove the trim panel from the side of the seat.

  5. Object Number: 981042  Size: SH
  6. Remove the screws from the seat cushion outer trim panel.
  7. Remove the outer trim panel.

  8. Object Number: 981057  Size: SH
  9. Remove the inner trim panel screws from the seat back.
  10. Remove the inner trim panel.
  11. On vehicles with heated seats, disconnect the electrical connector from the seat heater module.
  12. Remove the inner trim panel screws from the inboard and the outboard seat cushions.
  13. Remove the inner trim panels.
  14. Remove the rear seat back assembly from between the seat recliners.

  15. Object Number: 981684  Size: SH
  16. Remove the seat adjuster handle.
  17. Remove the seat cushion frame bolts.
  18. Remove the seat cushion frame assembly from between the adjusters.

  19. Object Number: 981202  Size: SH
  20. Remove the bolt from the seat belt buckle. Remove the buckle.

  21. Object Number: 987242  Size: SH
  22. Remove the shoulder belt quick disconnect bolt from the seat adjuster.
  23. Remove the quick disconnect from the seat.

  24. Object Number: 987135  Size: SH
  25. Using a flat-bladed tool, pry the inboard threaded end of the fold-flat cable from the retaining clips.

  26. Object Number: 987228  Size: SH
  27. Disconnect the outboard end of the fold-flat cable.

  28. Object Number: 987213  Size: SH
  29. Remove the recliner bolts on both sides of the seats.
  30. Separate the recliners from both sides of the adjusters.

Installation Procedure

    Notice: Refer to Title not found in the Preface section.


    Object Number: 987213  Size: SH
  1. Install both recliners to the seat adjuster. Secure the recliners with the recliner bolts.
  2. Tighten
    Tighten the bolts to 45 N·m (33 lb ft).


    Object Number: 981202  Size: SH
  3. Position the seat belt buckle and install the bolt to the seat belt buckle.
  4. Tighten
    Tighten the bolts to 45 N·m (33 lb ft).


    Object Number: 987242  Size: SH
  5. Install the shoulder belt quick disconnect bolt.
  6. Tighten
    Tighten the bolt to 45 N·m (33 lb ft).


    Object Number: 987228  Size: SH
  7. Connect the outboard end of the fold-flat cable.

  8. Object Number: 987135  Size: SH
  9. Snap the recliner cable into the inner recliner mechanism clip.
  10. Remove the slack in the recliner cable by turning the threaded end of the cable.

  11. Object Number: 981684  Size: SH
  12. Install the seat cushion frame assembly.
  13. Install the seat cushion frame bolts.
  14. Tighten
    Tighten the bolts to 12 N·m (9 lb ft).

  15. Install the seat adjuster handle.
  16. Install the recliner cable in the tab on the bottom of the seat cushion frame.
  17. Install the seat back assembly between the seat recliners. Secure the assembly with the recliner bolts.
  18. Tighten
    Tighten the bolts to 70 N·m (52 lb ft).

  19. On vehicles with heated seats, route the heated seat wiring harness under the seat cushion and connect the connector to the seat heater module.
  20. Position the inner trim panels to the inboard and the outboard seat cushions. Secure the panels with the trim panel screws.
  21. Tighten
    Tighten the screws to 2.5 N·m (22 lb in).


    Object Number: 981042  Size: SH
  22. Position the outer trim panel to the seat cushion. Secure with the trim panel screws.
  23. Tighten
    Tighten the screws to 2.5 N·m (22 lb in).


    Object Number: 981057  Size: SH
  24. Install the inboard recliner trim panel. Secure with the trim panel screws.
  25. Tighten
    Tighten the screws to 2.5 N·m (22 lb in).


    Object Number: 981031  Size: SH
  26. Install the outer recliner trim panel. Secure with the trim panel screws.
  27. Tighten
    Tighten the screws to 2.5 N·m (22 lb in).

  28. Install the front seat to the vehicle. Refer to Front Seat Replacement - Bucket .