Interior - Seat Back 'Dump' Latch Operation Sticky
NUMBER: 23-043-07GROUP: Body
DATE: October 5, 2007
SUBJECT:
Seat Back "Dump" Latch Operation May Be Sticky
OVERVIEW:
This bulletin involves performing a seat back dump latch burnishing procedure.
MODELS:
2008 (JS27) Sebring Convertible
NOTE:
This information applies to vehicles built prior to July 31, 2007 (MDH0731XX).
SYMPTOM/CONDITION:
Depending on method that the customer uses, the seat back dump latch may be sticky when releasing the seat back dump feature. Forward pressure placed on the seat back prior to latch release may cause the condition to be worse.
DIAGNOSIS:
Depending on the technique used, the condition may be difficult to reproduce. If possible, have the customer demonstrate the condition. If the condition is explained or experienced, perform the Repair Procedure.
PARTS REQUIRED:
NOTE:
PN 68040831AA (Zipper Slide) is used as a special tool to unzip/zip the seat back cover. This part should be kept by the technician to repair multiple vehicles for the condition described in this bulletin or for any operation that would require seat back cover removal/installation.
REPAIR PROCEDURE:
1. Place a piece of tape across the outboard zipper at the lower edge of the latch trim (Fig. 1).
NOTE:
The tape is used as a zipper stop. Do not allow the zipper to become fully unzipped or additional work will be required for reassembly.
2. Pull or roll the rear lower section of seat back cover off its attachment.
3. Using the zipper slide (cursor) pn 68040831AA, load it onto the zipper with the flat (open end) facing up as shown in (Fig 2). After loading the zipper slide onto the zipper (onto teeth), gently pull the zipper halves apart until the slide is fully loaded onto the zipper and unzip the outboard zipper up to the tape stop.
NOTE:
The zipper slide must be orientated as shown or the zipper will not zip back together during reassembly. If not installed properly, additional work will be required for reassembly.
4. Remove the 2 torx screws that attach the inner plastic panel to the seat frame and remove the panel to expose the dump latch and latch cable assembly.
NOTE:
Pay attention to the position of the upper outboard corner of the panel for proper reinstallation later.
5. Pop the latch cable out of its attachment with a screwdriver and remove the cable from the latch cam.
6. Attach a pair of locking pliers to the latch cam as shown (Fig 3).
7. Climb into the back seat and position yourself directly behind the seat back. Place a small amount of downward pressure on the locking pliers and load the seat back by pushing forward on the seat back with approximately 80 pounds of force. While loading the seat back, lift the locking plier's to unlatch the seat back. Perform this loaded unlatching process 10 to 12 times to burnish the dump latch.
8. Reinstall the latch cable and test the dump mechanism with the latch located in the upper seat back. Does the seat back dump latch operate smoothly?
a. Yes - proceed to step 9.
b. No - repeat the burnishing procedure beginning with step 5.
9. Install the inner plastic panel to the seat frame. Pay attention to the upper outboard corner for proper position. Install the two torx screws.
NOTE:
If the upper corner is not inserted properly, a crease, pucker or unsmooth appearance will occur in the seat cover at that corner.
10. Zip the seat back cover together and remove the zipper slide (cursor).
NOTE:
Keep the slide for future repairs associated with the seat back cover.
11. Install the rear lower section of seat back cover over its attachment
POLICY:
Reimbursable within the provisions of the warranty.
TIME ALLOWANCE:
FAILURE CODE:
Disclaimer:
This bulletin is supplied as technical information only and is not an authorization for repair.