Canada - Interior - Front Seat Back Popping/Clicking Noise

Bulletin
1107

Issue Date
2002-09-16

Reference
BC-02-011

Model
Highlander

Year Range
2002, 2001

Market
Canada

Component
BC

Subject:
SEAT BACK NOISE

The following procedures have been developed to reduce the abnormal noise from the front seat back as indicated in the illustration below.







APPLICABLE VEHICLES: 2001 - 2002 model year Highlander vehicles.

REPAIR PROCEDURE 1:







Item No. 1 Seat Back Popping Type Noise







1. Remove the front seat back board as shown in the illustration.







2. Align the wires "a" and "b", and place the clip near the center of the wires as shown.







3. Squeeze the clip with the pliers until the wires are held firmly.
4. Use the seat to confirm the condition is corrected.
5. Replace the backboard and repeat on the other side if needed.

REPAIR PROCEDURE 2:







Item No. 2 Seat Back Pop/Click Feeling

1. For vehicles equipped with SRS side air bags:
Disconnect the negative battery terminal.

NOTE:
Work must be started 90 seconds after the ignition switch is turned to the "LOCK" position and the negative (-) battery terminal cable is disconnected from the battery. The SRS is equipped with a back up power source so that if work is started within 90 seconds from disconnecting the negative (-) terminal cable of the battery, the SRS may be deployed.







2. Remove the front seat back board as shown in the illustration.







3. Remove the seat armrest assembly. Using a screwdriver, remove the cap.

NOTE:
Tape the screwdriver tip before use to prevent scratches (or damage) to the seat.







4. Remove front seat back assembly.
a) Remove the hog rings with pliers and disengage seat back cover hook.
b) Remove the 4 bolts and front seat back assembly.
c) Disconnect the connectors (power seat adjust and side airbag).

5. Remove the front seat back spring assembly.
a) Remove the hog rings.
b) Unlatch the seat cover hook and remove the retainer from the seat back frame.
c) Remove the 2 headrest supports.
d) Remove the seat back spring assembly.

6. Remove the hog rings and front seat back cover.







7. Position the wire shown on the front seat spring assembly so that the clearance on either side of the clamp is the same.







8. Using a brass bar and a mallet, strike the clamp to hold the wire firmly in place.
9. Reassemble the seat following the reverse order of disassembly.
10. Use the seat to confirm the condition has been corrected.
11. Repeat steps 1-10 for other side.







REPAIR TIME:

NOTE:
Issue of this Technical Service Bulletin is to ensure that proper repair information is available. IT DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN AUTHORIZATION FOR REPAIR. Normal provisions of the formal warranty policy, as applicable, will apply.