Seat Backrest - Front, With Fold Flat

Seat Backrest - Front, With Fold Flat

Removal and Installation

NOTICE: Do not reinstall the cushion side shield or side shield retainers after removal. These are one-time-use items that become damaged during removal and may not remain attached if reinstalled. Install a new side shield during seat assembly (includes new retainers attached).

NOTE: Only the front passenger seat can be equipped with optional fold-flat backrest.

1. Remove the front seat. For additional information, refer to Seat - Front Seat - Front.

2. Remove the spring clip and manual recliner handle.

3. Remove and discard the cushion side shield and one-time-use retainers.

1. Pull out on the side and rear of the cushion side shield and release the retainers.
- Separate the wire harness from the cushion side shield, if equipped.

2. Remove the side shield and any remaining side shield retainers from the seat and discard.
- For installation, install a new cushion side shield (includes new retainers attached).





4. Remove the RH recliner outboard cover retainer cover.

5. Pull the head of the RH recliner outboard cover retainer up to release, then remove the retainer.





6. Remove the RH recliner outboard cover in the following sequence.

1. Pull out on the RH recliner outboard cover at the front and rear to release the cover retainers and at the bottom, pull the cover away from the recliner.

2. Slide the RH recliner outboard cover back to separate from the recliner.

7. Route out the side air bag wire harness and remove the RH recliner outboard cover.





8. Separate the cable at the RH recliner in the following sequence.

1. Release the cable housing from the RH recliner.

2. Separate the cable from the RH recliner.

9. Pull the head of the LH recliner outboard cover retainer up to release, then remove the retainer.





10. Remove the LH recliner outboard cover in the following sequence.

1. Pull out on the LH recliner outboard cover at the front and rear to release the cover retainers and at the bottom, pull the cover away from the recliner.

2. Slide the LH recliner outboard cover back to separate from the recliner.
- If not equipped with heated seats, remove the LH recliner outboard cover.

11. If equipped with heated seats, route out the heated seat wire harness and remove the LH recliner outboard cover.





12. Release the cushion trim cover retainer from around the safety belt buckle and separate the hook-and-loop strip.





13. Separate the cable at the LH recliner in the following sequence.

1. Separate the cable from the LH recliner.

2. Squeeze the cable housing tabs together and separate from the LH recliner.

14. Release the first cushion trim cover J-clip from the rear of the cushion frame.

15. Disconnect and detach the electrical connectors.
- Slide and disengage the side air bag module electrical connector locking clip, release the tab and disconnect the side air bag module electrical connector. Detach any pin-type retainers.

- If equipped, disconnect the heated seat electrical connector and detach any pin-type retainers.





16. Detach and route out the side air bag wire harness.





17. Route out the side air bag wire harness from the seat track and cushion.





18. Remove the 4 recliner-to-cushion frame bolts and remove the backrest assembly.
- To install, tighten to 55 Nm (41 lb-ft).

19. To install, reverse the removal procedure.