Passenger seat-back stuck folded forward

FLBoy · Post by **FLBoy** » 07 Mar 2020, 16:49

The passenger seat-back, in my 99 C70 Convertible, is stuck in the folded forward position. This is the position needed for a rear-seat passenger to get in or out of the car.

The seat lever that you pull up on to allow the seat-back to pivot was finicky for a few months, but now it doesn't work at all. I'm driving the car with the passenger seat-back in this position, but my wife is tired of sitting on the back seat

I've studied the forum problems with micro-switch and discovered my micro-switch had broken off the mount, and the spring had come off one of the radial pieces.

The seat has been removed from the car, and I have a full view of the area, but I can't figure out how the seat-back latch works. I've searched for a diagram with no luck.

I don't think I need a salvage yard replacement if I could even find one, but I could be wrong.

Does anyone have any advice on how to proceed?

Thanks ahead of time...
-Ed

Post by **scot850** » 08 Mar 2020, 09:46

I don't have experience of the C70 tilting seats. I don't have my Vida running currently to look at the parts drawing to see if it is a cable that operates it. I am going to so it is likely it is. It is possible it has stuck or broken preventing it un-latching to put it back in place. Having said that, do you have to un-latch the seat back to return it to the normal position or does it normally just flip back without having to un-latch it?

Neil.

FLBoy · Post by **FLBoy** » 08 Mar 2020, 12:45

Thanks Neil,

When the seat is tilted forward, I do have to lift on the latch to return it upright.

I've opened the upholstery from the bottom of the seat-back and am able to see into the latch area. It does rely on a cable, I just can see what isn't working without taking the leather off the seat frame, which looks like a lot of work

I've read elsewhere that the sheath can become elongated over time or slip, thus changing the distance the inside cable can travel. Sones like a plausible possibility.
-Ed

Post by **wizechatmgr** » 08 Mar 2020, 18:06

If you can get between the cable sheath and what is holding it you may be able to put a couple washers in there and provided the cable hasn't snapped, this may get you the couple mm that will help. I have "NOT" done this on Motorcycle clutch cables.

FLBoy · Post by **FLBoy** » 13 Mar 2020, 06:00

Does anyone have tips on how to remove seat upholstery?

Post by **abscate** » 13 Mar 2020, 06:31

FLBoy wrote: ↑13 Mar 2020, 06:00 Does anyone have tips on how to remove seat upholstery?

There are a couple of DIY seat skin replacement threads in here with pictures. If you add '1999 V70T5M56' to the search string you should find a thread I did on it.

You can also click on the 'maintenance link' below in my sig, find the thread title with the name ELIZABETH in it, and flip through that thread to find it. March 2018 was approximate timeframe.

FLBoy · Post by **FLBoy** » 16 Mar 2020, 05:37

Thank you. I'll check those out and let you know.
-Ed

Klausc · Post by **Klausc** » 16 Mar 2020, 20:12

I use a pair if dykes to cut the 4 hog clips at the bottom of the seat back. The leather is also held down on each side with a finger cutting metal prong - just pull the leather forward and lift away from the metal. That will give you about 6 inches of visible seat back metal to look at. If you need to pull up more leather, there are more hog clips, from and back, to cut. Be careful with the front side so the foam does not tear.

After fixing the cable, replace the hog clips with plastic zip ties. Works just as good as the metal and very easy to use.

FLBoy · Post by **FLBoy** » 29 Mar 2020, 13:01

Thank you Klausc, with you insight I was able to identify the problem cable. The hand-level on the side of the seat rotates a plate the pulls on a cable. This cable goes up then makes a 180 degree loop back down to the lever that releases the seatback. My cable had frayed and broken. Now I'm on the search for the part number to find a replacement.
-Ed

Post by **E Showell** » 29 Mar 2020, 14:41

If you use cable ties, don't cinch them down tight. They will pull on the stitching of the seams if done up super snug. Don't do them up smaller than a penny so the seat cover can float.