broken wagon rear seat back release Topic is solved

azureblue · Post by **azureblue** » 19 Oct 2019, 08:58

2001 V70 left rear seat back release slider is broken. I got a parts yard replacement for the assembly but I can't figure out how to get the seat to release so I can put it in. Advice, references?

Post by **volvolugnut** » 19 Oct 2019, 17:52

I had this problem a couple years ago. I was able to get it unlatched after poking at it some. Try taking the side seatback cushion off to get a closer look. Cushion just pulls off. A plastic part had broken inside. If I recall correctly, a screwdriver pushed in the right place will release the latch. Then I got a used part to replace the latch.

volvolugnut

azureblue · Post by **azureblue** » 19 Oct 2019, 18:10

You mean the bolster? Thanks, I'll try that. I tried to come in through the back but that didn't work.

Post by **volvolugnut** » 19 Oct 2019, 18:14

Yes, I think you called it the proper name.

azureblue · Post by **azureblue** » 20 Oct 2019, 12:20

Here's how: You have to break the seat back release slider - the thing you slide to get the latch to release. Do this by punching in on the rear lower corner of the slider - towards the rear of the car. I used a flat blade screwdriver. A corner will break off and you keep breaking away pieces until you can pull the sliding piece out through the top. Once you have it out, look down inside and you will see an L shaped black lever. press down on the bottom of the L - it's close to the outside of the seat, parallel with the ground. You have have to jiggle the seat to get it to let go, but it will. Then lift the seat belt and you will see a piece of plastic trim under it - lift that piece straight up and put it somewhere for reinstallation. The next step is just removing the outside seat back plastic trim piece the slider is mounted to. It's held in by one hex head screw next to the headrest and three on the side of the seat. Pop it out on the top first them at the bottom. Then check for pieces of plastic in the seat latch mechanism and remove them. On the old trim piece there should be an S clip attached to the bottom of the piece, if not see if it is still attached to the lock mechanism. Pay attention to its orientation, then transfer it to the replacement trim piece. It is much easier to put the replacement piece back on if the seatback lock is in locked position, so look inside the latch slot and you'll find a small tab. Trigger it and the latch will return to locked position. Now carefully install the replacement piece, Make sure that S clip lines up with the latch housing. Once the trim piece is screwed down, push the release slider to the rear of the car to unlock the latch mechanism. And to make sure you have aligned the slider with the L shaped release lever. Do a visual inspection to make sure the locking pieces have moved to unlock position. I It would be wise to test the mechanism a couple of times to make sure it is working properly before you push the seat back into position. If it isn't and you put the seat back up, well, you're screwed.

It's an easy job, just fiddly.

Tip - when you get the replacement piece from the parts yard, grab all of the little covers for the screws. You are going to break at least one of the old ones.

Post by **volvolugnut** » 20 Oct 2019, 17:55

Sorry I mislead you about the bolster. I looked today and it is not even near the latch.
Thanks for documenting the process well. I have forgotten what I did, but I don't think I had to break the slider. I think I was able to push it back hard enough to get the latch to release. Perhaps mine was only jammed.

volvolugnut

Post by **BlackBart** » 20 Oct 2019, 22:13

My right rear setback won't release. I finally fussed around with a big straight blade screwdriver from in the way back and eventually levered on something that released it. Too dark and small to see which part it was. Now it won't latch again when it's upright. I need to do this fix as well.

Post by **BlackBart** » 22 Oct 2019, 11:27

azureblue · Post by **azureblue** » 23 Oct 2019, 06:19

Nice video but the important part isn't shown - how to release the seat back latch.