Rear bench won’t go back

[GrumpyGranddad]

Hello all, first problem I’ve encountered with my Cali. Moved the 2-seater bench forward to try out setting up the bed. It now won’t move back! I can hear the release latch activating but the bench seem to be solidly stuck in the forward position. Anybody else had this?

 

[kurienp]

Hello all, first problem I’ve encountered with my Cali. Moved the 2-seater bench forward to try out setting up the bed. It now won’t move back! I can hear the release latch activating but the bench seem to be solidly stuck in the forward position. Anybody else had this?

GGD, yes, had that issue release the catch, stand up, hold the backrest and give it a few tugs and a few pushes to ensure that the lower catch falls into place correctly. Then, when moving backwards, sit at the front end of the bench seat and push back.

I know, it is a pain at times when it gets stuck, but as with everything else in the Cali, it does require a knack to move it around.

What irritates me the most is when the seat is in position, but the black handle is still hanging loose and flappy. Give the seat a good tug using the backrest and it snaps into place.

 

[GrumpyGranddad]

GGD, yes, had that issue release the catch, stand up, hold the backrest and give it a few tugs and a few pushes to ensure that the lower catch falls into place correctly. Then, when moving backwards, sit at the front end of the bench seat and push back.

I know, it is a pain at times when it gets stuck, but as with everything else in the Cali, it does require a knack to move it around.

What irritates me the most is when the seat is in position, but the black handle is still hanging loose and flappy. Give the seat a good tug using the backrest and it snaps into place.

Thanks will give that a go.

 

[GrumpyGranddad]

Thanks will give that a go.

Tried that with no joy I’m afraid. Looks like my first warranty visit. :-(

 

[Calimili]

are you sure you are lifting the lever enough?

 

[GrumpyGranddad]

are you sure you are lifting the lever enough?

Definitely :-(

 

[ThomasHJ]

Had the same problem a while back. Read on here that you need to pull the lever further even after you think you have fully pulled it far enough. Worked for me. This is the thread in which @Loz suggests it as a solution.

If you do a search for 'bench stuck' you'll find many a thread about this subject and many different suggestions that worked in some and not in other cases.

 

[GrumpyGranddad]

Thanks all. Have tried everything on the subject apart from poking a coat hanger along the rail (might try that tomorrow). Booked into my local Van Centre this Friday. Real hassle but hey-ho.

 

[Meoncoast]

How are trying to move it are you sitting on the seat, I move mine by sitting on the seat and pushing back with my foot on the door pillar by sliding door. (If it is broken you can live up to your name of @GrumpyGranddad)

 

[GrumpyGranddad]

How are trying to move it are you sitting on the seat, I move mine by sitting on the seat and pushing back with my foot on the door pillar by sliding door. (If it is broken you can live up to your name of @GrumpyGranddad)

Yep, sitting on the seat. Handle definitely pulled up enough. Worked up a sweat doing ‘the wiggle’ but no joy. Still it’s cheaper than a gym membership. Have now tried the coat hanger trick but no obstructions in either channel. Right hand side seems to move a little bit (when wiggling) but left hand by the kitchen seems to be solidly stuck. I’m resigned now to it going in on Friday. Just hope they do it same day but maybe not!! :-(

 

[T6 CFO]

Mine stuck recently when I moved it right forward with the stops removed. Reckon I twisted it as not able to sit in it properly and do the shuffle. Sorted by grabbing hold of it and twisting it.
It did something because I heard it click and was then able to move it back.


Mike

 

[Jenny H]

Oh no GG was this on your check sheet ? I will have to remember to check that when I collect mine but doesnt sound great - what would you do if you were away somewhere?

 

[Dean Oldfield]

Yep, sitting on the seat. Handle definitely pulled up enough. Worked up a sweat doing ‘the wiggle’ but no joy. Still it’s cheaper than a gym membership. Have now tried the coat hanger trick but no obstructions in either channel. Right hand side seems to move a little bit (when wiggling) but left hand by the kitchen seems to be solidly stuck. I’m resigned now to it going in on Friday. Just hope they do it same day but maybe not!! :-(

Happened on my 6.1 also, however I drove with the seat in the bed position and when I got to my destination was working again. Not had a problem since. Will probably start working when you drive to the dealers!!

 

[GrumpyGranddad]

Happened on my 6.1 also, however I drove with the seat in the bed position and when I got to my destination was working again. Not had a problem since. Will probably start working when you drive to the dealers!!

Might have a drive tomorrow in the bed position. Fingers crossed. Thanks

 

[altvic]

Might have a drive tomorrow in the bed position. Fingers crossed. Thanks

If it works, will you be known as Happy Grandad?

 

[Drpps]

This happens occasionally when it is twisted on the rails such that one side is latched further forward than the other. That is often the reason the black flap doesn’t drop in other circumstances. It is probably a 2 man job. Get some one in the boot to see if they can further twist it as you lift the handle, and then untwist it’s ensuring the front edge is flat/pushed down before Attempting to slide back. on the t5.1/6 the floor has small square pattern so you can see when it is misaligned. Not sure about 6.1
Good luck

 

[David Eccles]

One of my two permanent worries when getting ready to move off is the blimmin seat ... so many times this has happened to me but fortunately 5 mins of jiggling and pushing works thus far..at other times the thing moves so easily it just glides and locks..(the other is lowering the roof!!!)
Even had deal;er check it out once but it moved perfectly for them sods law..will remember the backrest jiggle advice..

 

[TripleBee]

Never had that problem, so it's none of my worries.
As far as I am concerned, I have no worries when taking off.
What happens will happen, but I am not worrying about what could eventually happen if/when/for whatever reason.
If you have worries or concerns, get it checked so you can get on holidays without worries.

 

[GrumpyGranddad]

Oh well, nothing worked:-(
Booked into Citygate, Woburn Green tomorrow morning. Just hoping now that my week old Cali and I aren’t separated for too long.

 

[This Eva]

Oh well, nothing worked:-(
Booked into Citygate, Woburn Green tomorrow morning. Just hoping now that my week old Cali and I aren’t separated for too long.

Good luck.

 

[Californication69]

Ask them to squirt some lube into the white pivoting bushes while your there too !
Fingers crossed for you !

 

[westfalia]

My bench seat was a bit stiff when new but with a bit of
lube i can now slide it whilst stood outside.
The bench has got to be 90° to the rails though, i don't want
to make the OP even grumpier but i am thinking its user error.

 

[GrumpyGranddad]

My bench seat was a bit stiff when new but with a bit of
lube i can now slide it whilst stood outside.
The bench has got to be 90° to the rails though, i don't want
to make the OP even grumpier but i am thinking its user error.

Possibly but I don’t think so. Sat in the centre moving it forward very easily. Same trying to move it back but it was stuck solid.

 

[flying banana]

have you tried sticking a long screwdriver through that little hole you can see when you open the side door and jiggling it about?

 

[B16 JOG]

Oh well, nothing worked:-(
Booked into Citygate, Woburn Green tomorrow morning. Just hoping now that my week old Cali and I aren’t separated for too long.

You booked in for a warranty issue on Fri 13th?!!!