Help - Getting bench seat back in

Ken M · Nov 5, 2017

This afternoon I removed the rear bench seat to fit the additional under seat drawer that I have previously ordered. While it took some time to work out how to remove the floor runner covers, and then a struggle to get the very heavy seat out, I now have a nice new secondary drawer to compliment the larger drawer. Great!

The only problem is that I can't work out how to get the seat aligned back into the runners. It is now sitting in the back of the van and I have the 'feet' sitting in the obvious entry points for the runners slots but I could not get it to slide back.

I am not sure if it is a contributing issue or not, but I removed the screw driver that holds open the locking mechanism that allows you to remove the seat (as advised in the owners manual). I can't get the screw driver back in although the lever still appears to be working - well at least there is still resistance on the lever with operating it.

Does anyone have any advice on how to fix? I have searched and trawled through the forum and while there appears to be a number who have been adventurous enough to remove the rear bench I can't find any one having difficulties getting in back in (apart from struggling with the weight...)

WelshGas · Nov 5, 2017

Ken M said:
This afternoon I removed the rear bench seat to fit the additional under seat drawer that I have previously ordered. While it took some time to work out how to remove the floor runner covers, and then a struggle to get the very heavy seat out, I now have a nice new secondary drawer to compliment the larger drawer. Great!

The only problem is that I can't work out how to get the seat aligned back into the runners. It is now sitting in the back of the van and I have the 'feet' sitting in the obvious entry points for the runners slots but I could not get it to slide back.

I am not sure if it is a contributing issue or not, but I removed the screw driver that holds open the locking mechanism that allows you to remove the seat (as advised in the owners manual). I can't get the screw driver back in although the lever still appears to be working - well at least there is still resistance on the lever with operating it.

Does anyone have any advice on how to fix? I have searched and trawled through the forum and while there appears to be a number who have been adventurous enough to remove the rear bench I can't find any one having difficulties getting in back in (apart from struggling with the weight...)

Is the seat handle in the UP or Disengaged position?

Ken M · Nov 5, 2017

The handle is in the down position - ie normal position when seat is locked. There is resistance when pulling on the lever. When trying to insert the screw driver to lock out the mechanism I can feel movement of the mechanism against the tip, but there dosen’t seem to be suffient movement for the driver to fully engage and lock.

WelshGas · Nov 5, 2017

Ken M said:
The handle is in the down position - ie normal position when seat is locked. There is resistance when pulling on the lever. When trying to insert the screw driver to lock out the mechanism I can feel movement of the mechanism against the tip, but there dosen’t seem to be suffient movement for the driver to fully engage and lock.

I presume the handle should be in the Up position so that the seat clamps descend fully so that they will allow the seat to slide . The screwdriver locks the mechanism in the fully extended position. It sounds as if something is preventing the mechanism extending to its maximum..
I would suggest leaning the bench back off the base. Pulling the handle and hopefully the screwdriver will lock the mechanism open.

andyinluton · Nov 5, 2017

Have you tried lifting the seat as you pull the handle up? I think you may have the full weight of the seat sitting on the clamps. Lift it up , pull the handle & put the screwdriver back in.