mid row seat latch malfunction

[Isaac Kresek Moderated member Find all posts View Profile Close Isaac Kresek]

I am having trouble with the mid row seat latch in a early 2000s prado 120 . The seat backs will not latch in any upright position. The car is new to me, but I know it worked not long ago. One problem is the car interior must have been pressure washed somewhat recently, and a lot of the hardware seems rusty. the cables look ok though. The seats lock and release fine on the bottom, just not the back rest. The latch handle doesn't want to move at all, this is true for both sides. Since the backs are free the seats fold forward and up all by themselves . Any clues ??