Help - Can't fold rear seat forward (Repair done)

[waylib Member Find all posts View Profile Close waylib]

It seems that the cable has come off the latch that is used to lift the rear seats to fold them forward. Does anyone have any ideas how I could lift the seat up so I can get under to reattach the cable.

Cheers
Wayne

[Steve M Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close Steve M]

Re: Help - Can't fold rear seat forward

Hi Wayne, I Had the same issues with the 90 series grande I just bought 01 model, was trying to lift the passengers side lever up to fold forward and felt like the cable was not attached, I was able to lift drivers side and fold up and managed to get my hand in under to feel for the latch on the passengers one, turned out the kids in the rear seat (previous owner) obviously played with marbles and one had rolled under and ended up sitting and blocking the catch from releasing. Im not sure which model you have 96 to 99 one piece rear seat, 99 to 02 split fold rear seat. Might not be your problem but would check out either way where the latches hook into the floor catches.....Regards Steve

[waylib Member Find all posts View Profile Close waylib]

Re: Help - Can't fold rear seat forward

Had another try last night. There is nothing stuck in the latch so I am defintley thinking the cable has come off the lever. It looks like I might have to try and take the seat apart to get in.

[RHaynes Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close RHaynes]

Re: Help - Can't fold rear seat forward

I have the split seat Prado, both have two latches on each seat to fold them forward, one at the back and one on the side

Smaller seat has one latch to the centre of the floor, can be unlatched of you remove the 3 screws and take off the side cover then manually unlatch, thing with a spring attached.

Larger seat has two latches to the floor and the same pricipal applies

Just checked it on mine

regards

Rob

[waylib Member Find all posts View Profile Close waylib]

Re: Help - Can't fold rear seat forward

It has been a while but I have finally found the time to try and solve the problem.

First step was to remove the side cover at the botom of the seat and locate the spring latch. I managed to wedge a small screwdriver in and get it open and I was then able to push the seat forward.


Next step was to untangle and undo the maze of ties for the seat cover and then remove the lower panel of upholstery from the bottom plastic cover. Then undid 1 screw on either side of the seat and this allowed me to pull the plastic cover far enough back to reveal the PROBLEM!!!! One broken cable holder


I managed to drill a small hole through the plastic below where the cable sits and then file a small section out of the top to allow a cable tie to fit snugly around the entire cable clip.


After a quick test to see if the latch moves when I pull the handle (which it did) I put the seat back together hoping that the repair would hold when the seat was latched down and there was a bit more pressure required when lifting the handle. Well I am pleased to say it does and I can now fold the seat forward and have saved myself heaps by not having to purchase a whole new bottom plastic cover for the seat.

Cheers
Wayne