Front Seat Back - With Front Seat Back Panel: Removal

WARNING: BEFORE SERVICING THE SEAT BACK THE AIRBAG SYSTEM MUST BE DISARMED. FAILURE TO DO SO MAY RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIRBAG AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY. REFER TO RESTRAINTS FOR SERVICE PROCEDURES.

CAUTION: Do not reuse the recliner assembly attaching bolts.

Remove seat from vehicle (Refer to BODY/SEATS/SEAT - REMOVAL) .
Remove the inner seat cushion shield. See Fig 1.

Fig 1: SEAT SIDE SHIELD - INBOARD
Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

1 - FRONT INNER SEAT BELT ATTACHING SCREW

2 - SHIELD ATTACHING SCREWS
Remove the seat back recliner handle/fold flat handle and front seat cushion shield Disconnect wire connectors, if equipped. See Fig 2 and Fig 3.

Fig 2: SEAT SHIELD SCREWS
Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

1 - ATTACHING SCREWS

Fig 3: SEAT SIDE SHIELD WIRE CONNECTORS
Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

1 - WIRE CONNECTORS
Remove seat armrest plug. See Fig 4.

Fig 4: ARMREST PLUG
Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

1 - ARMREST

2 - PLUG

Remove seat armrest and lumbar handle if equipped. See Fig 5.

Fig 5: ARMREST SCREW

Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

1 - ARMREST

2 - ARMREST SCREW

3 - LUMBAR HANDLE

4 - LUMBAR HANDLE SCREW

Remove front seat back panel. See Fig 6.

Fig 6: FRONT SEAT BACK PANEL
Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

1 - ATTACHING SCREWS

2 - FRONT SEAT BACK PANEL
Disengage J-straps. See Fig 7

Fig 7: FRONT SEAT COVER J-STRAPS
Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

1- J-STRAPS
Disengage the lower seat cover J-straps. See Fig 8.

Fig 8: FRONT SEAT BACK LOWER J-STRAPS
Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

1 - LOWER J-STRAPS
Remove upper riser shield, if equipped.
Move seat cover and cushion to access the front seat back recliner.
Remove two attaching lumbar actuator screws from the inner seat back frame. See Fig 9.

Fig 9: LUMBAR BRACKET ATTACHING SCREWS
Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

1 - LUMBAR BRACKET ATTACHING SCREWS
Move lumbar actuator free the front seat back recliner. See Fig 10.

Fig 10: LUMBAR MOUNTING BRACKET
Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

1 - LUMBAR MOUNTING BRACKET
Remove screws attaching recliner to seat back cushion frame on both sides. See Fig 11.

Fig 11: FRONT SEAT BACK ATTACHING SCREWS
Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

1 - FRONT SEAT BACK

2 - ATTACHING SCREWS
Vehicle with Seat Airbag and/or Heated Seat System, remove front seat cushion frame. Remove two front side screws and two rear screws. See Fig 12 and Fig 13.

Fig 12: FRONT SIDE ATTACHING SCREW & FRONT CUSHION
Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

1 - FRONT SIDE ATTACHING SCREW

2 - FRONT SEAT CUSHION

Fig 13: REAR ATTACHING SCREW - FRONT SEAT CUSHION
Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

1 - REAR ATTACHING SCREW

2 - FRONT SEAT CUSHION
Disconnect any electrical connectors and wire ties from the seat back that are connected under the seat cushion, if equipped.
Remove seat back frame from seat assembly.