Removal and Installation

All vehicles 

1. Remove the 40 percent rear seat backrest. For additional information, refer to SEAT BACKREST - REAR .
2. While lifting up on the head restraint, push in the hole, push in the button and remove the head restraint.
   Fig 1: Locating Head Restraint Buttons

   Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
3. Release 4 tabs (2 shown) and remove the striker cover.
   Fig 2: Locating Striker Cover Tabs

   Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
4. Release the backrest cover from around the striker opening.
   Fig 3: Locating Backrest Cover

   Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
5. Squeeze the ends of the head restraint guide sleeves together and remove.
   NOTE: The head restraint guide sleeves are keyed and will not interchange. Install the head restraint guide sleeve with the button on the LH side.

   Hybrid vehicle 

6. Remove 2 pin-type retainers and the duct end seal.
   Fig 4: Locating Pin-Type Retainers And Duct End Seal

   Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

   All vehicles 

7. Separate the backrest cover.
   1. Disengage the lower J-strips.
      • Slide the heat deflector out from between the backrest frame and backrest cover, if equipped.
   2. Disengage the 2 J-clips.
   3. Disengage the backrest cover clip and unwrap the backrest cover from around the backrest frame.
   Fig 5: Identifying J-Strips, Backrest Cover Clip And Frame

   Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
8. Remove the backrest cover.
   • Invert the backrest cover, separate the hook-and-loop strips and remove all rows of hog rings working up the backrest.
   NOTE: Use care when separating the backrest cover from the hook-and-loop strip, or the hook-and-loop strip can be torn from the backrest foam pad.
9. To install, reverse the removal procedure.