Head Restraint Guide Sleeve: Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2011 Mercury Milan, 2011 Lincoln MKZ, and 2011 Ford Fusion. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: Typical head restraint guide sleeve shown in the illustration, others similar.

Push in on the 2 head restraint guide sleeve release buttons and remove the head restraint.
Obtain a flat-head screwdriver with a width of 4 mm (0.157 in) to 7 mm (0.275 in) and a thickness of approximately 1 mm (0.039 in).
Align the screwdriver to the middle of the head restraint guide sleeve release button.

Fig 1: Aligning Screwdriver To Middle Of Head Restraint Guide Sleeve Release Button
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Position the screwdriver between the head restraint guide sleeve neck and backrest trim cover and foam pad.

Fig 2: Positioning Screwdriver Between Head Restraint Guide Sleeve Neck And Backrest Trim Cover And Foam Pad
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Position the screwdriver at a 45-degree angle.

Fig 3: Positioning Screwdriver At 45-Degree Angle
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

NOTE: For retainer clarity, backrest trim cover and foam pad are removed.

Fig 4: Locating Bending Lock Feature On Head Restraint Guide Sleeve In

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Push the screwdriver in, bending the lock feature on the head restraint guide sleeve in.
While bending the lock feature in, push down on the screwdriver handle, prying the head restraint guide sleeve up and disengaging it from the backrest frame crossmember.

Fig 5: Prying Head Restraint Guide Sleeve Up
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the head restraint guide sleeve.
- Discard the head restraint guide sleeve.
Repeat these steps for the head restraint guide sleeve on the opposite side.