Removal and Installation

All vehicles 

1. Remove the 40 percent rear seat backrest. For additional information, refer to SEAT BACKREST - REAR  in this service information.
NOTE: Typical head restraint shown in the illustration.
Fig 1: Pushing Button And Head Restraint
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
2. While lifting up on the head restraint, push in the hole, push in the button and remove the head restraint.
3. Release 4 tabs (2 shown in the illustration) and remove the striker cover.
   Fig 2: Locating Tabs And Striker Cover

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

   Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
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.
5. Squeeze the ends of the head restraint guide sleeves together and remove.

   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 Backrest Cover And J-Clips

   Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
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.
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.
9. To install, reverse the removal procedure.