Disassembly and Assembly

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 the 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. To assemble, install the head restraint guide sleeve with the button on the LH side.

   Hybrid vehicle 

6. Remove the 2 pin-type retainers and 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. From in the opening, 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. Remove the foam pad from the backrest frame.
10. To assemble, reverse the disassembly procedure.