Seat Recliner - 60 Percent, Outboard: Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2013 Ford Explorer. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

WARNING: Use care when the seat back frame is removed and when releasing the recliners from a backrest upright position. The recliners are spring-loaded, which may cause the recliner upper arms to fold with significant speed/force. Failure to follow this instruction may result in serious personal injury.

Detach the backrest cover lower J-clip on the LH side.
Detach the 2 backrest cover inside J-clips attached to the hard back panel.
Roll the trim cover up and remove the 2 LH recliner-to-backrest frame bolts.
1. To install, tighten to 50 Nm (37 lb-ft).
Remove 2 screws, pull and remove the riser LH inner cover.
Remove 3 screws and the riser LH outer cover.
Remove the clip and the manual recliner handle.
Remove the screw and the LH recliner outer cover.
1. On assembly, make sure the release strap is through the cover opening.
From under the seat, release 2 sets of cushion trim cover J-clips.
From under the seat, release the hook-and-loop strip and J-clip at the RH side of the cushion frame.
Release the cushion trim cover retainer from the outboard side of the cushion frame.
1. Pull the cushion trim cover outboard retainer out from between the riser and the cushion frame.
  
  Fig 1: Locating Cushion Cover Retainer
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the 3 screws and remove the LH recliner inner cover.
NOTE: Note cable routing for installation.

Remove the 3 cables from the LH recliner.
Remove the 2 LH recliner-to-cushion frame bolts and the LH recliner.
1. To install, tighten to 50 Nm (37 lb-ft).