Removal and Installation

All vehicles 

1. Remove the 60 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.
   • Repeat for the other head restraint.
   Fig 1: Pushing Button And Head Restraint

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

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

   Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

   Hybrid vehicle 

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

   Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

   All vehicles 

6. 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.
   4. Remove 2 pin-type retainers.
   Fig 5: Identifying Pin-Type Retainers And J-Clips

   Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
7. Separate 4 pin-type retainers attaching the armrest pocket cover to the backrest frame.
   Fig 6: Location of Pin-Type Retainers

   Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
8. Remove the 4 armrest-to-backrest bolts and armrest assembly.
   • For installation, adjust the armrest horizontally as needed for good fit.
   • To install, tighten to 10 Nm (89 lb-in).
9. Disengage 2 clips in the armrest pocket.
   Fig 7: Location of Backrest Cover Clips In Armrest Pocket

   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.
10. Invert the backrest cover up as far as it will go.
    • Separate the hook-and-loop strips and remove all rows of hog rings working up the backrest.
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.
11. Under the backrest foam pad, squeeze the ends of the head restraint guide sleeves together and remove.
12. Remove the backrest cover.
13. To install, reverse the removal procedure.