Second Row Seat-Back Recline Lever Replacement

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2013 Acura MDX, 2012 Acura MDX, 2011 Acura MDX, and 2010 Acura MDX. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Special Tools Required

KTC Trim Tool Set SOJATP2014*

*Available through the Acura Tool and Equipment Program, 888-424-6857

NOTE:

Put on gloves to protect your hands.
Take care not to tear the seams or damage the seat covers.
Take care not to kink the cables.
Use the appropriate tool from the KTC trim tool set to avoid damage when removing components.

Remove the second row seat (see SECOND ROW SEAT REMOVAL/INSTALLATION ).
Remove the seat-back cover/pad from the seat-back frame (see SEAT-BACK COVER ).
Right second row seat: Remove these items:
- Recline outer cover (see step 5 under Second Row Seat Disassembly/Reassembly )
- Center outer cover (see step 7 under Second Row Seat Disassembly/Reassembly )
Remove the screws securing the recline lever (A).

Fig 1: Removing Recline Lever And Screws
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Left second row seat: Detach the clips (A) and disconnect the recline outer cable (B) and the recline inner cable (C).

Fig 2: Disconnecting Recline Outer Cable And Recline Inner Cable
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Right second row seat: remove the wire ties (A) and detach the clips (B), disconnect the recline outer cable (C) and the recline inner cable (D), then remove the cables from the clips (E).

Fig 3: Disconnecting Recline Outer Cable And Recline Inner Cable
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Install the recline lever in the reverse order of removal, and note these items:
- Make sure each cable is connected securely.
- Fix at the middle groove in the end of the recline inner cable (A) securely to obtain no clearance between the cable end and the recline lever fitting.
- Fix at the middle groove in the end of the recline outer cable (B) securely to obtain a clearance between the cable end and the recline lever fitting.
- Check the seat-back fold down operation:
  - Left second row seat: When operating the recline lever, the inner recline adjuster is unlocked first, the outer recline adjuster is unlocked next, then the seat-back is folded down fully.
  - Right second row seat: When operating the recline lever, the inner recline adjuster is unlocked first, the outer recline adjuster is unlocked next, then the seat-back is folded down fully without any interference in movement, but the seat doesn't slide forward.
- The right second row seat is shown; the left second row seat is similar.
  
  Fig 4: Identifying Recline Inner Cable And Recline Outer Cable
  Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.