Rear Seat: Removal

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

CAUTION:

Airbag system satellite safing sensor is located in the lower of the rear seat cushion center. Always refer to "CAUTION" of "General Description" in "AIRBAG SYSTEM" before removing the rear seat. < Refer to CAUTION , General Description. >
The airbag system is fitted with a backup power supply. After disconnecting the battery ground cable, the airbag may operate if you do not wait for 60 seconds before starting the service of airbag system.

Disconnect the ground cable from battery, and wait for 60 seconds or more before starting work.
Remove the cap behind the seat table and disconnect the connector. (Models with seat table)
Remove the bolt. (Models with seat table)

Fig 1: Locating Connector (Models With Seat Table)
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Remove the hooks while lifting up the rear seat cushion.
- Without seat table
  
  Fig 2: Lifting Up Rear Seat Cushion (Without Seat Table)
  Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
- With seat table
  
  Fig 3: Lifting Up Rear Seat Cushion (With Seat Table)
  Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
CAUTION: If the hooks on the vehicle body side is disengaged (remained on the seat cushion side) when removing the rear seat cushion, always replace with new hooks to prevent the decline of the fixed force of the seat.

Fig 4: Identifying Seat Cushion Hook
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Remove the hook (A) by pushing it back while lifting the front side of the seat cushion, and remove the seat cushion.

Fig 5: Lifting Front Side Of Seat Cushion
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Remove the headrest, and then tilt the backrest forward.
Remove the luggage floor mat.
Turn over the mat to remove the bolt.

Fig 6: Locating Mat Mounting Bolt
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Remove the backrest from the hinge assembly LH (hinge assembly RH).

Fig 7: Removing Backrest From Hinge Assembly LH
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.

NOTE: The backrests cannot be detached while pin positions of the hinge assembly and backrests are not aligned.
Remove the reclining button.
CAUTION: Use the following procedures to remove the reclining button. Damage to the reclining button may result if the procedures are not followed correctly.
1. Remove the weather strip, and insert a flat tip screwdriver into the rear of the rear seat backrest shoulder.
  
  Fig 8: Inserting Flat Tip Screwdriver Into Rear Of Rear Seat Backrest Shoulder
  Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
2. Press the tab on the rear side of the reclining button downwards and remove the reclining button.
  CAUTION: Do not press strongly on the button tab. Pressing with excessive force may break the tab.
  
  Fig 9: Removing Reclining Button
  Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  NOTE:
  - Direct a light from under the rear seat backrest shoulder to easily identify the tab position.
  - The LH side is left and right symmetrical.
Remove the nut, and remove the seat backrest shoulder.

Fig 10: Locating Rear Seat Backrest Shoulder Mounting Nut
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.