Project: Getting windows tinted

Problem: Rear backreset headrest is in the way.

It hits the roof when trying to get out. You could just yank and twist and pull like crazy and probably eventually it would come out. (And no, on this model the backrest doesn't move up and down as you raise and lower the seat bottom and the headrests don't tip forward)




Solution: Remove the rear backrest.

Removing the backrest is not difficult, but it's certainly not intuitive. Even the instructions from Ford leave a little to be desired. Outline drawings don't really make it clear on how to remove the backrest. Although, once having removed it, it all becomes much more clear.

Fords Instructions Here




What you can't tell is just what you're looking for and where it is. If you lift up the bottom edge of the backrest, just to the inboard edge of the Child Safety Seat bracket, you'll see the round tubing of the seat frame.




The idea is to insert a screwdriver or similar object along this bracket and through a small hole in a metal tab that is on the top of this tube. When insert it, you're going to be pressing against a realtively flexible catch that is hooked over the top of this tab that you've inserted your screwdriver through. By applying slight downward pressure on the top of the seat backrest you'll be able to push the Black Rubber catch and release it's hold on the backrest.




If you could see it from behind, this is how it would appear. That is my screwdriver coming from the front.



And with the seat removed this is what it looks like




Once you've been able to release the catch, the backreset will lift straight off. Well at least this side will lift up. You now have to release the other side too. After that it's just a matter of taking the seatrest out of the vehicle. Once you know how it's done, it's pretty easy.

Feel free to comment or ask questions.

 

Thanks, there is a nice video online that also helps with locating the brackets.

Also, if you take headrest all the way up and pull it towards you it will come out, I do it every couple weeks to clean back window.

 

So how hard are you pulling on it? I raised it up all the way until it hit the ceiling, then tried to pull it forward and raise it more. It didn't budge. But I also didn't want to bend or break anything either. I did some searching, but didn't see the one with the video. I'll look more.

 

It's pretty unnerving at first, it's just the right combination of lifting and pulling.



I used this video