Megacab rear seats won't release to fold down

[zman]

Hey all - I just picked up a 2006 4x4 Megacab and can't get the rear seats to release so they will fold down. Both sides start to move but then stop. It sounds like the latch is not fully disengaging. Is there a way to adjust this or am I just missing something? BTW, I had a buddy of mine who has the same truck try to fold them down and he couldn't get them to go either. Thanks.



Steve

 

[mwilson]

Are you trying to release just the seatback with the handle up by the headrest or are you pulling the handle down on the floor that drops the whole thing???

If you are talking about the release on the floor then you have to pull it up quite a ways before it will release. Also make sure that nothing is under the seats or they will not drop. Happens quite often with grandkids... ... ... ... ... .....

 

[zman]

I'm talking about the release on the floor that allows the seats to fold down flat and even with the storage boxes. When I pull the release all the way up, the seat can move a couple of inches and then it just stops. It sounds like the latch is not fully releasing. There isn't anything under the seats.

 

[mwilson]

I will look at mine in the morning and see what might be wrong with yours. My truck has been put up for the winter so can't remember how the handle feels when it releases.



Almost think that you have to pull up on it a little more after it moves those first few inches and you have to push the seat back forward.

Will post tomorrow when I check it out for you.

 

[wcjp]

Moves a couple of inches then stops? Sure sounds like a hidden obstruction. Kids toy previous owner? After it moves a few inches, try to prop up the movable flap behind the seat to verify no obstruction.

 

[mwilson]

OK, just went out and folded mine down. Now I remember.



If you just walk up to the truck and pull the handle once they only move the short distance that you are describing.



What I do is pull the handle, let them move those few inches, then reach up and push the top of the seat back just enough to relieve the strain on the latch, then pull the handle further out. The handle will be at a 50-60 degree angle before it releases the second stage of the latch. Should drop all the way down then.



Both seats, left and right work the same way on my truck. Been that way since new. I always do it with care so I don't stretch the release cables that run the whole operation.



Let us know if that works for you.

Mike.

 

[zman]

Thanks Mike. When you say "push the top of the seat back", do you mean push forward or backwards? Also, do you continue to pull the lever while doing this? Thanks!



Steve

 

[mwilson]

Sorry, I meant back towards the rear of the truck. Seems to relieve the pressure on the latch. I pull the release up again after I push the seatback to the rear of the truck. Try that and see if it works, you will feel the increased travel of the handle.

 

[zman]

Ok, I tried what you suggested and still no joy. The seatback will move backwards when I pull the lever but that's it. It still won't fold forward after I do that. I also discovered that the rear seats won't recline either using the recline lever.



I think it is really strange that BOTH rear seats have the exact same problems. I can't really see much of the latch/release mechanisms by looking under the seat to see what is going on. I may have to pull the rear seats but that might be a huge PITA. I really don't want to take it too the dealer for this but that may be my only option. Ughhhh.

 

[mwilson]

Stupid question, but I gotta' ask it.

Are you keeping the handle pulled out as you try to lay the seats down???

If you are, fine. I just want to cover all the bases.

You can't just pull it to trip the latch, you have to hold the handle out until they are in motion. I think the seat back release (one by the headrest) works the same way.



There is a cable from each handle that goes to the latches under the seat. You should be able to see how it works without taking the seats out by looking up under the bottom cushion and tripping the latch by hand if needed. As I have gotten older and wiser I use a small mirror and a light for jobs like that, easier on the neck. Just make sure that you have a spotter to catch the seat before it trys to smack you in the head if it drops quickly. Could hurt... ... ... ... ... ... ... .

Mike.

 

[zman]

Yeah, I'm pulling out on the lever the whole time I'm trying to lay them forward. I may just take it by the dealer and have them try it. Could be that I'm not holding my mouth right when I'm pulling the lever... LOL.