Sprung headrest

stephen bertrand said:

Thanks for the information on reset.
I believe that I inadvertently reset the latch and would like to know if there is any way of releasing it . The action of pushing the headrest back into placed worked however I assume I failed to push sufficiently to engage the latch.
Any help would be appreciated

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Put 12v to it, that will release the latch so it will accept the headrest when you push it back. I just used an old battery or you could use the one in your car. Just grab some small wire and attach to each battery post, touch the connector in the headrest and you can move the latch.

Thanks to all you for the sprung headrest info. Removed them as instructed by the Tech bulletin and reset them both in short time. Saved the trip and expense of the dealer. My wife's car and she is happy

Jasondkim said:

Easy, take a 9v battery (used in smoke detectors), attach a wire to each pos. and neg. ends, touch the end of the wire to the terminals located at the end of the post (if you look inside black tipped side, you will see the connector terminals that the sensors attach from the headrest to the back of the seat). You may need to push it back with you finger while connecting the battery in case it sticks. Also, this may not be the problem, i actually hade to keep it closed and flip the headrest iver and force the middle of the headrest down to the backside by putting the plastic side down on the floor and pressing down with my knee into the center of the headrest using my body weight- tricky because i had to first press it together and then carefully flip it over while keeping pressure on it to keep it cimpressed. It all wokred for me finally.

Best of luck.

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Would speaker wire work for wire to use? I accidentally locked it also

And i am not quite sure where i am suppose to touch the two wires to on the headrest once i hook them up to the 9volt battery

And dang, i am by far not a weakling but anyone have trouble pushing in the two tabs????? Hell i cant even get this part squeezed.. Sweating and a few curse words and i am about to throw this damn headrest into the garbage!! My passenger one deployed when one of the kids hit the side of the back seat pretty forceably and this deployed!!

Beau2424 said:

And dang, i am by far not a weakling but anyone have trouble pushing in the two tabs????? Hell i cant even get this part squeezed.. Sweating and a few curse words and i am about to throw this damn headrest into the garbage!! My passenger one deployed when one of the kids hit the side of the back seat pretty forceably and this deployed!!

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Did you study the pdf attached in the 2nd post of this thread? It should help.

homeofstone said:

Did you study the pdf attached in the 2nd post of this thread? It should help.

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Yes sir.. Just wondering how hard you have to press the two tabs in? Is it substantial notice when pressed in? And the locking mexhanism that i accidrntally locked i cant release

Beau2424 said:

Yes sir.. Just wondering how hard you have to press the two tabs in? Is it substantial notice when pressed in? And the locking mexhanism that i accidrntally locked i cant release

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After its almost closed hold it together and put the headrest on floor with back down, then press in middle of headrest with your knee and your body weight. This should be enough force to lock it in place.

Still wont.. Its not getting 'almost' closed.. Im thinking i need to get the lock unlocked.

how to reset the headrest restriant

my headrest sprung up when my son shut the center console and they just popped out, scared him and definetely starteled me.

Coug said:

Wow, thanks for the TSB on resetting the headrests. I think I can do that one myself. Just for everyone's info, I have a written estimate from my dealer to do this -- $208!

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would this be under warranty for how my sprung. my son shut the center console a little hard and they both sprung out.

20124.6 said:

would this be under warranty for how my sprung. my son shut the center console a little hard and they both sprung out.

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I am about to take mine to dealership tomorrow as mine basically did same thing.. Didnt slam the center console but instead my son hit the back if the seat and caused it to eject

i would think something like this should be covered under warranty as a defect. i mean in all reality they didnt work like they should and ejected when they shouldnt of.

I agree wholeheartedly

Side bar, How can I get access to those tech bulletins? I'm curious if there's one that outlines the process for replacing the driver's airbag :}

(I've seen descriptions and partial images on this forum but nothing as comprehensive, so hoping there might be a tech bulletin on it.)

The shop manuals should have instructions on replacing the airbag. They can be found via search of these forums. They are also available at hmaservice.com filed under:
SERVICE INFORMATION > SHOP
then:
2013, 3.8 MPI (or pick your year and engine) > Restraint > Airbag Module > Driver Airbag (DAB) Module and Clock Spring > Repair Procedures

Also looks like the site has been updated to work better with Chrome, but if you have trouble, use Internet Explorer.

And the answer you're looking for (this is the proedure to replace the streering wheel. For airbag only, skip the clock-spring bit.)

Removal
1. Disconnect the battery negative cable and wait for at least three minutes before beginning work.
2. Remove the airbag module mounting bolts(2EA).
3. Disconnect the horn connector(A).
4. Release the connector locking pin, then disconnect the driver airbag module connector(B).

The removed airbag module should be stored in aclean, dry place with the pad cover face up.
5. Remove the steering wheel and steering wheel column cover. (Refer to the Steering System group- Steering Column and Shaft)
6. Disconnect the clock spring and horn connector, then remove the clock spring.

Inspection
Driver Airbag (DAB)
If any improper parts are found during the following inspection, replace the airbag module with a new one.

Never attempt to measure the circuit resistance of the airbag module (squib) even if you are using the specified tester. If the circuit resistance is measured with a tester, accidental airbag deployment will result in serious personal injury.
1. Check pad cover for dents, cracks or deformities.
2. Check the airbag module for denting, cracking or deformation.
3. Check hooks and connectors for damage, terminals for deformities, and harness for binds.
4. Check airbag inflator case for dents, cracks or deformities.
5. Install the airbag module to the steering wheel to check for fit or alignment with the wheel.
Clock Spring
1. If, as a result of the following checks, even one abnormal point is discovered, replace the clock spring with a new one.
2. Check connectors and protective tube for damage, and terminals for deformities.

Installation
1. Remove the ignition key from the vehicle.
2. Disconnect the battery negative cable from battery and wait for at least three minutes before beginning work.
3. Connect the clock spring harness connector and horn harness connector to the clock spring.
4. Set the center position by getting marks between the clock spring and the cover into line. Make an array the mark (▶&#9664 by turning the clock spring clockwise to the stop and then 3 revolutions counterclockwise.
5. Install the steering wheel column cover and the steering wheel. (Refer to the Steering System group- Steering Column and Shaft)
6. Connect the Driver Airbag (DAB) module connector and horn connector, and then install the Driver Airbag (DAB) module on the steering wheel.
7. Secure the Driver Airbag (DAB) with the new mounting bolts.
Tightening torque
: 7.8 ~ 10.8 Nm (0.8 ~ 1.1 kgf.m, 5.8 ~ 8.0 lb.ft)

8. Connect the battery negative cable.
9. After installing the airbag, confirm proper system operation:
A. Turn the ignition switch ON; the SRS indicator light should be turned on for about six seconds and then go off.
B. Make sure horn button works.

Gunkk said:

The shop manuals should have instructions on replacing the airbag. They can be found via search of these forums. They are also available at hmaservice.com

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Thank you again

I've tried a dozen times over a few weeks to access the hmaservice site, but get a browser error every time I accept the "agree to these terms" pop up. Have tried four browsers and they all flaked.

Very grateful to you for cut and pasting this section directly.

No worries, that's why we're here.

took mine to dealership and covered under warranty due to it was just slamming the center console that sprung the headrests