Rear pass through console linkage broke

[Jake Bell]

Hello,
The interior (not trunk) handle that disengages the rear seat middle console allowing to fold down has broken. Now it’s stuck permanently in the “up”’position. The dealer said that the entire rear seat needs replaced. Any ideas?

 

[jmiller97]

I am sure this is too late, however, I had the same issue where the handle would move but not engage the latch. For my case the cable that attaches to the handle had come out of its clip. (You may be able to do to this repair with the seat back in but I did not try) To repair you need to remove the rear seat by following the instruction on this forum - How to remove rear seats

Underneath the middle of the seat back you should be able to see inside the arm rest. Close to the opening there will be a metal latch with an X shape on it that is held with a black screw. This latch should be able to move in one direction with a screwdriver, if able to move this it should release the arm rest.

Now that you have released the arm rest open the drink holder. There will be two covers on the bottom of the drink holders, remove them with the tabs to reveal the two screws. Remove the two screws securing the holder. Lift out the holder to reveal the inside of the arm rest. Inside you will see the handle assembly, fish around for the cable and push it back into the clip that holds it.

With success you will have fixed the arm rest and not have paid $1,200 for a new seat like the dealer suggests. Hope this helps.