Seats: Description and Operation

The front seats are available in four styles:
- base
- Signature series (trim cover like base, except with memory and power lumbar, heat is optional)
- Signature Touring Sedan (same as Signature, except with perforated leather inserts)
- Cartier series (unique trim style and memory, power lumbar, heat standard)

The power seats have the following features:
- horizontal, vertical and front and rear tilt adjustments
- power recline (late availability on base)
- power lumbar (if equipped)
- heat (if the vehicle is so equipped)
- front seat backrest head restraint

The LH front seat is also programmable to two different driver positions and has an easy entry/easy exit feature. Memory is not available on base.

Adjustment of the seat can be accomplished with the seat regulator control switch on the door trim panel. Door trim mounted seat control will be late availability on base.

Lumbar Support
The seat has electro-mechanical front seat backrest pad adjuster. The lumbar switch adjustment is on the side of the seat.

Power Recliner
The power recliner is incorporated into the inertia front seat backrest latch.

The power recliner tilts the seat backrest backward or forward and is controlled by the seat regulator control switch.

The power recliner cannot be serviced separately. If the power recliner needs to be serviced, the entire front seat backrest latch must be installed new.

Heated
Each heated seat is controlled by a switch on the door trim panel.
The heated seat system:
- will only operate with the ignition switch in RUN.
- will maintain a temperature automatically once it is selected.
- will heat to the selected temperature each time the ignition switch is turned to RUN if the heated seat is not switched OFF.

Easy Entry/Easy Exit
The easy entry/easy exit feature of the driver seat moves the seat two inches back when the ignition key is removed.
The easy entry/easy exit feature of the driver seat moves the seat two inches forward when:
- the ignition switch is turned to RUN.
- the driver door is opened, then closed.

Programmable
The memory seat system allows the recall of previously stored positions of the driver seat using the remote keyless entry transmitter or the memory set/recall switch located on the door panel.

Front Seat Backrest Latch

WARNING: THE INERTIA FRONT SEAT BACKREST LATCH ASSEMBLY IS FACTORY-INSTALLED IN ITS CORRECT LOCATION. CUSTOMER OR DEALER MAINTENANCE IS NOT REQUIRED. CORRECT FRONT SEAT BACKREST LATCH FUNCTION IN EMERGENCY SITUATIONS REQUIRES THAT THE SEAT BACKREST BE IN ITS FULL REARWARD NORMAL POSITION AND AGAINST THE REARWARD STOPS IN THE FRONT SEAT BACKREST LATCH ASSEMBLY. THEREFORE, THE AREA BEHIND THE SEAT MUST BE KEPT CLEAR AT ALL TIMES TO ALLOW FULL REARWARD TRAVEL OF THE SEAT BACKREST. IN ADDITION, REAR SEAT PASSENGERS SHOULD NOT LEAN ON THE FRONT SEAT BACKRESTS WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION. THE FORWARD FORCE ON THE SEAT BACKREST FROM THE REAR PASSENGER IN AN EMERGENCY SITUATION CAN PREVENT CORRECT OPERATION OF THE INERTIA FRONT SEAT BACKREST LATCH MECHANISM.

NOTE: A new front seat backrest latch must be installed if any component is non-functional or damaged.

The inertia front seat backrest latch remains unlocked with normal usage, and locks only during vehicle deceleration (emergency stopping or upon impact) or on steep downhill grades.
- A manual (override) release handle is provided only to help unlock the front seat backrest latch in the event of front seat backrest latch lockup.

The only authorized service of the front seat backrest latch includes:
- tightening of the retaining screws to the correct specification.
- replacement of a front seat backrest latch
- removal of any foreign material, such as tie straps, pieces of foam and trim.

Driver Seat Module
The driver seat module is attached to the driver seat track. For additional information, refer to Multifunction Electronic Control Module for REMOVAL and INSTALLATION procedures.

Side Air Bag
Driver and passenger side air bags are attached to the seat backrest frame. For diagnostic information or if the side air bag has been deployed, refer to Air Bag Systems.

Front seat backrest trim covers installed on seats with side air bags cannot be repaired. The front seat backrest trim covers are to be installed new. Cleaning is permissible.

If a side air bag deployment took place, a new seat back pad, trim cover and side air bag module must be installed. Install a new seat back frame if necessary.