Seat Latch: Description and Operation
Front Seat Backrest LatchWARNING: 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.