Interior - Wrinkles On Leather Seat Surface

Bulletin No: 09-015/12

Last Issued: 03/23/2012

Subject: MULTI-MODEL - WRINKLES ON LEATHER SEAT SURFACE OF NEW VEHICLE

BULLETIN NOTE
Please print a copy of this bulletin for the upholstery repair specialist.





APPLICABLE MODEL(S)/VINS

DESCRIPTION

At PDI or when new vehicle is delivered, some customers may complain about wrinkles on the leather seat cushion and/or seat back surface.

Customers having this concern should have their vehicle repaired by a qualified upholstery repair specialist using the following repair procedure.





NOTE:
^ A qualified upholstery repair specialist is required for this repair procedure.

^ Explain to the customer before performing the repair that the wrinkles may not be completely removed.

^ Explain to the customer that the leather may develop some wrinkles due to aging or wear during normal use. This is normal behavior of the leather material.





EQUIPMENT INFORMATION

REPAIR PROCEDURE

There are two (2) repair methods available for this repair:





COMMERCIAL STEAMER METHOD





Note:
^ A qualified upholstery repair specialist is required for this repair procedure.

^ Always follow the manufactures instructions for the steamer and heat gun.

^ Do not apply the steamer head directly to the perforated sections of the leather seat surface (A).





1. Use a clean lint-free cloth to cover all seat belt buckles.





CAUTION:
^ Do not spray water on the seat belt buckles.

^ Do not apply the steamer head directly on the latch anchor location buttons.

2. Choose one area at a time to work on. Apply the steamer head directly on the wrinkle until the upholstery material becomes warm. Move the steamer head in a outward motion (similar to ironing a shirt). Repeat until the wrinkles are removed to an acceptable level.





CAUTION:
Do not apply steam directly on the perforated sections of the leather seat surface.





If necessary, use your hand to work out the wrinkles by applying firm pressure in a outward motion. This step can be repeated as long as the upholstery material is warm. If the upholstery material feels cool, re-apply steam.





3. Repeat step # 2 until the wrinkles are removed to an acceptable level.

NOTE:
Direct heat may be necessary to aid in the removal of some wrinkles. Refer to HEAT GUN METHOD.





CAUTION:
^ Do NOT keep the steamer head at the same place for a long time.

^ Do NOT run the steamer head without a water-soaked cloth especially over seat trim beading and seat side trim area.

^ Seat damage may occur if the caution points above are nor followed as shown below.

HEAT GUN METHOD (optional)

1. Use a water spray bottle to pre-soak a lint-free cloth.





2. Use a heat gun with variable heat control. Set the heat range to the lowest setting.

CAUTION:
^ Do not apply direct heat on the perforated sections of the leather seat surface.

^ Do not apply direct heat on the upholstery's stitching or beading.

^ Do not apply direct heat on the latch anchor location buttons.

Hold the heat gun at least 5 inches away from the upholstery material. Apply heat in a circular motion.





Once the upholstery material reaches a warm temperature, use the pre-soaked cloth to apply firm hand pressure in a outward motion.





WARRANTY INFORMATION

NOTE:
^ This warranty information applies only to verified customer complaints on vehicles eligible for warranty repair.

^ This repair will be covered under Mazda's New Vehicle Limited Warranty term.

^ Additional diagnostic time cannot be claimed for this repair.





UPHOLSTERY REPAIR SHOP