Hi

I have a 1991 940 estate with split rear seat.

The larger backrest section is locked in place and I can't release it to lower it. (actually its only locked in the centre/floor mount, the side mount isn't engaged.

The locking handle is floppy and does nothing.

I suspect there must be a cable from the handle to the locking points that has broken.

Can anyone confirm this and advise how I get in to release the locks, bearing in mind that I can't lower the backrest to get at the bottom of the backrest.

Thanks

Oldwaspkeeper

Ok I cracked it by visiting my friendly neighbourhood car breaker and taking a look inside a rear seat. Here is the answer for anyone elso who hits the same problem.

The seat back is held in place by two latches - one at the top on the pillar behind the rear door, the other on the floor in the centre. Both are operated (pulled) by metal rods. When you operate the latching handle it rotates a pivot plate that both are attached to. Unfortunately this is plastic so can break if forced. If your latches lock up, maybe due to something jammed that is what happens.

The pivot mechanism can be accessed by prising out the latch handle and removing two screws. The upper rod can be pulled direct. The lower rod can also be pulled but, in my case did not open the latch. To do that I had to take out the liner in the arm rest bay so I could reach in and locate the vertical rod going down inside the seat edge to the latch. Getting a firm grip on this with pliers and pulling it upwards did the trick.

I then had to replace the latch handle with one taken from the car at the breakers. The rods just clip on and the whole thing screws back into place. Cost of the part £3.00 but since I took in £4 worth of scrap metal I came away with an extra £1 in my pocket.

Hope this helps someone else.

Oldwaspkeeper