[GoofyTimL]

I tried a search on "rear seat latch" but didn't get anything specific to those key words. The rear seats on our "C" don't appear to be latched. You simply pull on then and they come forward. It give me concern in an emergency stop, or worse a frontal accident situation at speed, when I may have rear passengers AND something heavy in the trunk.

Is there something that latches the seats in place when the car starts moving, or is this a problem waiting to happen? Sorry if it's been answered before and I wasn't able to find it.

Thanks.

 

[MrHappy]

Without going out to the garage I believe there are two fabric pull/release straps at the top outside corners of the rear seats. (60/40 split) You REALLY have to push them back hard for them to lock into place, but they do lock. I'm not 100% sure but I can check for you in the morning if no one else has chimed in.

 

[zenhog]

Yup, there are straps that control the latch

Without going out to the garage I believe there are two fabric pull/release straps at the top outside corners of the rear seats. (60/40 split) You REALLY have to push them back hard for them to lock into place, but they do lock. I'm not 100% sure but I can check for you in the morning if no one else has chimed in.

He's right. No wonder he's so happy.

there are straps near the top outside corner of the seat. Pull the strap and it releases the latch.

Hint If you want to re-attach them and are having a problem pull the latch strap a little as you press the seat into place.. if your fingers are sensitive enough you an feel when the latch catches and let go of the strap.

 

[VanillaYilla]

If you pull the seat down, you will see the latch attached to the back-seat-bolster.

 

[CUEBALL]

Yep, they're there like said before, and you really have to put the seats back firmly for the latches to engage. I initially thought the same as you until I tried slamming the seat back and it latched.

 

[GoofyTimL]

THANKS very much! I knew about the pulls, but couldn't figure out why the seats weren't latching. I thought I had thrown them back hard enough that they should catch... but it just wasn't enough. Finally got them latched this morning. Feel much better now. Perhaps it is something that will be easier with time, wear and use... but we'll see. Even though we bought the car a year old, I doubt the original owner ever used the feature. On the other had, we've already used it twice bringing larger items home.. flooring for a basement bedroom, and now a Christmas present to ourselves... a some assembly required (actually all assembly required) TV stand and shelving unit for the bedroom.

 

[zenhog]

Yep, they're there like said before, and you really have to put the seats back firmly for the latches to engage. I initially thought the same as you until I tried slamming the seat back and it latched.

Slamming works but I don't like to slam things.

Try this:

Press the seats closed while lightly pulling on the latch strap. You'll feel (and hear) the latch close if you're not pulling on the strap too hard. Make sure you don't have any fabric in the way of the opening before you close it up.

 

[GoofyTimL]

Slamming works but I don't like to slam things.

I agree with you. I put the back in position and then more or less hit it with a stiff arm. When it finally caught I could hear the latch go into place. So now I know what to do, and what it sounds like, etc.