2002 Seatback does not stay in locked position

[Racer27]

On my wifes new 2002 Thunderbird, base, with no memory seats we discovered that both driver and passanger side seats flop forward. There is no locked upright position. The adjustment handles move up and down, but don't so anything. Any input on how to address this. Willing pull both seats out to address this as it appears removing the lower trim piece with seats in car is a hassle. The rear plastic "Christmas Tree Pin" is out, the front is fighting me. Also removing the electric sliding motor handle may be a challange. I assume that need to be pried out. Any input is appreciated.

Planning on using this video to remove the seat, but once I got them out, not sure what i should do/looking for.

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[Racer27]

Took passenger side apart (Both sides don't work), cleaned, lubed, did not address the issue. Nothing seems broken or unattached. I see references to a cable needing to be present, there is no cable present. The second image is an AI image showing cable attachment and routing. Not sure why it would be removed. Is that everyone's interpretation that cable is missing? I'd be willing to also replace the hinge assembly if reasonable cost. Any guidance and input would be appreciated.

 

[doug7740]

If you look at page 88 of your owner's manual it states Manual Recline Function (if equipped). I have a 2004 and there is no manual recline function either. I looked at all of the owner's manuals from 2002 to 2005 and the only year that doesn't state if equipped is the 2003 model year.

doug7740
1955 Thunderbird blue

 

[Racer27]

I have the lever... even if seatback only had one position, it needs to lock in from safety perspective. If anyone knows a source to buy the mechanism, let me know

 

[ErnieR]

They don't lock. The seat belt locks with inertia; the seat doesn't need to. If it were a 4-door, there may be a manual lever or an inertia lock. Do they not recline?

 

[Racer27]

I visited another T_Bird yesterday to compare. The seatbacks do NOT lock in place to prevent moving forward. However the lever by the hinge is supposed to allow a little bit of recline and some minor adjustment in seatback angle. Confirmed this via test yesterday and by reviewing owners manual.

I don't care about recline, but wife prefers a slightly more upright seating position, thus want the adjustment mechanism to work. I sourced two used and tested seatback recline mechanismns. Should be here in a couple days. Prior to going this route I removed the seat an cleaned and lubed this mechanismn with no result.

 

[ErnieR]

Either a factory mistake, although both being bad, makes me think disabling them was intentional. Nice detective work on your part.

 

[kbuhagiar]

Either a factory mistake, although both being bad, makes me think disabling them was intentional. Nice detective work on your part.

But...why? I can't think of a single good reason to do this. Child-proofing?

 

[tjwoz]

The seat back does not lock to prevent forward movement. Even if you move the seat forward to allow back incline, the seat back will still freely tilt forward. I know of no way to make the seat back for upright other than positioning the driver seat down to bring the back forward. Passenger side only moves front-to-back, no tilting.

 

[ErnieR]

But...why? I can't think of a single good reason to do this. Child-proofing?

The only thing I can think of is that the previous owner did not want their seat position changed. But, who knows? Unbeknownst to us, there could have been a run of bad seatback adjusters that affected a few cars.

 

[Racer27]

AI says the ratcheting mechanism failure is common, and often a cleaning and lube fixes it. It did not in my case. It is a pretty complex ratcheting mechanism.

AI has led me astray several times, but cleaning was worth a shot. I ordered Hog Pliers and Hog Rings incase I need to remove part of the seatback cover to install the new hinges/mechanism. Hoping I'll be able to get by with just loosening the Velcro and the long nylon snap connecter. I only need to get to the torx screw in the top of the lever going into the seatback. Any guidance on making this job easier would be appreciated.