Rear seat buttons broken
 

I recently purchased an FRS that I actually found on these forums. It works great, but one thing is killing me because it is so stupid that I can't figure out the problem. The rear seats are supposed to click out of place and lower by pushing the buttons in, but for some reason mine don't push in. To lower the seats with the buttons, I have to remove the cover, reach into the top of the seat the grip the button, and pull it up. I tried taking it apart as much as I could, but I don't see any possible way the little metal arm could have flipped around or how this could have occurred. Has anyone seen this happen before or have any idea on how to fix it?

Use the straps on the back from inside the trunk.

Ya, that gets them down...but I want to fix it. It is a stupid problem. I can't possibly this complicated to fix. I know I am missing something. My guess/hope is there is supposed to be a spring mechanism inside that pushes the button up and "readies" it be depressed to release the seat.

Those buttons are not broken. Those buttons are not there to fold the seats down. It's designed so that people can't fold the seat down from the inside. If you're able to fold the seats down from the inside, if you valet park with valet key, that person could fold the seat down from inside to get to the things in the trunk. The only way to fold the seat is pulling the strap on the back of the seat from the trunk.

Well I'm still confused on your issue, my rear seats never lowered or did anything by pressing those buttons..you would just open the trunk to lower them and slam it back into place to put it back up?

Yeah, wouldn't want them to find the dead hookers in my trunk. Good design if you ask me

Are you serious right now? You think they installed buttons the seats that don't do anything? FYI, a quick google search shows several scions that have the exact same buttons, and they all depress to lower the seats. The buttons are also clearly connected to the release mechanism, because I can pull them up to unlock the seats. If you take off the little decorative plastic covers and grip them and pull up, you can probably do the same in your car. That is stupid though. They need to depressed, as designed.

http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=4181

See page 54. It doesn't say to use those buttons to fold the seats. Those buttons are not broken. They're not there for you to fold the seat down.

Thanks for the link to the OM. Apparently it is just a silly design.

Yes, I'm serious. If those buttons work the way you think it should work, then the valet key won't do the job it's designed to do.

WTF is a valet key? Not that it matters, I am going to pull the entire ignition out. First key I have seen since the 90s that is a solid piece. I am going to replace it with a custom bush button and remote start system. I just need to figure out how to remotely power on a arduino so it doesn't drain the battery when it is sitting.

Page 20 and 21 of that owners manual explains it. Basically, when you leave the car for valet parking, you can lock the glove compartment and trunk with the main key. Then leave the valet key to the parking attendant. Then the parking attendant can't unlock the glove compartment and trunk with the valet key.

The buttons are not buttons. They are visual indicators to show if the seat back is not properly latched. That's why they pop UP to show you a bright orange ring when the latches are released.

Ya know, @Jarsyl so far, folks have been pretty darn patient with you.

But, it's time for you to ....... :sign0012:


:)


humfrz

I agree w/ the "read the manual" comments; the buttons aren't broken and the seats ARE designed so that a person who's been given permission to the drive the car w/ the valet key (in other words, a valet) can NOT access anything you have stored in your trunk or locked glove compartment. The only way to lower your seat is via the pull straps behind the seat in the trunk.

Having said that, I don't like the design either. My 325i had a similar collapsible back seat feature, but there were latches accessible at the same spot our buttons are located that DID lower the seatback from the interior of the car. It was a four-door; lowering the seat was very convenient and I used that feature constantly. Since the FR-S LOOKED like it worked the same way, I was a little surprised to find out it didn't, and you needed to go spelunking in the trunk to pull two latches. The workaround is to route those two straps so that they go around the sides of the seat and into the passenger compartment when you put the seat up. It's a little tricky, but it's possible. Then you can lower the seat from inside the car easily, but it's a hassle putting the seat back UP if you want to keep the straps accessible from the inside.

I don't understand the concept of a valet, and avoid having to use them like the plague. If I go someplace that REQUIRES valet service, I don't go there again, ever, and usually drive away and go someplace the first time they "require" it unless I have company in the car and have promised them we'll be going to whatever establishment I'm at. How many of you would walk up to a total stranger and hand them $20,000, regardless of ANY assurances they gave you? I'm not about to hand over my cars to anyone, period.

Now, just in case I upset any valets in our listening audience, as a musician I have been forced to use valet service at some of the clubs, casinos, and other show venues I've performed, and have NEVER had a problem. I just don't like it, that's all. It's nothing personal.

Best to all. Time to make the doughnuts.

Barry

I agree with you, although I do want it to be secure. A better solution is what Honda does with the Accord (or at least did in 2004, the one in our home fleet). The back seat opens either with a latch in the trunk or with the non-valet key in the inside of the car (lock is above the rear seat).

I pretty much avoid it myself and typically avoid places that require it. That said, the hospital system where I work does offer it, for free, to patients and their families, which I think is a nice touch and is a big win with the patients.

Pop the covers off and pulling them up is the only way, because they aren't buttons.

A part of the strap stuck?