How to fold seats down from inside the car? Help?
 

Hi, so I brought my car into a body shop and when I got it back the trunk wouldn't open by holding the trunk release button on the key or inside the car. My assumption is that he may have accidentally pressed the trunk safe mode, the little button on the left. I have lost my actual key to unlock the trunk, so I cannot open it that way. I'm thinking that I need to fold down my seats and press the button somehow. Anyone have any ideas?

Thanks

That’s a good question.

I’d probably disassemble the rear seats as much as you can can to reach the back seat straps, and then push the button.

Easiest way to do it is to remove the two black pieces, one on each side of the back seat, then pull each pin inside at the same time. Or pull one then reach for the other, doesn't matter. Once it's down, push the trunk lock button and you'll be good to go.

You can squeeze your hands in the crack to the left and right side of the back seat, feel around for the pulls you can grab them and pull them through the cracks, pull both and you can get the seats down from the inside.

This is historically what I've done.

I think I'll attach some kind of lanyard to both pulls and slide them through to the cabin to make it easier.

It surprises me that the simple way of doing it isn't common knowledge by now.

Grab the black plastic trim surrounding the lock mechanism on the top corner of the rear seatback. Pull it up. It snaps right off. The pull up on the red-colored peg to release the seat. Then just snap the cover back on. It's that simple.

Or there is the even easier method of taking a small blade flat screwdriver, push it against the little bit of red that shows and lightly levering the seat closed indicator up. This releases the latch. Don't even need to take the trim off. I hate taking off trim unless I absolutely have to since I have broken far too many pieces in the past.

Don’t be me story:

My frs had its trunk replaced by the previous owner because a tree fell on it. The trunk keyhole was not rekeyed.

Something shifted and hit the valet button in my trunk.

I was locked out and thought I was SOL. No trunk for me.

But, there’s a simple solution: pry off the black plastic surrounding the backseat release indicators from the interior of the car. You can then pull up on the round indicators to fold down the back seat. Climb through your backseat to hit the valet button and voila, your trunk works again.

So don’t be me, or if you become me, read this and take less time to figure it out than I did.

Or just reach your hand beside the seat and pull the straps.

Or remove the spare tire drain plug and snake your way to the straps with a bore scope with one of those grabber things.

Maybe get a locksmith to open the trunk for you via the lock?

I imagine you've got it open by now one way or another, but you might get a key made or bypass the switch. I found out the hard way a two liter bottle of soda rolling around is at exactly the correct height to hit that button.

You can just ram your hands through around the seat, or pop the trim off the indicators and pull them up? Both solutions are quick, easy, and free. As opposed to a locksmith who you need to find, wait for (or set an appointment with), and pay. :bellyroll:

It'd be funny to watch the locksmith pop the caps on the seat back and pull up the buttons. "There you go. $150.00, please."