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