3rd Row (Driver Side) Seat Latch

[dinom]

Hi all.

Just picked up our new Sterling LTD on Friday. It's great so far, but have a question about the manual 3rd row seat latch. From the fully flat position, the driver side latch is much more difficult to disengage than the passenger side. Also, the drivers side sticks up about 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch above the passager side when flat. To disengage, you have to push down first (pretty hard) then pull up on the handle. By comparison, the passenger side is smooth and extremely easy to unlatch without having to push down, etc.

Anyone else have a similar issue? I'm having the dealer look at it next week when I get the splash guards installed, but just wanted to see if anyone else is experiencing something similar. I tried a seach, but only found info on the second row latch (a TSB is out for that I think).

Thanks,
Dino

 

[RandyH2]

My mistake- mine applies to the second row seats. I'll have to check the third row.

 

[JAZNY]

I have this same issue. Third row, left side. Very hard to unlatch from full-flat position.

 

[dinom]

Thanks for the replies.

Anyone else?

 

[FordService]

Hi all.

Just picked up our new Sterling LTD on Friday. It's great so far, but have a question about the manual 3rd row seat latch. From the fully flat position, the driver side latch is much more difficult to disengage than the passenger side. Also, the drivers side sticks up about 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch above the passager side when flat. To disengage, you have to push down first (pretty hard) then pull up on the handle. By comparison, the passenger side is smooth and extremely easy to unlatch without having to push down, etc.

Anyone else have a similar issue? I'm having the dealer look at it next week when I get the splash guards installed, but just wanted to see if anyone else is experiencing something similar. I tried a seach, but only found info on the second row latch (a TSB is out for that I think).

Thanks,
Dino

I’m sorry to hear you’re having difficulties with the seat latch, and I’d like to offer my assistance to get the concern resolved. So I can do this, please send me a PM with your VIN, approximate mileage, and dealer name.

JAZNY, I’d like to assist you as well, but I already have your vehicle information from previous communications, so message me if you’d like my help.

Cory

 

[dinom]

Thanks Cory, PM just sent!

 

[JAZNY]

Thanks Cory,

I PM'ed you.

To make things more interesting, for my XLT ,when both of the 3rd row seats are in the "up" position, the top of the drivers side seat is about 1/2" lower than the passenger side seat top.

 

[FordService]

dinom & JAZNY,

Thank you for sending your information. I’m currently trying to catch up from a computer system error and I don’t want you to think I’m ignoring you. Thank you so much for your patience.

Cory

 

[dinom]

Just an update on this. My wife brought the X in to get this looked at, and apparently this is a "feature" of this model. They brought my wife to see several other Explorers they had on the lot, and all of them exhibited this issue where the left latch was harder to disengage, and needed to be pushed down a bit first. The left seat was also raised up a bit like on ours when in full flat position.

I'm going to live with it since it's not that bad once you know how to work it. They claim there are no adjustments that can be made, so it is what it is.

Dino

 

[peterk9]

FYI, I have the power fold 3rd row seats and when in the down position, they are perfectly flat and even.

 

[dinom]

Well, OK. I realize the power seat option is a different beast. But thanks for your input.

FYI, I have the power fold 3rd row seats and when in the down position, they are perfectly flat and even.

 

[dco43054]

Just an update on this. My wife brought the X in to get this looked at, and apparently this is a "feature" of this model. They brought my wife to see several other Explorers they had on the lot, and all of them exhibited this issue where the left latch was harder to disengage, and needed to be pushed down a bit first. The left seat was also raised up a bit like on ours when in full flat position.

Mine both take the same amount of effort - and it's not excessive.

One thing I did do was catch one of the "flat" panels that comes down behind the second row seats, on an item sitting on the second row, when I rolled the third row. It kept the panel from aligning and it was probably a 1/2 or more higher than the second row, and the other panel. I looked at it and found the support underneat was sitting on top of the hook on the floor of the Ex that it engages.

So I moved the obstruction, rolled the seat the other way a little, and then flipped it back down. Everything aligned again.

 

[new to ford]

Thanks for the replies.

Anyone else?

Yes, I have exactly the same issue since day one: driver side third row laying flat is more difficult to unlatch compared to the passenger side. It seems to be slight better now after two months from delivery. IT hasn't been a big deal yet, so I am on the fence regarding having the dealership "fix" it...