Problem With Automatic Third Row Seat

[Rocketfan]

I have a 2011 Explorer 4WD LTD and last week when trying to stow the third row seat, the left hand seat would not stow or do anything other than be stuck in the seat position but with the chair back tilted forward (so it is not useful at all). No matter what button I push for this, the left hand seat moves, appears to think something is blocking it, and then goes back to the unusable seat position.

I have checked for obstructions (none) and hope I am just being stupid and missing something obvious so I can avoid a costly trip to the dealer. The electronically stowable seats are really cool until they don't work (I wish I had manually stowable seats now).

 

[peterk9]

I have a 2011 Explorer 4WD LTD and last week when trying to stow the third row seat, the left hand seat would not stow or do anything other than be stuck in the seat position but with the chair back tilted forward (so it is not useful at all). No matter what button I push for this, the left hand seat moves, appears to think something is blocking it, and then goes back to the unusable seat position.

I have checked for obstructions (none) and hope I am just being stupid and missing something obvious so I can avoid a costly trip to the dealer. The electronically stowable seats are really cool until they don't work (I wish I had manually stowable seats now).

I had a problem with mine as well. They are usually in the stowed position. One day I took the cargo liner out and hit the button to bring both seats up. The right seat wasn't fully going into the upright position and when I hit the stow button, they didn't both fold down. I tried it a few times with different results but not the proper ones. I then did them one at a time and they worked as they should. Played with the toggle switches a few times and again did them individually with no problem. I them tried them both at the same time and presto, no more problems. I haven't tried them in a couple of weeks but hope they are still working.

Peter

 

[foxtemple]

I had a very similar problem [I think]. The problem with mine was that a piece of carpet was getting caught in the way. My dealer said it was a known issue and they quickly repaired it. I'm not sure if there is a TSB. The funny thing was that the carpet was never in the way before and then one day it got itself in the way. I haven't had any problems with the third row ever since. Hope this helps and you get your problem resolved.

 

[FordService]

I have a 2011 Explorer 4WD LTD and last week when trying to stow the third row seat, the left hand seat would not stow or do anything other than be stuck in the seat position but with the chair back tilted forward (so it is not useful at all)...

Hi Rocketfan,

You may want to give Peter and foxtemple's suggestions a try. As you know, your dealership will be happy to assist you as well. Keep me in the loop; if you need my help, just send a PM my way.

...Played with the toggle switches a few times and again did them individually with no problem. I them tried them both at the same time and presto, no more problems...

...The problem with mine was that a piece of carpet was getting caught in the way. My dealer said it was a known issue and they quickly repaired it. I'm not sure if there is a TSB. The funny thing was that the carpet was never in the way before and then one day it got itself in the way. I haven't had any problems with the third row ever since. Hope this helps and you get your problem resolved.

Great suggestions, Peter and foxtemple!

Crystal