The "Recliner" handle on my Driver seat broke

[sodjer6]

So there I was, thought I'd lean back and enjoy the stars through my moon roof while waiting for a train. I grabbed the handle to lean my seat back and the stupid thing snapped off. Does anyone know where I can get a new one and if I can install it myself, I’m fed up talking to the Dealer, they want me to bring it in so they can "look" at it, and charge me an estimate fee. Any help would be appreciated!
Thanks!!

 

[Okrazie1]

Look Dead Link Removed for a writeup on the lever replacement.

 

[dogfriend]

been there, done that

Mine broke last year. Its not difficult to replace. The link above shows it pretty well. I removed the whole seat from the truck and put it on a bench so I wouldn't have to bend over while working on it.

The new lever is redesigned so it will be harder to break it. The new one cost $71.68 plus tax.

I'm pretty sure there is a TSB for this problem which identifies the new design.

 

[Alec]

and if you don't want to get the parts from your dealer try torrie @ www.fordpartsnetwork.com

 

[DarkFox1]

happens all the time, ford says its a poor design.. you seen them do anything about it? NO mine broke off once.. they replaced it for like $80 or something, dont even remember but it was an expensive fix for what it does.

After I got it back I looked at it, the writeup probablly says this, but I found the reason it was doing that was cos when you get out you sort of.. slide down the side of the seat and it bends it slowly.. so I bent mine away from the seat, no problems since.

 

[dogfriend]

Originally posted by DarkFox1
happens all the time, ford says its a poor design.. you seen them do anything about it?

After I got it back I looked at it, the writeup probablly says this, but I found the reason it was doing that was cos when you get out you sort of.. slide down the side of the seat and it bends it slowly.. so I bent mine away from the seat, no problems since.

Actually, they did do something about it, they redesigned the lever. They just decided to charge money for it. If I remember correctly, the TSB mentioned that it would be replaced under the 36mo warrenty if you were fortunate enough to have it break in the first 3 years.

Also, in the TSB they mentioned that the problem was due to the customer putting weight on the lever and bending it repeatedly. In other words, it was the customer's fault because they weren't using it correctly (my interpretation).

I agree with you, it was a poor design. Whomever designed it didn't account for the fact that the customers have to enter and exit the vehicle. The lever is right in the way.

Also, keep in mind that the whole seat (lever and all) was probably designed by an outside design house/supplier. This doesn't excuse the poor design, but makes it easier to comprehend how this could happen. The guy designing the lever was working on a seat, not a truck. He probably didn't consider the problem of someone entering or exiting the truck or at least, didn't spend much time on it.

 

[newdiamond]

i have this problem and haven't bothered to fix it, i was able to adjust the seat by pulling up on the handle release with the back of a hammer and was able to adjust the seat back to where i wanted it.