Rear Seat Stuck / Can't Access Battery
Thread Starter
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Joined: Aug 2018
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2000 ML55 (current), 2002 C32 (current), 2001 E55 (deceased)
Rear Seat Stuck / Can't Access Battery
I just tried to access the battery. On one side the seat release lever releases the seat easily. On the other side the seat release lever requires more force to move, only moves a tiny bit, and doesn't release the seat. Any ideas?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2004
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From: Seattle WA
99 E320
the seat catches can become jammed in a couple of different ways. try putting your weight down on the stuck
corner of the cushion (or a friend) WHILE you're trying to pull up on plastic release tabs. the other would be
to use your knee and kick the front of the cushion straight back (towards the trunk) while you try manipulating
the plastic release tabs. also, stating the obvious, but just so we're sure: you should be pulling the release
tabs straight up towards the roof
corner of the cushion (or a friend) WHILE you're trying to pull up on plastic release tabs. the other would be
to use your knee and kick the front of the cushion straight back (towards the trunk) while you try manipulating
the plastic release tabs. also, stating the obvious, but just so we're sure: you should be pulling the release
tabs straight up towards the roof
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
2000 ML55 (current), 2002 C32 (current), 2001 E55 (deceased)
Ha! Yes, I was pulling on the plastic push points / release tabs / levers. It just seems that the passenger side lever is a bit sticky.
Apparently I'm not the first person to have trouble with it - I discovered a small tear in the leather right above the release button. Fortunately it's only visible if you're looking to release the seat or less than 3 feet tall.
I manipulated the seat a bit as you suggested, Raymond, and applied a bit more force and was able to get it to pop off. Thanks for the tip.
One problem solved, another discovered. Disconnected the battery to install a new stereo. Apparently I need to run a wire from the cigarette lighter to the wiring harness to get power to the stereo.
Annoyed with Crutchfield for not mentioning that before I bought it.
And annoyed with myself - I broke two tabs off the A pillar trim trying to remove it to install a dashcam hard wire kit. And I never even got the A pillar off or dashcam installed. Just decided to save that for another day.
Feeling a bit defeated right now but tomorrow is a new day.
Apparently I'm not the first person to have trouble with it - I discovered a small tear in the leather right above the release button. Fortunately it's only visible if you're looking to release the seat or less than 3 feet tall.
I manipulated the seat a bit as you suggested, Raymond, and applied a bit more force and was able to get it to pop off. Thanks for the tip.
One problem solved, another discovered. Disconnected the battery to install a new stereo. Apparently I need to run a wire from the cigarette lighter to the wiring harness to get power to the stereo.
Annoyed with Crutchfield for not mentioning that before I bought it.
And annoyed with myself - I broke two tabs off the A pillar trim trying to remove it to install a dashcam hard wire kit. And I never even got the A pillar off or dashcam installed. Just decided to save that for another day.
Feeling a bit defeated right now but tomorrow is a new day.
Last edited by tjc4; Aug 17, 2018 at 12:33 AM.
Junior Member
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1997 E320
