2010 GL550 middle access seat release broken
09-01-2021, 11:40 PM
#1
Junior Member
Thread Starter
2010 GL550 middle access seat release broken
Hi All,
Finally found a clean, well maintained GL and am having some issues with the rear (middle) passenger side release. Neither the plastic handle nor the emergency release (accessed from 3rd row) cause the seat back to release and fold down. It is stuck in the full reclined position and yes the headrest is all the way down.
What I am feeling is some slight mechanical release but the back is still locked and that prevents folding the seat down and forward to access the 3rd row.
Looks like someone “worked” on it before me as there are some black wire ties on the cables.
Anyone have links or advise on how to remove the seat when stuck in the upright position? Or is this a common thing? (Suspect not as an hour of searching = nada)
TIA!!
Finally found a clean, well maintained GL and am having some issues with the rear (middle) passenger side release. Neither the plastic handle nor the emergency release (accessed from 3rd row) cause the seat back to release and fold down. It is stuck in the full reclined position and yes the headrest is all the way down.
What I am feeling is some slight mechanical release but the back is still locked and that prevents folding the seat down and forward to access the 3rd row.
Looks like someone “worked” on it before me as there are some black wire ties on the cables.
Anyone have links or advise on how to remove the seat when stuck in the upright position? Or is this a common thing? (Suspect not as an hour of searching = nada)
TIA!!
09-02-2021, 08:41 AM
#2
MBWorld Fanatic!
Mine is always "sticky" - I have to wiggle the seatback - sometimes slightly trying to push it further backwards in order for to release and come forward. That's about the only thing I can add as I've investigated further.
09-02-2021, 11:39 AM
#3
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Sleep and light help troubleshooting
getting closer
Hi All,
Finally found a clean, well maintained GL and am having some issues with the rear (middle) passenger side release. Neither the plastic handle nor the emergency release (accessed from 3rd row) cause the seat back to release and fold down. It is stuck in the full reclined position and yes the headrest is all the way down.
What I am feeling is some slight mechanical release but the back is still locked and that prevents folding the seat down and forward to access the 3rd row.
Looks like someone “worked” on it before me as there are some black wire ties on the cables.
Anyone have links or advise on how to remove the seat when stuck in the upright position? Or is this a common thing? (Suspect not as an hour of searching = nada)
TIA!!
Finally found a clean, well maintained GL and am having some issues with the rear (middle) passenger side release. Neither the plastic handle nor the emergency release (accessed from 3rd row) cause the seat back to release and fold down. It is stuck in the full reclined position and yes the headrest is all the way down.
What I am feeling is some slight mechanical release but the back is still locked and that prevents folding the seat down and forward to access the 3rd row.
Looks like someone “worked” on it before me as there are some black wire ties on the cables.
Anyone have links or advise on how to remove the seat when stuck in the upright position? Or is this a common thing? (Suspect not as an hour of searching = nada)
TIA!!
09-02-2021, 06:52 PM
#5
Super Member
Have you tried pulling and holding the lever in the release position, then forcefully persuading the backrest to fold with a back-and-forth rocking motion (left-hand pulling lever; right-hand rocking the backrest)?
This is a mechanical latching mechanism, so it is obviously stuck somehow. Rocking it with some degree of force might slowly disengage the latch holding it closed.
This is a mechanical latching mechanism, so it is obviously stuck somehow. Rocking it with some degree of force might slowly disengage the latch holding it closed.
The following users liked this post:
Yup497 (09-08-2021)
09-04-2021, 10:32 PM
#6
Super Member
Have you tried pulling and holding the lever in the release position, then forcefully persuading the backrest to fold with a back-and-forth rocking motion (left-hand pulling lever; right-hand rocking the backrest)?
This is a mechanical latching mechanism, so it is obviously stuck somehow. Rocking it with some degree of force might slowly disengage the latch holding it closed.
This is a mechanical latching mechanism, so it is obviously stuck somehow. Rocking it with some degree of force might slowly disengage the latch holding it closed.
The following users liked this post:
eric_in_sd (09-06-2021)
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09-05-2021, 09:18 AM
#8
MBWorld Fanatic!
Pedal, I just looked at the video again and I believe you are looking at the wrong spot. The latch you are looking at is the one that allows the entire seat (base and backrest) to flip forward.
09-06-2021, 06:57 PM
#9
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Emmett, ID, USA
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2007 GL450
One of the very first repairs I did was on the seat release lever. The splined shaft was some sort of zinc I think. It was poorly machined and benefited from cleanup with a file.
Vise Grip isn't a bad idea, though. It's adjustable, and plus you always have a spare pair of pliers in the vehicle.
Do you guys have a problem with the 2/3 seat catching the seat belt latch mechanism? I only figured out recently it was digging in to the upholstery. If you reach under and pull it out of the way as you're lowering the seat it's okay. The spring is too stiff I guess.
Vise Grip isn't a bad idea, though. It's adjustable, and plus you always have a spare pair of pliers in the vehicle.
Do you guys have a problem with the 2/3 seat catching the seat belt latch mechanism? I only figured out recently it was digging in to the upholstery. If you reach under and pull it out of the way as you're lowering the seat it's okay. The spring is too stiff I guess.
