Passenger Active Headrest (SRS) Deployed on Bumpy Road – How to Reset / Open Locking
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2026
Posts: 2
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GLK280
Passenger Active Headrest (SRS) Deployed on Bumpy Road – How to Reset / Open Locking
Hi all!
Im looking for some guidance regarding the NECK-PRO headrest on my 2009 GLK280.
While driving at moderate speed over a very bumpy road, the passenger side headrest deployed out of nowhere, with no other systems or airbag lights coming up with it.
I've removed it for inspection and found out that it didnt deploy, but a plastic housing inside it broke and released a little metal bar that attaches to the trigger mechanism, releasing the spring tension.
I bought a new plastic thing online (thanks aliexpress) but cant reassembly the whole thing as the metal hook remains closed.
Ia there a way to trigger it open or manually open that latch to fix it up?
Thanks all in advance!!
Im looking for some guidance regarding the NECK-PRO headrest on my 2009 GLK280.
While driving at moderate speed over a very bumpy road, the passenger side headrest deployed out of nowhere, with no other systems or airbag lights coming up with it.
I've removed it for inspection and found out that it didnt deploy, but a plastic housing inside it broke and released a little metal bar that attaches to the trigger mechanism, releasing the spring tension.
I bought a new plastic thing online (thanks aliexpress) but cant reassembly the whole thing as the metal hook remains closed.
Ia there a way to trigger it open or manually open that latch to fix it up?
Thanks all in advance!!
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2025
Posts: 784
Likes: 249
From: USA
The latch is a one-time mechanical lock. You can't reset it. The small metal hook must be pried or forced open with a small flathead screwdriver to release the tension bar. Be careful, as the spring is strong. Once open, you can reassemble with your new plastic piece. Many people just replace the entire headrest with a used one from a junkyard, as forcing the latch can be tricky.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2026
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
GLK280
The latch is a one-time mechanical lock. You can't reset it. The small metal hook must be pried or forced open with a small flathead screwdriver to release the tension bar. Be careful, as the spring is strong. Once open, you can reassemble with your new plastic piece. Many people just replace the entire headrest with a used one from a junkyard, as forcing the latch can be tricky.
I really wanted to try making it work so I started tinkering with it instead of buying a used headrest, and I have to say that I did it!!! good news everyone!!
My headrest did not deploy, the internal plastic housing that connects to the latch broke, leaving the spring tension win... which has the same effect but a very different way to fix.
I found a new part online on AliExpress (look for headrest fixed bracket for mercedes benz) and dissassembled the whole thing with a prying Tool and a torx key, probably t10.
to release the latch, simulating an activation, i VERY BRIEFLY touched the contacts with a 12v LED driver, touching the black wire with the driver black wire and the GREEN wire with the driver RED driver (very important), which made it pop violently (as intended).
i reassembled it all, including the cloth protection and layed the headrest on the floor, soft side down. then started applying my body weight to it at an angle (think down + front at the same time), until it clicked back in place. do not go full force, slow and steady goes a long way.
I'm confident that it still works. i tested the latch a couple times and as long as the springs are good and the plastic housing isnt damaged it should work.
that's it, hope it helps!
