Step 1: Prepare the vehicle.
- Park the vehicle on a level surface and turn off the engine.
- Engage the parking brake and chock the wheels to prevent the vehicle from rolling.
- If your vehicle has a rear center armrest, open it and remove the contents if present.
Step 2: Locate the release levers.
- On the left and right sides of the rear footwells, you will find the seat release levers.
- These levers are typically black or gray and have a red pull tab.
Step 3: Pull the release levers.
- While pressing down on the rear seat, firmly pull the release levers.
- This can require a bit of force.
Step 4: Fold down the seatbacks.
- Once the release levers are pulled, the seatbacks will automatically fold down.
Step 5: Disconnect the seatbelts (if necessary)
- For some models, you may need to disconnect the seatbelts from the rear seats.
- You may need a torx screwdriver for this.
Step 6: Remove the headrests.
- You will need to remove the headrests, which are adjustable in height.
- To do so, pull on the headrest upwards until it comes out.
Step 7: Remove the seat cushion.
- The seat cushion is held in place by plastic clips along the front and rear of the seat.
- Start at the front, pull the cushion straight up, disconnect any remaining seat belt buckles and set the cushion aside.
Step 8: Remove the rear seat.
- Lift the rear seat by the front edge and pull it out of the car.
- Note that the seat is quite heavy, so this might be a two-person job.
To reinstall the rear seat, simply follow these steps in reverse order. Make sure to engage the locking mechanisms on the seatbacks and connect any disconnected seatbelts or wiring before driving the car.
