3rd row seat won't fold down

[CloneNum3]

Am I doing something wrong? I’ve done everything I can think of but I can’t get the seat backs of the 3rd row to fold down. I folded the second row down and forward, pulled the seat cushion up and forward leaving only the seat back but the back won’t fold down and I can’t find any levers at all. The manual is no help either. Any ideas? I just bought the car, used, and the sales person couldn’t figure it out either. I’m guessing it’s broken but figured I’d ask in case someone had an idea.

[98RKC]

On mine, an 04, you have to make sure the seat bottom is all the way flat in the footwell. It hits a lever that allows the seat back to fold forward.
Hope this helps.

[CloneNum3]

I see two hooks that rotate with the seat bottom that comes out but nothing is attached. I don't even see where they could possibly attach to. I'm about ready to unscrew and remove these seats because having over 100 cubic/ft if space is useless if there are to big seatbacks preventing you from using it.

any help is appreciated.

[98RKC]

Mine is home in my garage, I'll check it out when I get home and try to help you get these working. Does the back fold at all? It doesn't fold down flush, more like it becomes a ramp.

[CloneNum3]

It doesn't fold down at all. Doesn't move.

[98RKC]

Here is a picture of mine folded down (passenger side)
Do you have the metal rod (circled in green)? It releases something in the seat back that allows it to fold down otherwise it is in a locked up position.

[CloneNum3]

That would be the problem. Mine is missing on both sides. I took the cover off both sides and hooked up a pull cord so I can release the seats. That will have to work until I get those bars replaced.

Thank you... problem solved for now.

[98RKC]

Wow, glad I could help. I wonder why the previous owner removed them (or what happened to the truck to have them gone?)

[CloneNum3]

It was leased for two years, sold at a GMAC auction, then I bought it from the guy who won the auction. It has over 74k miles but still in near perfect shape (though your looks like it IS in perfect shape from the pic) so I'm finding a few little things here and there. The only major things were the rear seats (I'm ok with the fix I did) and the rear drivers window won't go down. The used car dealer I bought it from said he'd have that fixed for me after the holiday.

Thanks again.

[98RKC]

Got it, well I'm glad I was able to help out.
Have a safe holiday.
John

[jetmech767]

Thats funny because I bought mine used from a leasing company and I could not figure out how to get the seats down either come to find out I am missing both of those release rods to.