How to fix a Broken Rear Seat Release Latch: VW, MKIV, DIY
77
How to fix that back seat latch
Recently while picking up a fish tank my lovely v-dub decided to give me another unwelcome surprise by not allowing the back seat to fold down. When I pulled up on the latch it just felt disconnected and refused to release. So if you are having the same problem here is a quick diy. It will work with all MKIV Jettas, GTI's, and Golfs. Does it ever end with these cars!!
As with all my diy's I called my local VW/Audi stealership to see how much they would charge to fix this problem. I could not get a direct answer but the quote was, $115 for diagnostics + parts + labor = Do it yourself for under six dollars!
Tools & Parts for the Job
This DIY only requires two tools.
- Flathead Screwdriver
- Replacement latch
The replacement latch can be bought online or from a vw dealership. I bought mine at the dealership for $5.88 so this will is a very inexpensive repair if you choose to do-it-yourself.The part number is 1J0-885-643-E, you will also need the color code, for black the color code is B41, Grey is U71, Beige is Q70. The parts department should be able to help you out using the part number listed above.
Removing the broken seat latch
This is the easy part. Pull directly up and pull it hard. It is stuck in there with two pretty sturdy prongs so it will require a bit of force. Don't worry about breaking it.
Once it releases, completely pull that piece out. That is the piece you will be replacing (known as the rod). In the picture below, you will notice how one of the prongs has broken off the end of the rod. That is what has been keeping the latch from releasing the seat.
Tip: Only pull out the handle, do not try to pull out the whole plastic cup as it will likely break. If you do manage to break it don't worry it is only another five dollars.
Releasing the rear seat latch using a screwdriver
This part can be a little tricky, but after a little bit of trial and error the back seat will release. I also recommend folding the other (working) seat down and taking a look at the latch to see how it works.
- Slide your screwdriver in to the hole above the round ring that the latch connects to.
- Try to work your way under the latch mechanism buy pushing forward and up with the screwdriver while pushing forward on the seat.
This may take a few try's, but after you've done it a few times it's pretty easy, and it really helps to try it on the working seat side first to see how the latch releases.
Attaching the New Handle/Rod
I found this part to be a little tricky too. The best method that I found to do this is to get into the back seat with it folded down.
- Insert your new handle/Rod
- Put a finger or two in the little hole and pull the latch up as far as you can.
- With your other hand press down hard onto the handle till it pops back into the latching mechanism.
Look at the pictures to the right for a better explanation. In the first picture that is how you want to pull up the latch lever. In the second picture you can see the end of the Rod (circled in red) and the latch outlined in green. Pull up on the green part and push hard till the prongs in red pop through.
Now give yourself a pat on the back and grab a beer! I think I made this easy enough to follow, but if you have any questions just leave them in the comment section.
More Audi & Volkswagon DIY'S
- How to Change Spark Plugs & Coils
- Fuel filter DIY MKIV
- How to Clean the Throttle Body
- Boost Gauge Installation 1.8t Jetta/GTI
- How to Clean or Replace MAF Sensor
- Replacing the Climate Control Light Bulb
- How to locate a burnt out coil with-out Vag-Com
- Inner Tie Rod DIY WV/Audi MKIV A4
- Temperature Sensor DIY Audi/VW MKIV
- Broken wire harness connection Jetta Golf GTI DIY
- Replacing the Intake Manifold Gasket 1.8t VW
- Cheap Mods, Cutting Down Shift Rod
- Cheap Mods, Removing Sun Visor Decals
CommentsLoading...
Greg,
I had the part number before and after searching and searching I still can't find it. If you call the dealership with the rod number listed above they can pull up a diagram in etka that will have that part number. Sorry I couldn't be more help. Once I get my computer with etka running again I'll post it here for future inquiries.
Great post--very helpful! Thanks for putting this up--you saved me $100.00
Both of mine were broken and I was able to replace the passenger side. I need to go back for the driver side one because the I did not realize that there are different rods for each side.
Muchos gracias.
Thanks Jason I'm glad I could help.
good DYI. do you have for a door switch/sensor?
Worked so easy, effortless almost. I had never planned on fixing this since I assumed it'd be costly and near impossible. Best $7 I ever spent! Thanks for the write-up.
Hey so mines locked closed(I dont know how to open it) and the handle plastics are gone. How do I open it and them proceed with these steps?
Jeff,
I figure even with a lock on it the steps above would work to get the seat down.
can you put the key in the lock, unlock it then use a screwdriver like above? I would think that the lock would only effect the handle so valet drivers could not get in your trunk, I don't think it would effect the latch.
Take down the side of the seat that works and see if you can move the latch up and down with your fingers, if so, you should be able to get the other side down with a screw driver.
Thanks Scott, I'm glad I could help.
Sorry Jay I just noticed your comment, If your talking about the drivers side door latch, no I don't have a diy, If it's going crazy and unlocking, randomly locking, setting off the alarm while your driving, I'd recommend biting the bullet and taking it to VW. I think it was a pretty common problem on 2001 jettas. I had that problem, took the door apart, opened the devise, tried to solder the pins. It was such a pain in the a** needless to say it didn't work. But if you'd like to try it I knows there's Diy's out there somewhere. You also have to buy a special bit to uncrew the latch box from the door.
Could you please clarify what model VW you have? From the pictures I'm thinking it is a hatch back.
I have a 2006 Jetta sedan with one rear seat release latch that has failed. I can't get at the latch to try to manually release it without removing parts. I'm not sure if removing the piece between the seat and door woudl even give me access.
Thanks for any suggestion you could give.
Hi Kim,
I'm not sure about a 2006 MKV, this is for MKIV models (1999-2005) but I'm sure the latch assembly is somewhat the same. Some times you just have to get in there and tinker with it for a while till you can get it loose.
Sorry I can't be more of a help. One of my neighbors has a MKV jetta so if I see her I'll ask to check out her trunk (that sounds a little dirty) and see if I can be more of a help.
Text and photos quite concise and clear. Very nicely done. I just repaired my GTI. Thanks.
ps This sort of thing is the best of the internet.
When I did a little troubleshooting, I found that the prongs on the end of the rod were not broken. I could snap it back into the latch, but the shoulders of the prongs were rounded enough that it would pop loose on every third or fourth pull. The new one is tight.
THANK YOU SO MUCH. You saved me over $200. I called the VW dealership.. their quote 2.5 hours @ $115 per hour for labour plus parts. It too me 15 minutes and $4.88 for the part. The best tip i coudl give is fold the seat that does work to see how it works. That'll give you a good idea where to press on the seat that does not work. Many thats.
Irene,
I'm glad it helped. It is ridiculous how much the dealership charges for some of these simple repairs.
I was hoping to get a bit more info on how to get the seat latch to release now that I have the broken rod safely removed. I only have access to the latch from the latch cup on the top of the seat back. The back of the seat latch access is hidden when my seat is in the locked upright position.
Is it possible to get the seat down at this stage of the game??
Help, Please!
I read somewhere that you can try and hook a hanger into the hole where the original prongs go and try to pull up, but I'm not about to go outside and break my seat latch to test this theory out.
Even though the wheel well is in the way you still should be able to slide a screwdriver in from the side and push the latch up.
Thanks for the write up! I used a small angle tip prybar with a screwdriver type handle and it was smooth sailing following your instructions. It took me longer to get a carseat in and out than to replace the latch itself.
Thank you so much. I didn't remove or replace the latch yet, but I needed to get the seat folded down today. It took me less than two minutes to pop the latch. I agree with the above poster, this kind of thing really is the best of the internet.
Thanks guys, I'm glad this article is helping.
Just wanted to say thanks for an awesome clear guide. I just used this guide to fix a 2005 skoda fabia. Simple clear instructions made this a five minute job
Great DIY! Thanks, my car's latch has been broken for years and I didn't want to spend the cash to repair it.
As most above, this DIY was excellent and I'm sure saved me plenty. Had bought my 2000 GTI a short while ago and immediately found this problem to be a nuisance. Also, when I did get the seat down I found the hook on car wall [that keeps the seat from popping out] was not engaged so fixed that too. What a pain trying to get that thing locked in such a confined space. Cheers!
Greg 2 years ago
Thanks for the guide, I was pretty pissed at myself when my seatbelt got stuck in the latch and I accidentally ripped the whole rod and cup out. You wouldn't happen to know what the part number for the cup is would you?