Ford Escape: Front Seats / Removal and Installation - Front Seat Backrest

Removal

  WARNING: The following procedure describes critical repair steps required for correct seat component installation. Follow all notes and steps carefully. Do not place any objects between the seat components and the body of the vehicle, nor any objects within a joint internal to the seat structure. Failure to follow step instructions may result in incorrect operation of the seat components and increases the risk of serious personal injury.

NOTE: Removal steps in this procedure may contain installation details.

1. Remove the front seat.
   Refer to: Front Seat (501-10A Front Seats, Removal and Installation).
   

1. Remove the front seat side shield screws.
   

Passenger seat with manual recline.

1. 
   Remove the front seat recline handle cover.
   
   1. Lift the recline handle.
      
   2. Release the tab.
      
   3. Remove the recline handle cover.
      

1. If equipped with a manual seat track.
   
   1. Firmly grasp the front seat side shield, lift up and out, separating the side shield from the recliner bracket.
      
   2. From underneath the seat, squeeze the retainers together and pull out on the front seat side shield.
      
   3. Slide the front seat side shield forward and remove the front seat side shield.
      

Seats with power seat track

1. 1. Firmly grasp the front seat side shield, lift up and out, separating the side shield from the recliner bracket.
      
   2. Slide the front seat side shield forward and separate the side shield from the seat.
      

1. Disconnect the electrical connector and remove the front seat side shield.
   

All seats

1. Remove the screws and the recline cover.
   

Vehicles with heated seats

1. 1. Detach and disconnect the front seat backrest heater mat electrical connector.
      
   2. Detach and disconnect the front seat backrest heater mat electrical connector.
      
   3. Detach the front seat cushion heater mat wiring harness retainer and position aside.
      

All Seats

1. 1. Detach the front seat backrest cover straps.
      
   2. Position the front seat backrest cover aside.
      

1. 1. Disconnect the side airbag harness electrical connector.
      
   2. Disconnect the front seat harness electrical connector.
      
   3. Detach the front seat wiring harness retainers.
      

1. On both sides.
   Remove the bolts and the front seat backrest.
   Torque: 33 lb.ft (45 Nm)

Installation

All seats

1. To install, reverse the removal procedure.
   

Driver seat

1. NOTE: This step is only necessary when installing a new seat backrest frame with memory seat option.

   Operate the seat backrest in both directions through the full range of travel to set soft stops and avoid a premature stopping point occurrence after the vehicle is returned to the customer.