Ford Fiesta: Seating / Front Seat Backrest. Removal and Installation

Special Tool(s) / General Equipment

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: Driver seat shown, passenger seat similar.

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

1. 1. If equipped.
      Disconnect the heated seat electrical connectors and position the wiring harness aside.
      
   2. Disconnect the electrical connector and position the wiring harness aside.
      

1. NOTE: Base seat shown, Recaro seat similar.

   Detach the backrest cover straps and position the backrest cover aside.
   

1. 1. Remove the bolt cover.
      
   2. Remove the bolt.
      
   3. Remove the recline handle.
      

1. 1. If equipped.
      Release the tab and remove the height adjustment handle.
      Use the General Equipment: Flat Headed Screw Driver
   2. Remove the screw.
      
   3. Slide forward and remove the side shield.
      

1. 1. Remove the screw.
      
   2. Pull the recliner cover up then out.
      
   3. Release the clip and remove the recliner cover.
      

1. Remove the bolts and the front seat backrest.
   

Installation

1. Install the front seat backrest and tighten the bolts.
   Torque: 35 lb.ft (48 Nm)

1. 1. Install the recline handle.
      
   2. Tighten the bolt.
      
   3. Push the recline handle fully toward the inboard side of the seat, then release the pressure on the recline handle.
      

1. On both sides, immobilize the recline shaft using the locking pliers clamped to the shaft and flush up against the side of the recliner.
   Use the General Equipment: Locking Pliers

1. If the clearance between the inboard push nut and the bushing exceeds 0.5 mm (0.019 in), install a 0.5 mm (0.019 in) feeler gauge or shim between the inboard push nut and the bushing and slide the inboard push nut tight against the feeler gauge or shim.
   Use the General Equipment: Feeler Gauge

1. 1. Remove the bolt.
      
   2. Remove the recline handle.
      
   • Push the outboard push nut (located behind recline handle) flush to the outboard bushing.
     

1. On both sides. Remove the locking pliers.
   

1. Verify the clearance between the outboard push nut and bushing is between 0.3 mm and 1.0 mm (0.011 in and 0.039 in).
   Use the General Equipment: Feeler Gauge

1. 1. Install the side shield.
      
   2. Install the screw.
      Torque: 27 lb.in (3.0 Nm)
   3. If equipped.
      Install the height adjustment handle.
      

1. 1. Install the recline handle.
      
   2. Tighten the bolt.
      Torque: 35 lb.in (4.0 Nm)
   3. Install the bolt cover.
      

1. 1. Attach the electrical harness to the recliner cover clip.
      
   2. Install the recliner cover.
      
   3. Tighten the screw.
      Torque: 27 lb.in (3.0 Nm)

1. Install the front seat.
   Refer to: Front Seat (501-10 Seating, Removal and Installation).