The most common problem with a Honda Accord rear seat that won’t fold down is a stuck or broken release lever. However, there are a few other issues that could prevent the seat from folding properly. The good news is that in most cases, this can be fixed easily by the owner.
Common Causes Of A Stuck Rear Seat
There are a few common reasons why your Honda Accord rear seat may get stuck and won’t fold down properly:
- Jammed Seat Release Lever
- Obstruction Behind the Seat
- Trapped Seat Belt
- Wrong Release Lever
- Mechanical Failure
Jammed Seat Release Lever
A jammed or broken seat release lever is the most likely culprit. This is the lever that can be found on the side or top of the back seat. If it is stuck or broken, the seat will not fold down when pulled. To release the lever, try moving it back and forth forcefully.
Obstruction Behind the Seat
A stray item left on the rear floor or wedged between the seat and backrest can sometimes prevent the seat from fully folding down. Remove any items that are blocking the seat.
Trapped Seat Belt
If a rear seat belt got tucked into the crevice of the seat, it could hold the seatback upright. Pull out any stuck belts before attempting to fold the seat again.
Wrong Release Lever
On older Hondas, there are separate levers for folding the seat bottom forward and lowering the backrest. Make sure you are pulling the correct lever before assuming it’s broken.
Mechanical Failure
It’s possible the release mechanism or hinges have suffered mechanical failure from wear and tear or damage. This would require professional repair or part replacement.
How To Fold Down Honda Accord Rear Seats?
If your Honda Accord rear seat won’t fold down after checking for obstructions and release lever issues, try these steps:
- Use the Trunk Release
- Check Under the Rear Deck
- Move the Front Seats Forward
- Remove the Rear Headrests
- Use the In-Cabin Release
Use the Trunk Release
Many Hondas have back seat fold down latches accessible inside the trunk. Open the trunk and look for a fabric loop or strap on the left and right sides. Pull it to release the seat back.
Check Under the Rear Deck
On some models, the latch is under the plastic trim behind the seat back. Remove the trim cover to access the lever and fold the seat from inside the trunk.
Move the Front Seats Forward
To allow the rear seat more room to fold down, move the front seats all the way forward. This prevents obstruction from the front seat backs.
Remove the Rear Headrests
Detach the rear headrests completely before folding the seat. Otherwise, they could hit and block the backrest from lowering completely.
Use the In-Cabin Release
Using the release lever inside the rear passenger area is the most common way to fold the seats. But make sure no seat belts or cargo are restricting it.
How To Fix A Stuck Honda Accord Rear Seat?
If your Honda Accord rear seat is stuck and won’t fold down after trying all other solutions, here are some repair tips:
- Lubricate the Release Mechanism
- Check for Damage
- Replace the Release Cable
- Adjust the Latch Striker
Lubricate the Release Mechanism
The release lever may be stiff from lack of use. Try lubricating it with a penetrating oil like WD-40. Work the lever back and forth to loosen it up.
Check for Damage
Inspect the seat hinges and lever for any visible damage. Broken parts will need to be replaced. You may need to visit a repair shop for this.
Replace the Release Cable
Over time, the cable that connects the release lever to the latching mechanism can become stretched or disconnected. Replacing the cable should fix this issue.
Adjust the Latch Striker
If the seat latches are misaligned, the backrest may not fold down completely. An adjustment to the striker location is needed to fix this.
How Do You Put The Back Seat Down In A Honda Accord?
Make sure there are no objects on the rear seats of a Honda Accord before folding them down. Then, open the trunk and look for the seat release lever, which is usually located near the trunk hinges on the left and right sides.
To release the seat back, pull the lever up and forward. While holding the lever, push the seat forward into the trunk. Some models also have a release located inside the rear passenger compartment. Pull it while squeezing the seat back. Check that the seat belts are not caught and prevent the seat from folding.
Why Do Car Seats Not Fold Flat?
Due to design and packaging constraints, most car rear seats do not fold completely flat. Under the seats are the seat bottom cushions, backrest cushions, and rear suspension towers. The fold-down angles are optimized by automakers to maximize cargo space while working around those components.
Some car seats, however, have thinner cushioning or front seats that slide forward more to allow for a flatter fold. When the seats are folded, high-end luxury SUVs and minivans have more complex designs that allow for a flat cargo floor. However, this comes at the expense of additional weight and cost.
Does The 2013 Honda Accord Back Seat Fold Down?
Yes, the trunk area of the 2013 Honda Accord sedan is accessible from the cabin via 60/40 split folding rear seats. Pull the release lever located at the top of the seat back near the trunk opening to fold down the seats.
This will release the backrest latch. The seat should then be pushed forward and folded flat into the floor. Check that no cargo or seat belts are blocking the backrest. However, the rear seat of the Accord coupe does not fold.
Can The Back Seat In 2016 Honda Accord Fold Down?
The rear seats of the 2016 Honda Accord sedan fold down to increase trunk space. The trunk contains handles for releasing the backrests. Pull the left or right handle to lower the seat back on that side.
After that, the seat bottom will fold forward. To allow the seat to fold completely flat, the headrests may need to be removed first. This feature makes it easier to transport large items. However, the Accord coupe lacks fold-down rear seats once more.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Fold The Rear Seats In A Honda Civic?
Civics have a release lever in the trunk, located in the upper corners by the hinges. Pull the lever while pushing down on the seat back to fold it.
Why Won’t My CR-V Rear Seats Fold Down Completely?
Check that the middle seat belt is unbuckled and retracted so it doesn’t block the backrest. Also remove rear headrests before folding.
What’s The Proper Way To Raise The Rear Seats Up?
Lift the seat back until it latches into place securely. Make sure cargo or seat belts are not obstructing it from locking upright.
How Can I Fold A Side Rear Seat Independently?
Most models require both sides to be folded in unison. But some do allow independent operation from the in-cabin levers or latches in the trunk.
Do All Honda Rear Seats Fold Down The Same Way?
While the general release mechanisms are similar, exact operation can vary between models. Refer to your owner’s manual if unsure.
Conclusion
The fix for a stuck Honda Accord rear seat that won’t fold down is usually simple. In most cases, simply removing an obstruction or lubricating a stiff lever will restore proper seat folding. However, significant damage or wear may necessitate the use of replacement parts and professional repair. Refer to this guide to troubleshoot the problem or to determine when to seek professional assistance. Fold-down rear seats that work properly make it easier to transport cargo and passengers.
I hope this in-depth article on repairing a Honda Accord rear seat that won’t fold down was informative and authoritative. If you have any further questions, please let me know!
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