'01 3rd row seat locked in place -- how to remove?

[JDerstine]

I went to take out my 3rd seat in my '01 2500 LT suburban and the handle on the back of the seat does not move at all. Looking in the back of the vehicle, this handle is on the far right side.

 

The first step is to pull lever 1 and fold the seat front. The grab lever 2 and lift to "roll" seat forward to remove.

 

I can't get past step 1 and I really need to remove it.

 

Any ideas short of a sawzall ?

 

Thanks

Jeff

[frupp]

The steps you describe are correct and just like on my Suburban. Lever 1 is connected to the seat back locks by a cable. If the lever moves up, but the seat back won't fold forward, it sounds like the cable is broken or disconnected.

 

If the lever won't move up at all, something is jammed. Try wiggling the seat back while pulling the lever up.

 

If it won't move at all regardless of what you do, you might be able to remove the plastic covers where the seatback locks in place (one on each side) and manually release the locking mechanism.

 

Good luck.

 

Frank

[JDerstine]

Thank you Frank. I will be trying this after dinner.

 

Hopefully I'll be instead of

 

Jeff

[JDerstine]

I got the 3rd row seat out. I tried the "shake and rattle" while pulling on lever 1, but it still wouldn't unlatch.

 

I went to the front of the seat and unsnapped the upholstery under the bottom of the seat. I found the cables underneath and pulled on them until I heard it unlatch.( numerous tries until it worked)

 

Lever 1 worked and the seat folded forward. Lever 2 worked and "pull 3" let me remove the seat.

 

I'm happy again

[frupp]

Jeff, glad to hear you got it out. It makes a gret carrying space when removed.

 

While it is out you may want to adjust the cables to make sure they move and fully release, etc., when you pull on Lever 1.

 

Frank