2010 Cadillac Truck Escalade EXT AWD V8-6.2L Technical Service Bulletin # 10-08-50-004B Date: 120620
Interior - Third Row Seat Won't Release From Floor
TECHNICAL
Bulletin No.: 10-08-50-004B
Date: June 20, 2012
Subject: Third Row Seat(s) Difficult to Remove, Install, Release, Tumble, Fold, Squeak Noise (Perform Repairs as Outlined)
Models:
2007-2013 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV
2007-2013 Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe
2007-2013 GMC Yukon, Yukon Denali, Yukon XL, Yukon XL Denali
All Equipped with Rear Seat RPOs AS3 or AW2
Supercede:
This bulletin is being revised to add the 2013 model year. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 10-08-50-004A (Section 08 - Body and
Accessories).
The intent of this bulletin is to provide diagnostic tips and procedures for some common areas that may cause issues with third row seat operation.
Review both the description of third row seat proper operation, and the list of conditions and corrections, before attempting any repairs.
Exercise the Seat to Ensure Proper Operation
Note
The AS3 RH 3rd row seat includes the seat belt assembly for the center passenger position. As such, the right seat weighs more than the left seat.
The left seat will require more effort pushing down on the rear of the seat to ensure the rear seat latches are fully secured.
Securing seat latches to floor:
With the seat un-installed, folded and laying flat on the cargo area floor, using two hands on the seat (not the handle), roll the seat into position and
allow the front latches to drop and secure into place, just under the weight of the seat itself. Press down firmly on the top rear of the seat to ensure
the rear latches are fully secured.
If the front and/or rear latches will not secure, refer to Condition 1 below.
Raising the seat back:
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Lift the seat back to the upright position. Ensure the seat back will latch in the upright position.
If the seat back cannot be raised, refer to Condition 2 below. If the seat back will raise, but will not remain latched in the upright position,
refer to Condition 3 below. If the seat back requires high effort to raise, refer to Condition 6 below.
Lowering the raised seat back:
Lift lever #1 and push the seat back down.
If the seat back cannot be lowered, refer to Condition 6 below.
Raising the folded seat up to tumbled position:
Lift and hold lever #2 Only (Do Not grasp seat removal handle #3, as this may partially disengage the front latches), until the seat is about 1/2 way
up. If lever #2 is let go of too early, the seat will not be able to be lifted past 1/3 of the way off the floor.
If the folded seat cannot be raised to the tumble position, refer to Condition 4, below, followed by Condition 1, below if necessary.
Lowering and removing the seat:
Lower the seat from the tumble position; lift and hold lever #2 Only while lowering the seat (do Not grasp seat removal handle #3, as this may
partially disengage the front latches), press down firmly on the top rear of the seat to ensure the rear latches are fully secured. Using seat removal
handle #3 Only, pull straight rearward (do not lift) to slide the seat back and remove.
IF the folded seat cannot be removed, refer to Condition 5 below. If the seat can be removed, but the front latches are difficult to release,
refer to Condition 1, below.
Reinstall the seat:
Using two hands on the seat (not the handle), roll the seat into position and allow the front latches to drop and secure into place, just under the
weight of the seat itself. Press down firmly on the top rear of the seat to ensure the rear latches are fully secured.
Parts Information
For part numbers, usage and availability of Rear Seat #2 Trim, see Cover, R/Seat #2 Bk Cush. Group 16.720 of the appropriate Parts Catalog.
*Call 1-888 Yes-Kent for ordering information.
Warranty Information
For vehicles repaired under warranty, use:
2010 Cadillac Truck Escalade EXT AWD V8-6.2L Page 60
Additional 3rd row seat operational information can be viewed on gmtraining.com under Video on Demand GM Service Know How broadcast
10211.07D July 2011 Emerging Issues "Full-Size Utilities 3rd Row Seat Removal."
Disclaimer
Condition/Cause/Correction # 1
Condition 1
Front and/or rear latches of seat will not fully secure to the strikers in floor.
Front latches of seat difficult to release from strikers in floor.
Squeak noise from seat with seats in tumbled (folded forward) position.
Cause 1
This condition may be caused by one or more of the following conditions:
- Excessive body sealer below the floor striker, causing interference with the front seat latch during installation.
- The plastic carpet escutcheon (track cover) may not be properly seated to the floor strikers.
- The metal seat roller bar near the front underside of the seats may be contacting the plastic seat carpet escutcheon.
- The seat front floor latches may be in the tumble position, and/or the seat roller bar may be twisted or out of sync, causing the latches to be
out of sync.
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Correction 1
Inspect valley below floor strikers:
1. Inspect the valley below the floor striker for the presence of excessive body sealer (1).
2. If the sealer (1) is making contact with the seat roller, remove the excessive sealer to allow the latch to fully seat to the striker.
Inspect carpet escutcheon to floor striker fit:
1. Visually inspect the carpet escutcheon to see if it is correctly seated to the floor strikers. An improperly seated escutcheon (2) is shown. There
are three escutcheons for the third row. Inspect each escutcheon.
2. Fully seat the plastic seat escutcheon into the correct position to the strikers, as necessary. (It may be necessary to protect the escutcheons and
use a rubber mallet to provide force for seating.)
Inspect seat roller bar to carpet escutcheon fit:
1. With the seat in the tumbled (folded forward) position, visually inspect to determine if there is contact (1) between the metal seat roller bar
and the plastic carpet escutcheon.
2. If contact is present, first ensure the carpet escutcheons have been inspected and fully seated, (mentioned previously). Next, verify the
customer concern: With the seat still in the tumbled position, wiggle the seat; push the seat outboard while wiggling. Listen for squeak
noises. Observe for contact wear witness marks on the carpet escutcheons.
3. Remove both third row seats using seat removal handle #3 Only, pull straight rearward (do not lift) to slide seat back and remove.
4. If there was contact between the seat roller bar and carpet escutcheon, with the escutcheons fully seated, note the location of contact or
witness marks (3) on the roller bar.
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5. Cut two pieces of 30 mm x 40 mm (1.2 in x 1.6 in) flock tape. Use polyester 0.8 mm (0.031 in) thick flock (or felt) tape *Such as Kent
Industries Part # KT13486.
6. Apply tape to the inboard angled section of the seat roller bar (4). Make sure that the seam (gap when wrapping tape around bar) of this tape
is NOT at the contact area/witness mark noted previously. Install tape to both seats.
7. Install both seats. With the seat folded and laying flat on the cargo area floor, using two hands on the seat (not release handle #3), roll the seat
into position and allow the front latches to drop and secure into place, just under the weight of the seat itself. Press down firmly on the top
rear of the seat to ensure the rear latches are fully secured.
8. Verify that the customer concern has been eliminated. Inspect to be sure that any contact areas on the seat bar are covered by flock tape (5).
Inspect seat latches and seat roller bar:
1. Remove the seat. Using seat removal handle #3 Only, pull straight rearward (do not lift) to slide seat back and remove.
2. Place the seat on its back so the latches are visible. The above image shows the latches in the correct position.
3. Inspect the latches to ensure they are not in the tumble position. The above image shows the latches in the tumble position.
4. If the latches are in the tumble position, place the seat in an upright position on a firm surface. With the back folded down, pull up on the
tumble lever #2 while pushing down on the seat to reset the latches.
5. If the front floor latches are in the correct position and the condition still exists, visually inspect the seat roller bar (1) for a twisted or out of
sync condition. The roller bar (1) is straight in the above image.
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Note
If the seat roller bar is twisted or out of sync, replace the roller bar, do Not replace the complete latch assembly.
6. If the seat roller bar (2) appears to be twisted or out of sync, as shown in the above image, replace the roller bar (2).
7. To replace the roller bar (1), remove the two Torx (2) bolts and remove the roller bar.
8. Ensure the latches are properly aligned, then install the new roller bar and tighten the bolts.
Tighten
Tighten the two Torx bolts to 16 Nm (12 lb ft).
9. Verify proper seat operation:
1. Install the seat. With the seat folded and laying flat on the cargo area floor, using two hands on the seat (not release handle #3), roll the
seat into position and allow the front latches to drop and secure into place, just under the weight of the seat itself. Press down firmly on
top rear of seat to ensure the rear latches are fully secured.
2. Raise the folded seat up to the tumbled position: Lift and hold lever #2 Only (do Not grasp seat removal handle #3, as this may partially
disengage the front latches), until the seat is about 1/2 way up.
Condition/Cause/Correction # 2
Condition 2
Seatback will not raise fully to upright position.
Cause 2
This condition may be caused by the rear latches not being fully secured.
Correction 2
Inspect to ensure rear seat latches are fully seated:
1. With the seat back down, release and partially lift the rear of the seat using Only the tumble release lever (2). Do Not pull the seat removal
handle #3, as this would partially disengage the front latches.
2. Using firm pressure on the seat back, press the rear of the seat down to fully secure the rear latches to the floor strikers.
3. Raise the seat back to the upright position.
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4. If the seat back still cannot be raised to the upright position, the front latches may not be fully seating to the strikers or may be out of sync,
causing the rear strikers to not seat properly. Refer to Condition 1 in this bulletin to investigate and correct front latch operation, then
re-check the rear latch operation.
Condition/Cause/Correction # 3
Condition 3
Seat back will raise but will not latch in upright position.
Cause 3
This condition may be caused by an interference condition causing the seat back release lever #1 to bind.
Correction 3
Inspect for seat back release lever to trim cover clearance:
1. Inspect the seat back release lever for freedom of movement and sufficient clearance to the seat trim. The release lever shown does not have
sufficient clearance (1) to the trim.
2. Raise and hold the seat back in the upright position while carefully moving the release lever outboard slightly to free the lever.
3. If the seat back will not remain secured in the upright position, adjust the release lever just enough to provide freedom of movement from the
trim.
4. Operate the seat back several times to confirm proper function.
Condition/Cause/Correction # 4
Condition 4
Seat will not fully raise to tumbled (folded forward) position.
Cause 4
This condition may be caused by letting go of lever #2 too early, and/or pulling on seat removal handle #3 while attempting to raise the seat to the
tumbled position.
If it is found that the issue is not a result of improper lever operation, as explained above, then this condition may be caused by one or both of the
front seat latches not fully securing to the floor strikers.
Correction 4
1. Remove the seat. Using seat removal handle #3 Only, pull straight rearward (do not lift) to slide seat back and remove.
2. With the seat folded and laying flat on the cargo area floor, using two hands on the seat (not release handle #3) roll the seat into position and
allow the front latches to drop and secure into place, just under the weight of the seat itself. Press down firmly on the top rear of the seat to
ensure the rear latches are fully secured.
3. Raise the folded seat up to tumbled position: Lift and hold lever #2 Only (do Not grasp seat removal handle #3, as this may partially
disengage the front latches), until the seat is about 1/2 way up.
4. If the seat will still not fully raise to the tumbled position, using seat removal handle #3 Only, pull straight rearward (do not lift) to slide seat
back.
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5. With the seat folded and laying flat on the cargo area floor, using two hands on the seat (not release handle #3), roll the seat into position and
Provide Additional Force to help the front latches drop and fully secure into place. Press down firmly on the top rear of the seat to
ensure the rear latches are fully secured.
6. Raise the folded seat up to tumbled position: Lift and hold lever #2 Only (do Not grasp seat removal handle #3, as this may partially
disengage the front latches), until the seat is about 1/2 way up.
7. Refer to Condition 1 in this bulletin to investigate and correct front latch operation.
Condition/Cause/Correction # 5
Condition 5
Seat will not release from floor.
When this condition is present, the seat will be fully latched to the vehicle but will not release. When the removal handle #3 is activated to remove
the seat, the outboard seat latch will release, but the inboard seat latch will not release, or both the outboard and inboard latches will not release.
This is Not an intermittent condition. Once this occurs in the vehicle, the seat will not tumble or release from the vehicle for removal.
Cause 5
This condition may be caused by one or more of the control cables, located in the lower seat assembly, coming out of its retaining bracket. If this
occurs, the outboard seat latch will release but the inboard seat latch will not release, or both latches will not release.
Correction 5
Use the following steps to remove the affected seat, revise the cable bracket and secure the cable using a cable tie strap. This procedure will require
the replacement of the seat trim. The original panel will be unusable after the access hole is created.
1. Locate the area to drill the access hole. On the right seat, the location is next to release lever #2 (1). On the left seat, the location is inboard of
release handle #3 (2).
2. Protect the carpet with cardboard as shown.
Note
Ensure that the hole saw centering drill does not protrude more than 3.0 mm (1/8 in) past the saw teeth. This is to prevent the drill bit from
damaging the seat cover.
3. Using a drill equipped with a 45 mm (1 3/4 in) hole saw, drill an access hole as shown.
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4. Apply forward pressure on the cable end with a large standard screwdriver through the access hole (1). This will release the inboard latch.
Pull straight rearward on removal handle #3 to release the seat assembly from the vehicle.
5. With the seat assembly removed from the vehicle, remove the lower seat trim panels. Refer to Rear Seat Number 2 Cushion Panel
Replacement in SI.
6. Clean the latch area of any plastic debris left from the drilling procedure.
7. Observe correct seat latch release cable routing as shown in the image above.
8. Locate the release cable(s) that are out of the bracket(s).
9. Clip the cables into the brackets.
10. Ensure the affected cable(s) is/are fully seated in the bracket(s).
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11. Using a large pair of locking-type pliers, squeeze the cable brackets as shown. This will lock the cable into the bracket.
12. To ensure that the cable stays in position, install a cable tie strap as shown. This step only applies to the bracket with two cables.
13. Install a new lower seat trim panel. Reinstall the side trim panels. Refer to Rear Seat Number 2 Cushion Panel Replacement in SI.
14. Install the seat assembly and confirm the proper operation of the tumble and release functions. Cycle the seat functions five times to verify
the repairs.
Condition/Cause/Correction # 6
Condition 6
Right seat back will not lower / High effort to raise seat back / Right seat latch recliner may not disengage (AS3 Only).
Cause 6
This condition may be caused by one or more of the following conditions:
- Seat back cushion recliner latch cable may have too much slack in the cable.
- Excessive friction between the pawl and sector inside the inboard seat back recliner latch assembly.
Correction 6
Inspect the right seat inboard recliner latch cable for proper adjustment and inspect the latch for excessive friction or binding. Adjust or replace
components as appropriate.
First design right seat inboard recliner latch and cable shown. Note design of release lever (1) and cable end (2).
Second design right seat inboard recliner latch and cable shown. Note design of release lever (1) and cable end (2).
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The first design right seat inboard recliner latch and cable were used in 2007-2008. The first design inboard recliner latch cable (1) is not
adjustable. The second design inboard recliner latch cable (2) is adjustable.
Note
If the vehicle is equipped with the first design parts, and the reclined latch or cable need replacement, they must both be replaced with the second
design parts.
1. Using the seat back release lever #1, attempt to lower the seat back.
2. If the seat back cannot be lowered, or binds while lowering, perform the following steps to lower the seat back:
1. Reaching over the seat back, carefully lift the rubber seal portion (1) of the inboard recliner latch trim cover to access the latch release.
2. Using a long flat-blade screwdriver (2), press downward on the inboard latch release bar (3).
3. While depressing the inboard latch release bar, using foot behind seat, lift the seat back release lever #1, and lower the seat back.
3. With the seat back lowered, remove the seat. Using seat removal handle #3 only, pull straight rearward (do not lift) to slide the seat back and
remove.
4. If the seat cannot be removed, refer to Condition 5 in this bulletin.
5. Place the seat assembly on a clean workbench.
6. If equipped with the first design inboard recliner system (shown above), and if the inboard recliner latch will not release using the seat back
release lever #1, the both the inboard recliner latch and latch cable need to be replaced with the second design parts.
1. Remove the inboard recliner seat back latch. Refer to rear Seat Inner Recliner Replacement in SI.
Tip
The recliner latch bolts are self tapping.
2. Install the inboard recliner seat back latch and tighten the bolts.
Tighten
Tighten all of the seat recliner bolts to 50 Nm (37 lb ft).
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3. Replace the seat back cushion recliner latch cable with the new design cable (2). Refer to rear Seat Back Cushion Latch Cable
Replacement in SI.
4. Following the latch and cable replacement, perform the following steps to ensure proper operation is restored.
7. If equipped with the second design inboard recliner system (shown above), inspect the inboard latch release cable (2) for proper adjustment:
1. Remove the seat lower trim panels. Refer to Rear Seat Number 2 Cushion Panel Replacement in SI.
2. Release the inboard recliner latch cable adjustment lock button.
3. Manually cycle the inboard and outboard recliner latches to raise and lower the seat back.
4. Ensure the seat back is in the fully raised position and ensure the latches are fully latched.
5. Press in to secure the inboard recliner latch cable adjustment lock button.
6. Using seat back release lever #1, attempt to lower the seat back.
8. If the seat back will still not lower properly, remove and inspect the inboard recliner latch for excessive friction or binding.
9. If the inboard recliner latch does not show any signs of excessive friction or binding, replace the recliner latch cable with a new cable. Refer
to Rear Seat Back Cushion Latch Cable Replacement in SI.
10. Adjust the new cable:
1. Ensure the inboard recliner latch cable adjustment lock button is released, or pulled out.
2. Manually cycle the inboard and outboard recliner latches to raise and lower the seat back.
3. Ensure the seat back is in the fully raised position and ensure the latches are fully latched.
4. Press in to secure the inboard recliner latch cable adjustment lock button.
5. Using seat back release lever #1, attempt to lower the seat back.
11. If the inboard latch does show signs of excessive friction or binding, replace the inboard latch using the following steps:
Important
Manually locking the recliner latches will allow the seat back to be folded up and down during repair.
1. Remove the inboard recliner seat back latch. Refer to rear Seat Inner Recliner Replacement in SI.
Tip
The recliner latch bolts are self tapping.
2. Install the inboard recliner seat back latch and tighten the bolts.
Tighten
Tighten all of the seat recliner bolts to 50 Nm (37 lb ft).
3. Adjust the recliner latch cable. Refer to step 10 above "Adjust the new cable."
Important
The seat back must be in the lowered position before pulling out the center rear seat latch release handle.
4. Install the left rear seat latch release knob and the two 30 mm TORX screws.
Tighten
Tighten the screws to 2 Nm (18 lb in).
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Important
For 2007-2008 vehicles, the redesign for the new replacement inboard recliner seat back latch included the elimination of three
holes from the original latch, which accepted screws for securing the inboard trim covers. When installing the trim covers to the
new seat back latch, the covers will snap together then the one remaining screw location will be used to secure the covers to the
latch. Discard the three extra screws.
5. Install the center rear seat latch release handle and the two nuts. Refer to Seat Latch Release Handle Replacement in SI.
Important
The seat back cannot be raised or folded unless properly secured to the floor first.
6. Install the third row passenger seat assembly back into the vehicle. Using two hands on the seat (not the handle) roll the seat into position
and allow the front latches to drop securely into place, just under the weight of the seat itself. Press down firmly on the top rear of the seat
to ensure the rear latches are fully secured.
Important
If the seat back locks down in the fold position and will not release to the upright position, the recliner latch cable may need to be
readjusted. Refer back to Step 10 "Adjust the new cable."
7. Using the seat back release lever #1, cycle the seat back ten complete times to wear in the recliner latch sector and pawl.
8. Remove the seat from the vehicle. With the seat back lowered, using seat removal handle #3 Only, pull straight rearward (do not lift) to
slide seat back and remove.
9. Install the third row passenger seat back into the vehicle. Using two hands on seat (not handle) roll seat into position and allow the front
latches to drop and secure into place, just under the weight of the seat itself. Press down firmly on top rear of seat to ensure rear latches
are fully secured.
10. Verify that the condition has been corrected.
