I have a 3rd seat in the back of my 97 Volvo GLT Wagon. The back (upright) part of the seat has a release knob/tab under the headrest on the right side that allows the seat to be returned to the flat position. Well, mine does not work. I have to do it manually by reaching behind the seat and forcing the locking spine to release. This takes quite a bit of manual dexterity to turn the mechanism slightly and wiggling it out of it's locked position. Needless to say, this is quite a pain. I use the 3rd seat for car pooling and need it down for golf clubs so this gets repeated a few times each week. I assume that the previous owners had broken something in the linkage between the release knob and the locking spine. Does anyone have a solution (beside buying a whole new seat)? Does anyone know how the linkage connects the release knob to the spine? Thanks for any information that you can provide!

JR

When released, check to see if it's turning as it should when moving the release lever. If it doesn't move, you can remove the upper cushion (pulls off from the bottom clips and then slides upwards when tapped) and remove the catch/release assembly to inspect it and/or replace the assembly too as it's available as a spare part from dealers.
Check to see if material is binding under the release lever as it's suppose to have some cut out for easy operation when installing the 3rd seat. Not everyone installs those properly.
If the release lever moves properly when checked (released), it might then just need to have it's cable (cord) adjusted. It can be done with the seat back in place but it's easier if the seat back's removed. The end plate where it attaches is slotted and is adjustable by loosening the 2 screws and moving the plate. The release lever assembly is also adjustable, side to side with the upper seat back removed and all adjustments are just trial and error until it operates correctly. It can be adjusted to function perfectly however if there's nothing binding or broken.

FYI, I was able to take the seat/assembly apart this weekend and found out that the release lever is not connected to the locking mechanism. That's why when I push the lever, it does nothing. I take it there is supposed to be a piece that connects it to the round portion of the locking mechanism that partially turns it clockwise so as to release it. There is only a 1 inch or so U-shaped piece on the release lever. I'll go to my local Volvo dealer and see if that part is orderable (or if it is the locking mechanism that is missing a piece)! Anyway, thanks again for all of the advice...

JR

Thanks for the great information, I'll give it a try after this week's carpool and let you know! Thanks again...