8.0

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$0
Average Mileage:
30,200 miles
Total Complaints:
1 complaints

Most common solutions:

  1. check to ensure cable is connected and has not come loose (1 reports)
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problem #1

May 062020

Accord Sport 2.4L

  • CVT transmission
  • 30,155 miles

click to see larger images

left back seat will not release/unlock from lever in trunk

Rear left seat would not unlock while using the unlocking lever in the trunk. When pulled, this lever is supposed to unlock the upper rear seat latch and allows the rear seat upper back portion to be pushed forward, which creates an opening in the trunk area so cargo can pass through from the trunk area into the rear seat area. In the event a larger/longer item is needed to be transported in the vehicle, this opening created by moving the seat forward allows a very convenient way of storing larger items. A feature we loved about the car. 'If the seat will go forward"......

The rear left seat unlocking lever in the trunk did not work, I pulled and it seemed to have no spring retraction when releasing the lever. In comparison with the right rear seat lever in the trunk, The right rear seat release lever had retraction when pulled and you could hear the rear right seat latch unlock. The rear left latch or cable was obviously broken it seemed at this point.

Upon further investigation/diagnosis on my own (yes I work on cars), while following the cable to the latch, it appears the cable was not properly secured to its retaining position / retaining locking clamp near the latch as Honda designed. Cable appeared to be resting near but not into the locking clamp, seemed to be an error during assembly at the factory, where the technician did not ensure the cable was fully locked into piston causing the cable to jump out of the retaining clamp rendering the latch inoperable when pulled. The cable has a metal U shape follower/guide to keep the cable into a "U" position/shape for proper tension/operation. When the cable is not properly secured into its locking position, the cable will not function properly and will not create enough tension when pulled to release the latch. The cable will also not retract properly du to no tension on the cable because it is not secured into position.

FIX: Just pull the cable near the latch and the rear seat will unlock, then proceed to check the cable

Identify the loose cable, identify where the cable is supposed to be secured into its resting/locking position near the latch, ensure the cable is not in a bind or being pinched. Proceed to insert a hook shaped trim tool into the hole under the latch, reaching up through the hole with the trim tool or similar tool, position the hook tool over the blue plastic end of the cable at the slot where it is supposed to be seated, pull it downward with the tool and you will hear a snapping sound when it is locked into position.

Check operation, check latch lubrication, check cable for damage, DONE! Replace cable or latch if damaged.

- monty4169rm, Phoenix, AZ, US