How to: DIY repair of rear seat catch/lock on 4f saloon and possibly avant.

[bentwenty]

Hi all, since I get so much out of you guys, I thought I'd give a little back.

When I got the car, the passenger side rear seat catch wouldn't release, so the seat wouldn't fold! The lever would turn, but it was clear that it wasn't connected, as there was no Spring tension on it.

If you are stuck like this, you can manually release the catches by climbing into the boot, and using a small screwdriver to push the plastic release up.
The release lever is just visible at the top of the cutout immediately to the right of the catch.

With the seat folded, I removed the two screws to allow me to remove the plastic cover.

With the plastic cover removed, it was clear that the metal plate that holds the lever had become bent, so the lever was not engaging with the catch mechanism

It was then a simple case of bending it back into shape with a hammer and wooden drift

Before refitting the lever and cover, and marvelling at the action your now working seat catch release

 

[RoyC]

Thank you for this.

 

[bentwenty]

Thank you for this.

No problem, hopefully it will help someone out!

 

[PAULF]

For further info, Audi sell the lock cover assy for around £30
(basically the item in Bentwenty's 6th pic)
This includes the lever, pop-up tab and plastic trim, under part number 8E9885740 (ask for this, then go through the colour code options)

 

[bentwenty]

For further info, Audi sell the lock cover assy for around £30
(basically the item in Bentwenty's 6th pic)
This includes the lever, pop-up tab and plastic trim, under part number 8E9885740 (ask for this, then go through the colour code options)

Good info, thanks for that!
I take it this is a reasonably common fault?

 

[PAULF]

My fault was the previous owner had destructive kids who had snapped the cover and the lever!

This is a little different from your problem and fix