Rear seatback release problem

My rear seatback release has just ceased to operate, which is very frustrating when the extra loadspace it provides is needed as we sort out our new house in France. The button under the headrest goes down, but it's obviously not operating anything. Anybody had the same problem and can give me some guidance on possible fixes?
Glad to say the SVX gets just as many admiring and inquisitive looks over here in France as it did back in the UK. I haven't started to go through the process of registering it in France yet, but Subaru here say it shouldn't be too difficult. Fingers crossed!
Ian

[svxistentialist]

Hi Ian,

Great to hear from you, hope the move is going well.

REALLY good to hear you are keeping the SVX! Very unlikely you could buy another car as good for four or five times the money.

It is possible you can fix the rear seat problem very easily, but forgive me if I am presuming too much.

Inside the boot, high up on the rhs of the seatback, is a locking mechanism for the seatback. The only thing it says on it is the word LOCK.

When this is in the locked position, the button beneath the headrest will not work, so you can't access the boot from the rear seat. I presume it's to stop kids messing about. Push this button away from the LOCK mark, and then see if your seatback drops as normal.

If it won't drop, then something has broken in the mechanism, and you will have to remove the plate at the back, and see what's wrong.

I'm hoping you simply moved the lock button while working the seat, and that's all your problem is.

Happy New Year

Joe

PS Check the JAE forum for 05 and keep the weekend free for a trip to Blighty.

Joe:
You were dead right - the catch must have been switched over when I was carrying a large load of bulk supplies from Teso on my last trip to the UK. I just wish I'd known about how to fix it when I had to carry the two pack-flat cupboards that needed to be carried with the boot half-open.
It's help like this that makes this forum work - long may it continue!
Happy New Year to all
Ian

[svxistentialist]

Has happened me before Ian.

Trouble I find when it happens, the lock switch is up high inside the boot where you can't see it.

Once bitten, twice shy, eh?

Many Happy Returns

Joe

[Earthworm]

I've stopped this from happening on my car by cutting a piece of foam the right size to fit around the lock switch (with the button removed)