Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
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HOMESERVICE MANUALSFORD2004EXPLORER 2WD V6-4.0L VIN EREPAIR AND DIAGNOSISBODY AND FRAMESEATSSERVICE AND REPAIRDISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLYREAR SEAT BACKREST40 PERCENT OF 60/40 BENCH, SECOND ROW
2004 Ford Explorer 2WD V6-4.0L VIN E
40 Percent of 60/40 Bench, Second Row
2004 Ford Explorer 2WD V6-4.0L VIN ESECTION 40 Percent of 60/40 Bench, Second Row
REAR SEAT BACKREST - 40 PERCENT OF 60/40 BENCH, SECOND ROW
DISASSEMBLY
1. Remove the second row, 40 percent seat.
2. Remove the second row, 40 percent seat backrest.


3. Disassemble the parts in the order listed in the illustration and table.
Item 3: Latch Trim Cover Screws Disassembly Note

1. Remove the three screws (two shown) and the latch cover.
Item 7: Head Restraint Sleeves Disassembly Note

1. NOTE:
- The inboard and outboard head restraint sleeves are not interchangeable.
- The head restraint sleeves incorporate an alignment tab that must face forward when installed.
Squeeze together the tip of the head restraint sleeve and pull the sleeve out of the frame tube.
Item 8: Backrest Trim Cover Disassembly Note
1. CAUTION: Use care when separating the seat upholstery from the hook and loop strip, or the hook and loop strip can be torn from the seat backrest foam pad.
Separate the hook and loop fasteners. Remove the seat backrest trim cover.
Item 15: Latch Assembly Disassembly Note
1. CAUTION: Do not detach the latch cable from the seat latches. The latch assembly is synchronized; if disassembled, the latch assembly may not operate correctly.
Do not separate or disassemble the latch assembly components.
ASSEMBLY
1. To assemble, reverse the disassembly procedure.
Item 15: Latch Assembly Assembly Note

1. The cable is to be routed in front of the spring.

2. CAUTION: The cable is to move freely after assembly.
NOTE: When installing the backrest to the cushion, make sure the latch cover does not come in contact with the latch cable conduit or end fitting.
The cable is to pass between the backrest frame and the backrest support at the two points shown.
DISASSEMBLY
1. Remove the second row, 40 percent seat.
2. Remove the second row, 40 percent seat backrest.
Part 1:
Part 2:
3. Disassemble the parts in the order listed in the illustration and table.
Item 3: Latch Trim Cover Screws Disassembly Note
1. Remove the three screws (two shown) and the latch cover.
Item 7: Head Restraint Sleeves Disassembly Note
1. NOTE:
- The inboard and outboard head restraint sleeves are not interchangeable.
- The head restraint sleeves incorporate an alignment tab that must face forward when installed.
Squeeze together the tip of the head restraint sleeve and pull the sleeve out of the frame tube.
Item 8: Backrest Trim Cover Disassembly Note
1. CAUTION: Use care when separating the seat upholstery from the hook and loop strip, or the hook and loop strip can be torn from the seat backrest foam pad.
Separate the hook and loop fasteners. Remove the seat backrest trim cover.
Item 15: Latch Assembly Disassembly Note
1. CAUTION: Do not detach the latch cable from the seat latches. The latch assembly is synchronized; if disassembled, the latch assembly may not operate correctly.
Do not separate or disassemble the latch assembly components.
ASSEMBLY
1. To assemble, reverse the disassembly procedure.
Item 15: Latch Assembly Assembly Note
1. The cable is to be routed in front of the spring.
2. CAUTION: The cable is to move freely after assembly.
NOTE: When installing the backrest to the cushion, make sure the latch cover does not come in contact with the latch cable conduit or end fitting.
The cable is to pass between the backrest frame and the backrest support at the two points shown.
RENDER: 1.0x
NO RELATED
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- β’ You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- β’ Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- β’ The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- β’ You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- β’ You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.