A few weeks ago I found that I couldn’t get the smaller part of the split rear seat down.
The release button at the top was very loose, wouldn’t unlock the mechanism and just flopped around.

This is the fix for it.

Firstly, you need to manually release the seat by sliding in a flat blade screw driver above the bracket that’s visible from the boot.
Once the seat is forward, remove the black plastic cover over the release mechanism. There are 3 clips holding it in place.

Click image to enlarge

Very good how to

Well fixed.

But those round, internal tabbed clips (spire nuts?) are generally one time use beasties. Assuming they are the right size and have been fitted properly the only reason for them working off is loss of spring / temper in the tabs. Tabs are supposed to be tight enough on the shaft that if the clip attempts to come off the tag "digs in" and gets tighter.

Generally careful inspection of an escaped one will show one tab bent up a touch more than the others. Uneven grip lets the thing slowly work its way off. Usual cause of a bent tab is smacking it on a bit tilted with respect to the shaft bending one tab as it goes on. If you are stuck and have to re use one with a bent tab careful work with a small socket or flat ended metal rod can bring things back good enough for now.

But make a note and replace soon.

You will be surprised how much tighter a brand new one is compared to re-used one. Getting things lined up square before pushing on can be a right battle working inside the car. I always get spares so I can bin any I might have damaged if it doesn't go nicely. Wasting a few pennies on clips beats the heck out of a do-over.

Clive

Alan

I had been meaning to address this problem on my car but wasn't quite sure how to go about tackling it. Your great write up made it quite literally a simple 10 minute fix.

Thanks very much for taking the time to post it up here.

Cheers

Mark

Glad it worked for you Mark  Got - 2017 SDV8 Autobiography in Loire Blue
Had- 2008 TDV8 Vogue SE in Java black
Had - 2007 S/C in Stornoway Grey

Anyone know what size the rod is?

Thank you for this post. I had this exact same problem and this article provided the fix. 10 minute job.

On the down side, the captive washer got lost somewhere so I'll have to acquire another

Very helpful guide, thank you!

I noticed my single folding seat stopped working a few months ago, and finally had time to play with it last weekend. Exactly the same issue as described above, although if there was originally a locking washer on it, I couldn't find it anywhere in the vicinity! One of the clips on the cover broke off as soon as I touched it as well, so I wonder if someone has been here before, and just pushed the rod back into place as q quick fix, as it seems to last for a few usages before it pops out again.

I ordered a range of starlock washers on Ebay last weekend and tested them out today. I found what was marked as a 3mm starlock washer fitted nice and tight, and I don't think mine will be coming undone any time soon!

Had the same problem yesterday same fix have ordered some new star lock washers to back up the existing one that is getting a bit tired I suspect.
Cheers for the info.

Nice write-up and pics, thank you - will be looking to sort mine out this weekend. L322 TDV8 4.4 - current
L322 TD6 - sold
Disco 2 TD5 - sold
Suzuki Grand Vitara XL7 - sold
Mitsubishi Pajero 2.8 - part ex'd
Hyundai Santa Fe 2.0 td - sold
Mitsubishi Pajero 2.8 - sold

Bit of a thread revival but thanks for posting the fix! I've got this exact problem, off to order some internal locking washers and fix this.

Thanks from me too, but from a different perspective! I recently found one of the plastic covers lying around and didn't have a clue what it was and where to look! Admittedly I haven't looked yet and put the item to one side, but nonetheless you've saved me a search!! Thanks!

Chris

Quick update on this, I fixed mine yesterday. There was a small rubber grommet that the release mechanism had come out of that was in the hole, the original part. I managed to finangle the release mechanism back into this with the help of a pair of 45 degree pliers and now its working again. An easy fix!