Ford Ranger Back Seat Not Latching – How To Fix

If your Ford Ranger back seat fails to latch, you may be wondering the cause of the problem and how to fix it. Fortunately, we have done some research for you, and here is what we found.

A defective release latch is usually the reason why the back seat fails to latch. To fix the problem, you should replace the latch. Here's how to go about it:

  1. Read your owner's manual
  2. Remove the broken latch
  3. Release the rear seat latch
  4. Fix the new latch

If you notice that your Ford Ranger back seat is not latching, make sure to deal with the problem as soon as you can. Keep reading to get detailed information on how to fix a seat that fails to latch.

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How To Fix Ford Ranger Back Seat That Won't Latch

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The following are step-by-step guides to tackle the problem of the Ford Ranger back seat not latching.

Read Your Owner's Manual

Before performing any do-it-yourself repairs on your vehicle, it is essential to go through your owner's manual first.

There are a few distinct systems for latching that can be found in automobile seats. For instance, the majority of brand-new vehicle seats have a grip for adjusting the latch of the seat on the bottom front of the seat.

However, some adjust through the base. Read the owner's manual of your Ford Ranger and determine which operating mechanism the seat is using. The owner's manual has all of the information that you need regarding the seat mechanism.

Remove The Broken Latch

It is necessary to do some work in order to get access to a broken latch that needs to be replaced. When it comes to the procedure of removing components in general, the more comprehensive the replacement, the more parts that are close to the one being replaced need to be removed.

The initial step in the process of replacing anything is usually the least difficult. Pull the latch firmly since removing it often needs a little amount of effort.

After it has been removed, you should be able to identify the damage that has been preventing the latch from releasing the seat, thus replacing it will fix the problem.

Release The Rear Seat Latch 

If the back seat is in the upright position, you can unlock it by reaching behind the seat with a screwdriver. Insert the screwdriver into the slot that the ring travels through using a flat-bladed screwdriver with a diameter of no more than a quarter of an inch.

Check to see that the screwdriver is underneath the ring. If you move the screwdriver a bit, you should be able to feel the pin that runs through the ring. Maneuver the screwdriver underneath the pin. While doing so, push the pin upward and move the seat forward.

Click here to see this screwdriver on Amazon

Fix The New Latch

After you have unlatched the seat, you will need to replace the latch with a new one that you have purchased from the store.

In order to fix the new latch, you need to follow the exact same steps that you took to remove the broken one, but this time in the opposite sequence. When you are done, the seat should be returned to the right working condition.

If nothing works, even after changing the latch, visit the manufacturer's website to see if the product has been recalled for the problem you are having and see if it was addressed there.

If you are unable to locate any information, you should give the manufacturer or local dealer a call and ask about the steps they can take to resolve the problem. You might be required to take your vehicle to a good repair shop on occasion so that it can be serviced.

Why Is My Ford Ranger Back Seat Not Latching?

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This error simply indicates that the back seat was unlatched and not folded down as it should have been for whatever reason. There are a few distinct potential problems that could happen with the back seat of your vehicle.

It's possible that it wasn't properly fastened in place, thus it moved around and became loose; alternatively, the latch or locking mechanism could have broken. The vast majority of malfunctions are caused by a broken latch that holds the seat in place. This is by far the most common cause.

If your back seat refuses to latch, either way, you will likely need to have it examined as discussed above, or call a specialist to inspect the seat for you. In most instances, it is not possible to fix a broken latch. As a result of this, you will have to replace it with a new one.

How Much Does It Cost To Replace Ford Ranger Back Seat Latch?

Black back seats.

The Ford Ranger rear seat latch can be replaced at different costs. The cost of a replacement can be affected by a number of variables, such as:

Cost of Part

The price of the component that needs to be replaced has a major impact on the whole price tag. Buying brand-new OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts from the car's original manufacturer is the most expensive option, but it's well worth it because of the parts' superior quality.

It's less expensive to buy brand-new, but aftermarket replacements. These are parts made specifically for your vehicle but are not made by your car manufacturers.

Another option is buying used parts. Used auto parts, as the name implies, have already been installed in other previously owned vehicles and have not been modified in any way. These components are quite reasonably priced.

It's not necessarily the same price as when your mechanic bought the components wholesale. However, your mechanic adds on a percentage to the repair cost to cover overhead.

Labor

Typically, auto repair shops will bill you an hourly fee. As a result, the total price of your car repair will be equal to the hourly rate times the amount of time it took to complete the job. 

In many cases, your mechanic will provide you with an anticipated completion time. It's common for mechanics to charge more if they are certified. 

However, the time it takes a professional to identify the issue and implement a solution may result in a lower total cost in the long run as going for a specialist mechanic also reduces the amount of time spent on trial and error.

Location

There is a possibility that the price of replacing your Ford Ranger back seat will change depending on where you reside. Since the cost of living in some locations is different from that in others, it is possible for the cost to repair a vehicle to vary from one place to the next.

Can Stuck Release Button Cause Ford Ranger Back Seat Not To Latch?

Yes, there is a possibility that the Ford Ranger back seat will not latch if the release button is stuck.

This is because a stuck seat release button frequently has an effect on the locking mechanism, preventing it from engaging in the correct manner. Shaking the seat release button every once in a while can be helpful if it becomes stuck.

Where Are The Anchor Points In A Ford Ranger?

The Ford Ranger comes equipped with two different sets of lower latch anchors as well as three top tether anchors that may be found behind the rear seatbacks.

Since the seat cushions are firmly pressed up against the upper part of the lower latch anchors, it is impossible to connect a car seat's hook-like anchor to those anchors.

Is It Necessary To Lock Ford Ranger Back Seat?

 Clean car interior. Black back seats.

It is essential to ensure that your back seat is locked. Locking the back seat of a vehicle is still an effective method of protection, particularly when there are children in the vehicle.

The provision of additional safety is the primary advantage that comes with having your car's back seat locked. By utilizing the operation of the locking system, the system makes it simple for you to lock the back seat, thereby preventing the lock from opening unintentionally.

To Wrap Up

If you notice that the back seat of your Ford Ranger is not latching, you can fix the latch. All you have to do is remove the broken latch, release the rear seat latch, and then fix the new latch.

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