Introduction to seat design
Owners Skoda Kodiaq Often face the need to dismantle the front head restraints when transporting large loads or deep cleaning of the cabin. The procedure seems simple, but has its own technical nuances, which are not always known from the instructions for operation. Incorrect actions can lead to damage to the fixation mechanism or skin.
Your task is to understand the principle of the fixers to extract the element without effort and risk. Seat design in Kodiaq It is designed with passive safety in mind, so the fixation of head restraints here is more reliable than in budget models. You will need only a minimum set of tools and accuracy.
Preparing your workspace and tools
Before you start to physically affect the chair, you need to ensure a safe environment. Move the seat to the rearmost position to get maximum access to the bottom mounting mechanism. This will allow you to see the latches better and avoid accidental finger clamping.
You will need a soft cloth or a thin plastic card to protect the plastic if you need to bend the skin elements. Although in most cases, the dismantling is done manually, the presence of a thin screwdriver with a soft tip can come in handy to release the stale retainers. The main thing is not to use metal objects without protection, so as not to scratch decorative inserts.
Make sure the car is on a flat surface and the hand brake is tightened. If you plan to remove the seats completely, then disconnecting the battery is a must to prevent short circuit in the electrical mechanic.
β οΈ Warning: Before starting work, make sure that the head restraint is not in an emergency locking state after the safety system has been activated. In this case, the mechanism can be blocked dead.
- π οΈ Check for a soft cloth to protect plastic
- π Place the car on a level surface
- π If necessary, turn off the battery 10 minutes before the start.
- Carriage of goods
- Interior cleaning
- Repair of the chair
- Replacement with sport
Algorithm for the extraction of front head restraints
The retracting process begins with the position of the head restraint itself being checked. Lower it to the point down so that the fixation mechanism is pushed as far as possible from the guide tubes. This is a critical step, as the upper position of the latch may not be available.
You need to find the unlock button, which is usually located on the side of the base of the head restraint or on the back of the seat next to the holes. In the model Skoda Kodiaq This is often a hidden button that requires a certain amount of effort. If you donβt see an obvious button, carefully inspect the joint between the head restraint tubes and the back fabric.
Press the button and simultaneously smoothly but confidently pull the headrest up. Do not allow sudden jerks that can damage the plastic mechanism inside. If resistance does not disappear, check if you have fully pressed the lock. Sometimes a re-press is required with a slight up and down sway.
- π½ Lower the head restraint to the bottom.
- π Find and press the hidden lock button
- π Smoothly remove the tubes from the fasteners
βοΈ Removal instructions
What to do if the button is not pressed?
If the button fails, it is possible that the mechanism has jammed with dust or a spring break. Try to move the headrest gently while pressing the button. Do not use excessive force to avoid breaking the plastic stem of the button.
Nuances of work with electromechanical seats
On versions with electric seat adjustment, the procedure has its own characteristics. Electronics can block the movement of the head restraint under certain modes of operation of the car. You need to make sure the ignition is turned off, or put the system into service mode, if provided.
Sometimes the system recognizes the head restraint as an obstacle and prevents it from being removed. In this case, try to change the position of the seat back, throwing it back a little. This can change the tension of the mechanisms and release the lock. Be careful with wires running inside the hollow headrest tube, if any.
It is important to note that on Skoda Kodiaq safety-packed Head-up Display or active head protection, the fixtures may be reinforced. In such cases, sometimes you need to use a special key or adapter that comes with tools for cabin maintenance.
On electric cars, always turn off the power before manipulating the movable elements of the seats to avoid accidental operation of the engines.
β οΈ In vehicles with active head protection (Active Head Restraint) in case of accidents, the headrest can be pushed forward. When removing, make sure that the system is deactivated or in its original state.
Table of typical problems and their solutions
Below is a summary table that will help you quickly identify the problem you may encounter when dismantling head restraints on different trim levels. Kodiaq. Knowing these nuances will save you time and nerves.
| Problem | Reason | Solution | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Headrest won't go up | Lock button not pressed | Press the button before you click. | Low |
| The button is failing. | Broken plastic fixator | Replacement of the locking mechanism | High |
| Seat blocks lift | Security system activated | Resetting the error via diagnostics | Average |
| The tube is in the guide. | Lack of lubrication | Treatment with silicone grease | Low |
Sometimes the problem lies not in the mechanism, but in the geometry of the installation. If you have recently changed the skin or covers, they could shift the position of the retainer. Carefully examine the inside of the hole in the seat back. Sometimes even a thin cloth of a cover can block the output of the retainer.If it is not installed correctly.
If you are faced with a situation where the headrest is stuck in half, do not try to knock it out with a hammer or other hard tool. This is guaranteed to lead to deformation of the tubes and the impossibility of further installation. It is best to use a thin screwdriver for gently pressing the lock from both sides.
Before installing the headrest back, be sure to wipe the guide tubes from dust and apply a thin layer of silicone lubricant for smooth running.
Features of the rear seats and versatility
Although the topic of the article is about the front seats, it is useful to know what is on the back sofa. Skoda Kodiaq The mechanism may be different. In some configurations, the rear head restraints are fixed without a button, only due to friction and the specific shape of the tubes. This is important to consider if you plan to remove them all at once.
Rear head restraints are often adjusted in height without fixation at intermediate points. To remove them, you just need to pull them up to the point. However, if you have a version of the Active SafetyThere may also be complex locking mechanisms in the back row.
When working with the back row, be sure to check for seat belts that can pass through the holes. Do not snag the belt with the head restraint, as this can damage its tissue tape or lock. Carefully remove the elements, controlling the trajectory.
- π Check for the lock button in the back row
- 𧡠Make sure the seat belts are not twisted
- π Remove the head restraints smoothly, without jerking
Is it possible to drive without headrests?
Driving without head restraints is prohibited by most countries' traffic regulations as it is a critical safety feature when struck from behind.
Installation of the head restraint back
The installation process is a mirror image of the removal, but requires more care. Insert the head restraint tubes into the back openings to the full stop. You should hear a characteristic click confirming that the fixator has caught.
After installation, be sure to check the reliability of the fixation. Try to sway the headrest slightly up and down and sideways. It should not have backlashes or shift. If you feel it is holding weak, remove it and repeat the procedure, making sure the lock is fully triggered.
On models with electrical adjustment, do not forget to turn on the ignition and check the operation of all functions: lifting, lowering, tilting. If the system produces an error, it is possible that the lock has not fully entered the seat and the position sensor does not see the head restraint.
It is important to follow the procedure: first installation, then inspection, and only then start the engine. This will avoid unexpected situations on the road, when the head restraint may shift and block the view or interfere with the control.
Frequently asked questions from owners
Do I need to turn off the battery before removing the headrest?
This is not necessary for mechanical seats. For electric β it is recommended to turn off the mass of the battery to avoid accidental operation of the motors or errors in the control unit.
Can I remove the headrest without a button if it is broken?
Theoretically, you can try to tamper with a thin tool, but it is risky. It is better to replace the fixing mechanism so as not to damage the tubes or the skin of the seat.
Why doesn't the headrest lock after installation?
Probably, the mechanism got dirt or broke the spring of the fixator. Try to clean the mechanism or replace the locking mechanism itself.
Is there a difference in the removal of head restraints for the Scout and Ambition versions?
The design of the head restraints is almost identical in all configurations Kodiaq. The differences can only be in the presence of electronics, but the mechanics of fixation are the same.
What to do if the headrest is stuck in half?
Don't use force. Use a thin screwdriver to press the lock on both sides simultaneously until the mechanism is free. If it doesnβt help, contact the service.