Removing the head restraints Škoda Kodiaq may be needed in a variety of situations: from banal cleaning of the interior to replacing covers or repairing fasteners. It would seem that what is so difficult here? But in practice, many owners encounter problems - jammed buttons, hidden latches or the risk of damaging the casing. This is especially true for models 2017–2026, where the design of the head restraints differs from earlier versions VW Group.

In this article we will look at step-by-step algorithm removing the front and rear head restraints, we will tell you about the necessary tools and common mistakes. And you will also find out why on some modifications Kodiaq The rear headrests are removed differently than on the front seats - this nuance is often missed even in official manuals. Are you ready? Then let's get started!

What tools will you need for the job?

Before you begin dismantling, prepare everything you need. In most cases, it can be done without a specialized tool, but there are some nuances.

  • 🔧 Flat head screwdriver (medium size) - for prying off the plastic plugs on the fixing buttons.
  • 🔨 10 mm socket wrench — will be required for rear head restraints on some modifications (for example, with electric seats).
  • 🧴 Silicone grease (WD-40 or equivalent) - if the buttons are stuck due to time or corrosion.
  • 🧤 Fabric gloves - so as not to leave fingerprints on the plastic and scratch the chrome elements.

For models Kodiaq 2020 and newer with option Memory Package (memorizing seat positions) may be required OBD-II scanner to reset errors after removing the head restraints. This is due to position sensors that detect any changes in seat geometry.

⚠️ Attention: If your Kodiaq equipped with a system Side Assist (blind spot monitoring), do not use excessive force when removing the rear head restraints - the sensors are located in the pillars and may become dislodged.
📊 What year is your Škoda Kodiaq?
  • 2017–2019
  • 2020–2022
  • 2023–2026
  • I don't know

Step-by-step instructions: remove the front headrest

Front head restraints on Škoda Kodiaq are mounted on two metal pins with locking buttons. The removal algorithm is the same for the driver and passenger seats, but there are a couple of important points.

  1. Lower the head restraint all the way. Press the release button (located on the side of the base) and pull the headrest up. If the button doesn’t press, don’t pull it! First treat it with silicone grease.
  2. If the headrest does not move: The spring mechanism may have jammed. Carefully pry up the plastic plug with a screwdriver and remove it - access to the latch is hidden under it.
  3. For models with heated seats: Turn off the power (by removing the fuse F37 in the block under the hood) to avoid short circuits in case of accidental damage to the wiring.

On vehicles with the option ErgoComfort (seats with active ventilation) head restraints may have an additional electrical connector. In this case:

  • 🔌 Disconnect the connector by pressing the plastic clip on the side.
  • 📌 Remember or photograph the location of the wires - when reinstalling it, it is important not to reverse the polarity.

Lower the headrest all the way|Apply lubricant to the release button|Turn off the power (when heated seats)|Pry off the plug with a screwdriver (if the button is not pressed)|Disconnect the electrical connector (for ErgoComfort)-->

Features of removing rear head restraints

Rear head restraints Kodiaq They are removed differently than the front ones - there are no buttons, and fixation is carried out using spring latches. The main difficulty: on some modifications (for example, with a third row of seats), access to the fastenings is blocked by plastic panels.

For the standard configuration (5 seats) the algorithm is as follows:

  1. Push the headrest downwards while simultaneously pulling it up. The latches should click.
  2. If the headrest cannot be removed, check if there are plastic plugs on the pillars (they mask the holes for the screwdriver).
  3. For models with ISOFIX In the back row, first remove the child seat mounting brackets - they can block the movement of the head restraint.

On versions Kodiaq RS and Sportline rear head restraints may have reinforced fastenings - you can’t do without a socket wrench here. Unscrew the bolts under the decorative caps (they are located at the base of the racks).

Kodiaq modification Rear headrest mounting type Tool
Base/Ambition (5 seats) Spring latches Screwdriver (if jammed)
Style/Scout (7 seats) Spring latches + plastic panels Screwdriver, 10 mm wrench
RS / Sportline Bolt fastening 10 mm socket wrench
⚠️ Attention: On Kodiaq with panoramic roof, rear headrest pillars can be part of the system Roller Blind (sun curtains). When dismantling, do not pull the headrest sharply upward - this may damage the curtain cables.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced car owners sometimes make mistakes when removing head restraints. Here are the most common:

  • 🔧 Using force on jammed buttons. This leads to breakage of the plastic housing of the latch. Solution: treat the mechanism with lubricant and wait 5-10 minutes.
  • 🔌 Ignoring electrical connectors. On models with ErgoComfort or Memory Package this is fraught with errors in the control unit. Always turn off the power before working!
  • 🔄 Mixed up headrests when reinstalling. Front and rear head restraints Kodiaq are not interchangeable - they differ in the length of the pins and the shape of the fasteners.

Another common problem is strange sounds after installation (creaks, knocks). This happens due to:

  • Not enough pins recessed into slots.
  • Dirt or sand getting into the latches.
  • Damaged rubber gasket at the base (valid for models 2017–2019).
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If after installation the headrest “walks” or does not lock in its extreme positions, check the integrity of the spring mechanism. Often the problem is solved by replacing a small spring (part number 1K0 881 201 for most modifications Kodiaq).

How to remove head restraints from third row seats

If your Škoda Kodiaq equipped with a third row of seats, the process becomes more complicated. Here the headrests are integrated into the seat folding system and have additional latches.

Algorithm of actions:

  1. Fold the third row of seats completely to access the anchors.
  2. Remove the plastic plugs on the headrest pillars (they are attached with latches).
  3. Unscrew the bolts with a 10 mm socket wrench - usually there are two for each headrest.
  4. Carefully remove the headrest while holding the spring mechanism (it may shoot out!).

On models 2020 and newer with option Easy Access (automatic folding of the third row) head restraints are connected to an electric drive. In this case:

  • 🔌 Disconnect the negative terminal of the battery.
  • 📱 Reset your seats via the menu CAR → Seat Settings → Reset on display Columbus or Amundsen.
What to do if the headrest is stuck tightly?

If neither grease nor a screwdriver helps, try the following method:

1. Heat the base of the headrest with a hairdryer (temperature no higher than 60°C).

2. Gently tap the posts from top to bottom with a rubber mallet.

3. Try removing it again with force.

Do not use a metal hammer! This may distort the guides.

Reverse installation: nuances and verification

Putting head restraints back in place seems easier than removing them, but there are pitfalls here too. Follow these guidelines:

  • 🔧 Front headrests: Make sure that the pins fit into the grooves until you hear a characteristic click. If the latch does not engage, check to see if one of the pins is bent.
  • 🔄 Rear headrests: On models with ISOFIX First, move the child seat mounting brackets to their original position.
  • 🔌 Electrical connectors: Connect them last, when the headrest is already mechanically fixed.

After installation, be sure to check:

  1. Efficiency of height adjustment (the headrest should be fixed in 4–5 positions).
  2. No play when rocking to the sides.
  3. For models with Side Assist: Are there any errors on the dashboard (for example, "Blind Spot Sensor Fault").
⚠️ Attention: On Kodiaq with the system Travel Assist (semi-autonomous driving) After removing the head restraints, the cameras may need to be calibrated. To do this, go to the menu Assist Systems → Calibration → Start.
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If, after installing the head restraints, the icon on the dashboard lights up ESP or ABS, this may indicate that the sensors in the racks are misaligned. In this case, diagnostics with a scanner is required (for example, VCDS or ODIS).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Škoda Kodiaq headrests

Can headrests be removed without tools?

Yes, but only on basic versions without electric drives. For the front head restraints, just press the release button; for the rear ones, pull up with force. However, if the button is jammed or the headrest does not budge, you cannot do without a screwdriver and lubricant.

Why does the seat heating not work after removing the headrest?

Most likely, you damaged or did not connect the power connector back. On models with ErgoComfort heating and ventilation go through one wiring harness. Check fuse circuit F37 (10A) and a connector under the seat.

What is the article number for the original headrests for Kodiaq?

Articles depend on the configuration:

  • Front headrest: 5Q0 881 101/102 (left/right).
  • Rear headrest (5 seats): 5Q0 881 301.
  • Rear headrest (7 seats, 3rd row): 5Q0 881 401.

For models RS and Sportline add suffix PR- (for example, 5Q0 881 101 PR).

Can headrests from other VW Group models be installed?

Theoretically yes, but with reservations:

  • Headrests from VW Tiguan (MQB platform) are suitable for mounting, but may differ in design.
  • From Skoda Superb — only front, rear are not compatible due to different seat geometry.
  • From Audi Q5 - do not fit due to different wiring connectors.

Please check the catalog before purchasing ETKA or ElsaWin.

What should I do if a squeak appears after removing the headrest?

Creaking usually occurs due to:

  • If dirt gets into the guides, clean them with compressed air.
  • Wear of rubber bushings - replace with new ones (part number 1K0 881 211).
  • Deformed metal pins - straighten them with pliers (carefully!).

If the squeaking persists, apply graphite lubricant to the pins, but avoid silicone compounds - they attract dust.