Removing the rear seat of a Škoda Octavia A7: a complete guide with photos and tips

Rear sofa in Škoda Octavia A7 (2013–2020) - a structurally simple but important part of the interior. Its dismantling may be required for cleaning, repairing the trim, accessing the fuel pump, replacing the cabin filter, or installing additional equipment (for example, a subwoofer). However, wrong actions are fraught damage to plastic latches, breakage of heating wiring or deformation of the metal frame.

In this article - step-by-step withdrawal algorithm taking into account the nuances of different configurations (Ambition, Style, RS), a list of required tools and unique techniques to circumvent common problems (for example, when the seat is “jammed” after an accident). We will also look at how to avoid mistakes during reassembly and what to do if a squeak appears after installation.

Preparation: Tools and Safety Precautions

Before starting work, make sure you have:

• 🔧 Flat head screwdriver (preferably with a magnetic tip) - for prying off plastic clips.
• 🔨 10 mm socket wrench — for unscrewing the fastening bolts (in heated versions).
• 🧲 Magnetic holder — so as not to lose metal parts in the cabin.
• 📸 Smartphone — for photographing the location of wires and clips.

⚠️ Attention: If your Octavia A7 equipped side airbags (optional Side Airbag Rear), their You can't turn it off yourself - this requires a diagnostic scanner VCDS or ODIS. If the squib accidentally fires, the cost of replacement will be from 15,000 rubles.

Also note:

• 🚗 When dismantled in the cold season, plastic clips become fragile - warm up the interior up to +15°C.
• 🔋 If the seat is heated, disconnect the negative terminal of the battery 10 minutes before work.
• 🧹 Prepare a vacuum cleaner - up to 0.5 kg of garbage accumulates under the sofa (according to service centers Škoda).

Rear seat design: what you need to know

Rear sofa Octavia A7 consists of three main parts:

1. Backrest — attached to the body with two lower latches and upper straps (in versions with ISOFIX).
2. Base (seat) — fixed with 4–6 plastic clips and 2–4 bolts (depending on the configuration).
3. Headrests — can be removed separately by pressing the button at the base.

🔍 Key Difference from previous generations (Octavia A5): in A7 used metal guides for backrests, which often rust when exposed to moisture. If the seat folds tightly, this is the reason.

Equipment	Backrest mounting type	Number of base bolts	Presence of heating
Active	Plastic latches	2	No
Ambition	Metal hooks + latches	4	Option
Style/RS	Metal hooks + straps	4 + 2 nuts	Yes (3 zones)

Step-by-step instructions: how to remove the seat

Let's start with bases (seats) - This is the most time-consuming part. Follow the algorithm:

1. Remove the head restraints — press the button at the base and pull up. In some versions the button is hidden under the cover.
2. Move the front seats back forward as far as possible to access the front clips.
3. Pry it up with a screwdriver plastic trim above the clips (it runs along the front edge of the seat). Gently pull up - the clips should come out with a characteristic click.
4. Unscrew the bolts (if any) - they are located under the plastic plugs on the sides of the seat. Use a 10mm socket wrench.
5. Pull the seat up and towards you - it should come out of the grooves. If it is tight, check to see if the seat belts are caught.

Now backrest:

1. Fold the backrest forward (if possible - in some versions it is locked).
2. Below, under the back, find two metal latches (on the sides). They need to be pressed out with a screwdriver.
3. If the backrest does not fold, check central locking - it may be blocked due to debris.
4. After removing the backrest, disconnect the heating connectors (if any) - they are located under the trim on the left and right.

⚠️ Attention: In versions with ISOFIX hidden under the back additional mounting bolts (under the plugs). They are easy to miss, but the back will not come off completely without unscrewing.

Typical problems and how to avoid them

Even with careful dismantling, the owners Octavia A7 face the following difficulties:

• 🔧 Jammed clips — if the seat does not come out, do not pull by force! Lubricate the clips with silicone grease (WD-40 does not fit - it corrodes the plastic).
• ⚡ Broken heating wiring — before removing, check if the wires are tight. B Style/RS they often rub against the metal frame.
• 🔊 Creak after installation - the reason in 90% of cases is incorrectly fixed backrest guides. They need to be lubricated Litolom-24.
• 🚨 Error Airbag on the panel - appears if you touch the sensor on the side of the seat. Solved by resetting the error via VCDS.

What to do if the clip breaks?

If the plastic clip is cracked, do not try to glue it back together - it will not withstand the load. Replace with the original one (1U0 883 201 A for Octavia A7) or an analogue from Hella (8ZL 355 131-011). A temporary solution is to tighten the seat with straps, but this is not safe!

📌 Advice from the experts: If after removal you find rust on the metal parts of the frame, treat it Tsinkor-Auto and apply a layer Movilya. This will prevent future corrosion.

Reassembly: nuances and verification

Rear seat installation seems simple, but this is where most of the mistakes are. Follow the rules:

1. Check all the clips - they must enter the grooves with a slight click. If the clip is not fixed, it is deformed.
2. Connect the heating wires up to final seat fixation – otherwise access to the connectors will be blocked.
3. Adjust the tension of the seat belts After installation, they should not hang out.
4. Check back work. It should be smooth, without squabbling.

⚠️ Attention: In versions with Virtual Cockpit After removing the seat, the calibration of the passenger weight sensor may be lost. To reset the error, follow the procedure:

1. Turn on the ignition (without starting the engine).
2. Press and hold the button SET on the steering wheel for 10 seconds.
3. Turn off the ignition and wait 30 seconds.

Cleaning and repair: what you can do yourself

When the seat is removed, you have a unique opportunity:

• 🧼 Deep cleaning Use a steam generator to remove stains (especially important for light salons). It's good for skin. Leather Master Strong Cleaner.
• 🧵 Sheathing repair Small cuts (up to 3 cm) can be sewn nylon thread from the inside. For large damages, use patches from Alcantara.
• 🔊 Installation of acoustics There is enough space under the seat for a subwoofer (for example, JBL BassPro SL). The main thing is not to squeeze the wires.
• 🔧 Replacement of porous — in Octavia A7 After 2015, a high-density foam is used (35 kg/m3). It can be replaced by an analogue of FoamPartner.

🔍 Hidden problem: If the skin remains wet after cleaning, turn on the seat heating to maximum power for 20 minutes. This will prevent the appearance of mold.

When to contact service

Some of the work is better to trust professionals:

• 🔧 Replacement of the pyropatron airbag It requires special equipment and certification.
• ⚡ Electrical wiring repair heating - if the wire is rubbed inside the skin, you need a soldering station.
• 🛠️ Frame restoration After an accident, the deformation of the metal can affect safety.
• 📶 Diagnosis of errors Airbag - without the scanner VCDS or ODIS You can't drop them.

Average cost of service:

Service	Cost (RUB)	Time (hours)
Replacement of clips of attachment	1 200–1 800	0.5
Repair of heating wiring	3 500–5 000	1.5
Skinning (skin) tightening	15 000–25 000	3–5

⚠️ Attention: If after self-disassembly the light bulb lit up Airbag, don't ignore her! In an emergency, the airbags may not work. Contact the diagnostic service (Škoda It is recommended to use only official STOs.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions

Can I take the back seat off? Octavia A7 without tools?

Theoretically yes, but only if you have a complete set of Active No heating or mounting bolts. In other cases, without a screwdriver and end key can not do. The clips are too tight to be removed with your hands.

Why did the creaking come after the seat was removed?

The creaking occurs due to:

• Friction of plastic guide backs (lubrication is needed).
• A loosely recorded base clip.
• Getting garbage under a metal frame.

Solution: Remove the seat, clean all contact surfaces and lubricate silicone grease.

How to remove the seat if it is stuck after water hits?

Water often causes corrosion of metal parts. So, act like this:

1. Treat the clips with penetrating lubricant (Liqui Moly LM-40).
2. Wait 15–20 minutes.
3. Carefully swing the seat left-right, at the same time pulling up.

If it doesn’t help, you’ll have to drill the clips and replace them with new ones.

Can the removed seat be washed with water?

Yes, but with reservations:

• Do not direct the water jet at foam rubber - It absorbs moisture and dries for a long time.
• For skin use special shampoos (for example, Sonax Leather Foam).
• Dry the seat after washing in the shade (Sunlights are damaging to the skin.)

Where to buy spare parts for seat mounting?

Original parts can be ordered by catalog numbers:

• Clip of the attachment: 1U0 883 201 A (price ~200 rubles).
• Bolt of attachment (M6): N 908 132 02 (~50 rubles).
• Heating conductor (set): 3C8 973 713 (~4,500 rubles).

Analogues: Hella, Febi, SWAG (20–30% cheaper than the original).