The 2nd-row seats (RPO AT6, ATV) available on 2021-2026 Tahoe, Suburban, Yukon, Escalade and 2025-2026 ESCALADE IQ models include a number of adjustment features, such as fore/aft, recline, folding and fold-and-tumble functions, all designed to ease entry and exit as well as enhance convenience and passenger comfort. (Fig. 4)
Fig. 4
To help with diagnosis of 2nd-row seat concerns, Service Information has been enhanced to provide greater details about proper operation and repair of several common conditions, including:
- Seat won’t fold
- Seat won’t return from folded position
- Seat won’t tumble
- Seat frame noise
Symptoms – Rear Seat, Document ID: 7086031, in Service Information provides details on seat functions, visual and physical inspections for various conditions, step-by-step diagnostic charts, and repairs that address a number of specific issues.
Here’s a look at some common 2nd-row seat conditions.
Fold and Tumble Function
The 2nd-row seats are designed to fold down as well as tumble forward for enhanced cargo capacity and easy entry and exit to the 3rd-row seats.
Lift the rear lever on the outboard side of the seat to release the seatback. The seat will fold forward to create a flat load floor. Lift the lever again to release the rear of the seat from the floor. The seat will tumble forward.
To fold and tumble the 2nd-row seat from the 3rd-row seat, pull the strap on the bottom rear of the 2nd-row seat to release the seatback. It will fold forward. Pull the strap again to have the seat tumble forward. (Fig. 5)
Fig. 5
An automatic fold-and-tumble feature also is available. Press the automatic seat release switch on the panel behind the rear doors or in the cargo area to automatically fold the seat. Press the switch again to have the seat tumble forward.
To return the 2nd-row seat to the sitting position, pull the seat down until it latches to the floor (from the tumbled position), and then lift the seatback and push it rearward (from the folded position).
Refer to the vehicle’s Owner’s Manual for complete operating instructions.
If the rear seat won’t return from the folded position, only goes up partially, or the seat won’t tumble forward, check for any damage that may impair the seat from folding or tumbling properly. The seat links or latch levers may be misaligned or bent, or the cables may be damaged or not connected at the cable attachment points. (Fig. 6)
Fig. 6
Fold/Stow Function
Lift the rear lever on the outboard side of the seat to release the seatback and fold it forward to create a flat load floor. (Fig. 7)
Fig. 7
If the 2nd-row seat will not release or fold down, or multiple attempts are required to get the seat to release, the actuator cable may be disconnected or there may be interference with the quarter lower rear trim panel. (Fig. 8)
Fig. 8
If the power operation is not functional, verify the cable is connected and that the adjuster on the recliner sync cable is either open or partially open.
Seat Noise
Any noise coming from the 2nd-row seats, such as a squeak noise when driving or a rattle noise in the upright position but not when folded, may be due to an obstruction in the seat mechanisms or improperly torqued fasteners. (Fig. 9) Cables should be checked for proper routing and secure connections as well.
Apply lubricant to any suspect areas. It also may be necessary to loosen and then torque the rear seat bolts according to the rear seat bolt sequence.
In addition, cycle the seat from stow to tumble several times, ensuring the floor latch assembly secures to the striker and the floor latch spring engages.
Fig. 9
Refer to Symptoms – Rear Seat, Document ID: 7086031, in the appropriate Service Information for complete details on the seat functions and proper adjustments.
– Thanks to Mark Shearer and Eric Powrozek
