{"id":21081,"date":"2026-04-24T16:47:07","date_gmt":"2026-04-24T20:47:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gm-techlink.com\/?p=21081"},"modified":"2026-04-24T16:47:07","modified_gmt":"2026-04-24T20:47:07","slug":"2nd-row-rear-seat-operation-and-diagnostic-tips-for-full-size-suvs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gm-techlink.com\/?p=21081","title":{"rendered":"2nd-Row Rear Seat Operation and Diagnostic Tips for Full-Size SUVs"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>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)<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-21083\" src=\"https:\/\/gm-techlink.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/F04-Rear-seat-1-R.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"780\" height=\"480\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gm-techlink.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/F04-Rear-seat-1-R.png 780w, https:\/\/gm-techlink.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/F04-Rear-seat-1-R-300x185.png 300w, https:\/\/gm-techlink.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/F04-Rear-seat-1-R-768x473.png 768w, https:\/\/gm-techlink.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/F04-Rear-seat-1-R-89x55.png 89w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 780px) 100vw, 780px\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Fig. 4<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>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:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Seat won\u2019t fold<\/li>\n<li>Seat won\u2019t return from folded position<\/li>\n<li>Seat won\u2019t tumble<\/li>\n<li>Seat frame noise<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Symptoms \u2013 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.<\/p>\n<p>Here\u2019s a look at some common 2nd-row seat conditions.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Fold and Tumble Function<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>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)<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-21084\" src=\"https:\/\/gm-techlink.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/F05-Rear-seat-3.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"761\" height=\"677\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gm-techlink.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/F05-Rear-seat-3.png 761w, https:\/\/gm-techlink.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/F05-Rear-seat-3-300x267.png 300w, https:\/\/gm-techlink.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/F05-Rear-seat-3-62x55.png 62w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 761px) 100vw, 761px\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Fig. 5<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>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).<\/p>\n<p>Refer to the vehicle\u2019s Owner\u2019s Manual for complete operating instructions.<\/p>\n<p>If the rear seat won\u2019t return from the folded position, only goes up partially, or the seat won\u2019t 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)<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-21085\" src=\"https:\/\/gm-techlink.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/F06-Rear-seat-4-794x1024.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"740\" height=\"954\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gm-techlink.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/F06-Rear-seat-4-794x1024.png 794w, https:\/\/gm-techlink.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/F06-Rear-seat-4-233x300.png 233w, https:\/\/gm-techlink.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/F06-Rear-seat-4-768x990.png 768w, https:\/\/gm-techlink.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/F06-Rear-seat-4-43x55.png 43w, https:\/\/gm-techlink.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/F06-Rear-seat-4-300x387.png 300w, https:\/\/gm-techlink.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/F06-Rear-seat-4-780x1005.png 780w, https:\/\/gm-techlink.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/F06-Rear-seat-4.png 1135w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 740px) 100vw, 740px\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Fig. 6<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong>Fold\/Stow Function<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>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)<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-21086\" src=\"https:\/\/gm-techlink.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/F07-Rear-seat-2.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"999\" height=\"652\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gm-techlink.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/F07-Rear-seat-2.png 999w, https:\/\/gm-techlink.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/F07-Rear-seat-2-300x196.png 300w, https:\/\/gm-techlink.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/F07-Rear-seat-2-768x501.png 768w, https:\/\/gm-techlink.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/F07-Rear-seat-2-84x55.png 84w, https:\/\/gm-techlink.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/F07-Rear-seat-2-200x130.png 200w, https:\/\/gm-techlink.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/F07-Rear-seat-2-780x509.png 780w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 999px) 100vw, 999px\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Fig. 7<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>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)<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-21087\" src=\"https:\/\/gm-techlink.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/F08-Rear-seat-5.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"916\" height=\"576\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gm-techlink.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/F08-Rear-seat-5.png 916w, https:\/\/gm-techlink.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/F08-Rear-seat-5-300x189.png 300w, https:\/\/gm-techlink.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/F08-Rear-seat-5-768x483.png 768w, https:\/\/gm-techlink.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/F08-Rear-seat-5-87x55.png 87w, https:\/\/gm-techlink.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/F08-Rear-seat-5-780x490.png 780w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 916px) 100vw, 916px\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Fig. 8<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Seat Noise<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-21088\" src=\"https:\/\/gm-techlink.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/F09-Rear-seat-6-1024x748.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"740\" height=\"541\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gm-techlink.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/F09-Rear-seat-6-1024x748.png 1024w, https:\/\/gm-techlink.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/F09-Rear-seat-6-300x219.png 300w, https:\/\/gm-techlink.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/F09-Rear-seat-6-768x561.png 768w, https:\/\/gm-techlink.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/F09-Rear-seat-6-75x55.png 75w, https:\/\/gm-techlink.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/F09-Rear-seat-6-780x570.png 780w, https:\/\/gm-techlink.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/F09-Rear-seat-6-1160x848.png 1160w, https:\/\/gm-techlink.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/F09-Rear-seat-6.png 1177w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 740px) 100vw, 740px\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Fig. 9<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Refer to Symptoms \u2013 Rear Seat, Document ID: 7086031, in the appropriate Service Information for complete details on the seat functions and proper adjustments.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><em>&#8211; Thanks to Mark Shearer and Eric Powrozek<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>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 [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_exactmetrics_skip_tracking":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_active":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_note":"","_exactmetrics_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[231],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-21081","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-2026-april-b"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/gm-techlink.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21081","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/gm-techlink.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/gm-techlink.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gm-techlink.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gm-techlink.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=21081"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/gm-techlink.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21081\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":21089,"href":"https:\/\/gm-techlink.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21081\/revisions\/21089"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/gm-techlink.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=21081"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gm-techlink.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=21081"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gm-techlink.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=21081"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}