Before driving

Removing and reinstalling head restraints

~3min read

Fig. 46 Removing the front head restraints.

Fig. 47 Removing the rear head restraints.

Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first⇒Introduction to the subject

All seats are equipped with head restraints. The rear center head restraint is designed only for the center seat on the rear bench. Therefore, only install the center head restraint in the center position.

Removing the front head restraints

  • Sit in the back seat behind the head restraint you want to remove. Pull the head restraint all the way up ⇒ . Recline the backrest with the head restraint so that there is enough overhead clearance to remove it.
  • Slide a flat object, such as a plastic credit card, underneath the right side of the cap on the right-hand seat guide rod ⇒ Fig. 46② or ⇒ Fig. 47② to unlock the head restraint.
  • Push the flat object (plastic card) in against the guide rod to depress a release button located under the cap (not visible).
  • Use one hand to hold the release button in with the flat object. With your other hand, lift the same guide rod slightly to expose a notch in the rod at the bottom (can be seen and felt with fingers). The right-hand guide rod is now released.
  • To release the left-hand guide rod, press button ⇒ Fig. 46① or ⇒ Fig. 47① in (towards guide rod) and hold.
  • Pull the head restraint out completely while holding button ⇒ Fig. 46① or ⇒ Fig. 47① .

Installing the front head restraints

  • Position head restraint properly over the head restraint guides of the respective seat backrest and insert the head restraint into the guides.
  • Push the head restraint down while pressing button ⇒ Fig. 46① or ⇒ Fig. 47① .
  • Adjust the head restraint according to the occupant's size ⇒ Adjusting front and rear head restraints .

Removing the rear head restraint

  • Unlock the rear bench and fold it forward ⇒ Luggage compartment .
  • Pull the head restraint all the way up ⇒ .
  • If necessary, press the flat blade of the screwdriver from the vehicle tool kit into the slit of the trim cap ⇒ Fig. 47② in the direction of the arrow and hold it in this position.
  • At the same time press button ⇒ Fig. 47① while a second person pulls out the head restraint completely.
  • Fold the backrest of the rear bench back so that it locks securely.

Reinstalling the rear head restraint

  • Unlock the rear bench and fold it forward ⇒ Luggage compartment .
  • Position head restraint properly over the head restraint guides of the respective seat backrest and insert the head restraint into the guides.
  • Push the head restraint down while pressing button ⇒ Fig. 47① .
  • Fold the backrest of the rear bench back so that it locks securely.
  • Adjust the head restraint according to the occupant's size ⇒ Adjusting front and rear head restraints .
Driving without head restraints or with improperly adjusted head restraints increases the risk of serious injuries in a collision.
  • Always drive with the head restraints in place and properly adjusted to help minimize the risk of neck injury in crash.
  • Always reinstall head restraints as soon as possible so that vehicle occupants are properly protected.
When removing or reinstalling the head restraint, take care that the head restraint does not strike the headliner or the back of the front seat. The headliner or other parts of the vehicle could otherwise be damaged.

Test yourself

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