I have a 1990. Both seats don't latch. You can just push the seat backs forward. The plastic ***** in back don't make any difference. Is there any way to repair these units? I took one off and worked with it but can't make it latch unless I tilt it forward. Is it better to just buy new ones from the dealer? I can still get them. Thanks, Wayne

 

My seatback latches did not work from the day the car was new.
I was told thats the way they work (don't work)on 3rd gen seats.
Now the latches work on the 4th gen ones, may be GM improved the design.

 

I guess if I had to stop quick or hit something then the mechanism would engage? It might, because you can tilt the one I took off forward and then it will lock and stay that way as long as it is tilted forward. So I may be wasting my time or money trying to get them to work otherwise. I can tell that the mechanism is counterweighted but did'nt know if the "notch" was worn.

 

The latches on 3rd gens only work when you park your car with the nose facing downwards. Read the user's manual. On 4th gen seats they were redesigned.

 

The seat latches on our seats are enertia latches, just like alot of seat belts. They lock up when there is alot of foward force. Like a quick stop or an accident. (Try it some time with your seat belt that doesn't seem to latch) The release is incase you are in a situation that the seat latches and the mechanism does not return to the unlocked position.

 

You're right. On page 10 of the owners manual they say that normally you don't need to lift the latch handles. If you park with the nose down steep enough is when you would. I appreciate the help. I'm real happy that I don't need to mess with them anymore. :hail: