Service Information for New Wagon Rear Seat Back Trim Covers and Pushpin Fasteners #00-T-35 - (Dec 19, 2002)

1996-1999 Saturn S-Series Wagons built before and including the following VIN breakpoints:

Purpose

New wagon rear seat back beam trim covers and pushpin fasteners have been released to service wagons built before and including the above VIN breakpoints. The new service parts back service all 1996-1999 wagons. When servicing the wagon rear seat back beam, pushpin holes in the seat back beam will need to be enlarged to accommodate the new, larger pushpin fasteners. If the trim cover and end caps are reused, they will also require enlarged holes to accommodate the larger pushpin fasteners.

Removal Procedure:

Notice

Rear seat back attachments have an "easyload" outer bracket that allows the rear seat back to snap into position upon installation. It is necessary to gently pry this "easyload" bracket outward to remove the rear seat back. it important not to use excessive force to pry on the bracket or bracket may become damaged. Move bracket only enough to lift seat back from vehicle. If bracket has been moved outward too much, gently riposting bracket to ensure proper retention of the rear seat back to the bracket.

1. Release seat back latch for right rear seat back and tilt seat back forward.
2. Remove left side rear seat back and seat back beam assembly from vehicle and place on a clean work surface.
1. Release seat back latch for left rear seat back and tilt seat back forward.
2. Disengage cargo floor carpet from left rear seat back.
3. Using a large flat blade screwdriver, gently pry outer seat back "easyload" bracket outboard just enough for the left seat back pin to disengage from "easyload" bracket.
4. Lift left rear seat back and beam assembly up and remove from vehicle.
5. Place seat back and beam assembly on a clean work surface.




3. Using a small flat blade tool, carefully remove end cap fasteners and remove end caps. Discard fasteners.
4. Using a small flat blade tool, carefully remove seat back beam cover fatteners and remove cover. Discard fasteners.
5. Remove seat back beam fasteners and remove beam assembly from seat back.




6. Re-position end caps on the rear seat back beam one at a time and drill a 7 mm (9/32 in.) hole through the existing fastener holes.
7. Remove end caps from rear seat back beam.
8. Re-position seat back beam cover on the rear seat back and drill 7 mm (9/32 in.) hole through the existing fastener holes.
9. Remove seat back beam cover from rear seat back beam.
10. Apply primer to inside of fastener holes enlarged in steps 6 and 8.

1. Place seat back onto rear seat back assembly, aligning holes in beam with seat back studs. Snug attaching nuts enough to hold seat back beam in place.
2. Latch and unlatch the seat back assembly three to four times to adjust the beam on the rear seat back assembly. Ensure smooth operation.
3. Tighten attaching nuts.
Tighten

Tighten the seat back beam nuts to 18 N·m (13 lb ft).

4. Install seat back beam cover and end caps to seat back beam assembly with new fasteners.




5. Install rear seat back and seat back beam assembly to vehicle.
1. Guide seat back assembly onto center pivot pin.
2. Align outer pivot pin with lead in ramp on the "easyload" bracket.
3. Push downward on the seat back to engage pin into position.
4. Engage cargo floor carpet with seat back.
5. Raise seat back and secure seat back latch.
6. Check seat back latch operation to ensure proper function.

CLAIM INFORMATION:

To receive credit for this repair during the warranty coverage period, submit a claim though the Saturn Dealer system for C7290 (Beam Assembly Components, Rear Seat Back Cross - R&R or Replace).

GM bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, NOT a "do-it-yourselfer".  They are written to inform these technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle.  Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions, and know-how to do a job properly and safely.  If a condition is described, DO NOT assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition.  See your GM dealer for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.

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