Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Troubleshooting Reattaching rear seat cushion

I love this site!!! So far I've fixed three annoying little problems on my Contour for a grand total of 99 cents using advice from other CEG members. Thanks!!!

Now here's a new one. I had my electrical wiring harness to the dash and brake lights replaced under Ford's recall a couple of years ago, and since then I've been finding examples of my Ford dealership technician's excellent attention to detail . Since I got the car back I've had to remove and re-insert all of the center console trim screws because they weren't tightened and kept falling out. The plastic storage box under my radio still rattles like it's full of pebbles, but I think I have a solution for that one. My new problem is that the front edge of the lower bench cushion in the backseat is not attached to the frame of the car and has been flopping around back there for two years. I just noticed it because I never sit in the back seat of my Contour.

The seat has two metal tabs covered by plastic fasteners that click and lock into holes in the frame under the seat. I've been trying like crazy, but I can't get the stupid things to pop into place. Does anyone have a surefire method to accomplish this feat? Please let me know! Thanks.

If I recall correctly, they should just pop into there. Maybe you can try "standing" on the edge of the seat. Get on your knees and put your full weight on those clips to force them into their holes.
While you're at it, be sure to put a couple of shop rags over or around the holes as well. My back seat sqeeks like a field mouse without them. But I put a towell over the hole, press down with a knee and bingo, sound gone and seat in place.
Hope that helps.
Nate

I read a book called "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance" It's a good book (for the most part) but there's a section where the author mentions what to look for in a good mechanics shop.
One was order, not necessarily cleanliness, but order. There aren't a lot of parts all over the bays, tools just are strewn about
The other was if you hear a radio blaring then you'd better move on, the fact that they are more interested in what's on the air, then what they are doing more than often means they don't pay the kind of attention to detail that people expect.
Weird when you mention how bad Ford put stuff back together in your car. I guess dealerships aren't any better than a mom and pop shop.