For 1990-2009 cars

1. Lift the recliner lever and move the seat back to the fully reclined position, checking the ease of the lever operation and the seat back movement. Release the lever, checking the ease of lever operation and that the seat back remains in the fully reclined position. The recliner lever should move easily and feel SPRING LOADED.
2. Lift the recliner lever and position the seat back in a partially reclined position. Release the recliner lever, checking that the recliner mechanism engages and holds the seat back in the chosen position. Apply force to the seat back checking how well the mechanism engages and locks in place. The mechanism should not slip out of place when force is applied.
3. Lift the recliner lever and position the seat in the normal operating position. Release the recliner lever, checking that the recliner mechanism engages and holds the seat back in the normal operating position. Apply force to the seat back checking how well the mechanism engages and locks in place.
4. If the recliner mechanisms fail to hold the seat back in any of the above described positions, replace them. Refer to Front Seat Recliner Replacement .