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IS there a quick way to remove the drives headrest?

29K views 12 replies 4 participants last post by  ImperialCrown 
#1 ·
I purchased a Dodge leather (or faux leather) seat cover. But in order to install it, I must remove the headrest. I did not think it would be so complicated. Is there a quick way to remove it?
 
#2 ·
According to the owner's manual (as I recall you have a 2011 Grand Caravan - downloaded the 2011 GC manual) the head restraints should only be removed by a qualified technician.

P. 137
NOTE:
• The head restraints should only be removed by qualified
technicians, for service purposes only. If either of
the head restraints require removal, see your authorized
dealer.
 
#5 ·
According to the owner's manual (as I recall you have a 2011 Grand Caravan - downloaded the 2011 GC manual) the head restraints should only be removed by a qualified technician.

P. 137
NOTE:
• The head restraints should only be removed by qualified
technicians, for service purposes only. If either of
the head restraints require removal, see your authorized
dealer.
Does the manual also say that the transmission fluid should only be changed by the dealer? The seat cover I got is a Dodge seat cover. I did not buy it at the dealer.
 
#3 ·
Does this video match what you have?:


As stated above, 2011-on may have an AHR (active headrest) that supports your head and neck upright in the event of a crash. It may have an electrical wire going into the seat that will have to be disconnected first. Like safely servicing an Airbag system, it will require someone who knows the precautions and procedures.
 
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#12 ·
Here's what the service manual says, hope it helps:

WARNING: Disable the airbag system before attempting any component diagnosis or service of the front seats, when equipped with front seat air bags. Disconnect and isolate the negative battery(ground) cable, then wait two minutes for the airbag system capacitor to discharge before performing further diagnosis or service. This is the only sure way to disable the airbag system. Failure to take the proper precautions may result in accidental airbag deployment and possible serious or fatal injury.

WARNING: Improper installation of the headrests may result in reduced protection of the occupants. If, after installation, the headrest can be removed, without simultaneously pressing the buttons on the master and slave guide sleeves, then the head restraint is installed incorrectly. Failure to follow these instructions may result in possible serious or fatal injury.

NOTE: For reset procedures, (Refer to Restraints/RESTRAINT, Active Head- Standard Procedure "See Bottom Of Page") .

Position the seat being serviced all the way forward.
Disconnect and isolate the negative batterycable.
Carefully disengage the three J-type retaining hooks that secure the top of the seat back panelto the rear of the seat back.
Slide the seat back panelto one side of the seat back and push on the four side tabs until they disengage.
Lift the seat back panelupward to disengage the two lower retaining hooks and remove the panel from the seat back.
Disconnect the electrical connector.
Recline the seat to gain enough room to remove the Active Head Restraint(AHR).
Press the release button on the left side headrest master sleeve.
Using a thin wire type tool, press the hidden release button on the right side headrest slave sleeve.
CAUTION: Special careshould be taken not to damage to the AHR connector.
Slowly lift the AHR up while pressing the buttons simultaneously.
Watch the connector as it reaches the bottom of the tube and guide the connector through.
Remove the AHR fully.

STANDARD PROCEDURE - ACTIVE HEAD RESTRAINTRESET

If the Active Head Restraint(AHR) units have been deployed, both the driver and passenger side units must be reset. You can recognize that an AHR has been deployed by the forward position of the head restraint cushion and the large spacing between the cushion and the AHR rear trim cover.

NOTE: Before attempting to reset, and after each unsuccessful attempt to reset an AHR, inspect the latch mechanism within the AHR rear trim coverto be certain the latch is unlatched. This can be confirmed by placing a finger on the latch catches and gently rocking them rearward and forward. The catches should move freely. If the catches do not move freely, they are in the latched position and the latch must be opened using the diagnostic scan tool. Follow the steps outlined for AHR - Activate Driver And Passenger Head Restraint under System Test for the Occupant Restraint Controller/ORC menu item. Each time this routine is performed, both the driver and passenger side AHR unit latches may be opened and both AHR units may have to be reset.

Be certain to pull the center of AHR tether strap located between the rear trim coverand the cushion upward as far as possible to prevent it from becoming trapped between the latch striker and the latch catches, which could interfere with successful latching of the striker.

Reaching from behind the seat and below the AHR, position both hands on the top of the AHR cushion as illustrated and brace your forearms or your upper torso against the upper seat backas needed for leverage.

Three separate and distinct physical actions must each be completed in their entirety to successfully reset and latch an AHR. It may help to memorize these actions before attempting the reset as: DOWN, BACK and DOWN. A short explanation of each action follows:
DOWN: Pull the cushion downward far enough to allow the AHR linkage to drop out of its locked, deployed position to its neutral position. The cushion cannot be compressed against the rear trim coveruntil after the AHR linkage has been moved to its neutral position.

BACK: Pull the cushion rearward firmly and evenly against the pressure of the deployment springs until it is flush against the rear trim cover.

DOWN: Finally, while still holding the cushion tightly against the rear trim cover, pull the cushion downward once again far enough to fully engage the latch striker with the AHR latch mechanism. Listen for an audible click as the latch catches engage the striker.

If the tether remains hanging out between the top of the cushion and the rear trim cover, simply use a finger to tuck it out of sight between the top of the rear trim coverand the cushion.

To confirm a successful reset, there should be no visually obvious space between the cushion and the rear trim cover; although, there may be enough space to physically insert your fingertips between them. Also, operation of the comfort tilt adjustment feature should be restored.
 
#13 ·
There may be slight variances in AHR design, but the wire is there because it is electrical.
A solenoid inside the AHR releases a heavily spring-loaded latch in the event of a crash that positions the headrest cushion forward to protect your neck from whiplash-type injuries.
Because Airbags and AHRs must release so rapidly in the event of a crash, they go off with a 'bang'. Not to dissuade anyone from DIY, there must be certain precautions and procedures followed for personal safety.
I would feel better if someone with some training, familiarity and the correct tools for Airbag/AHR service did this for you, or at least allowed you to 'watch and learn' with them the first time through.
The first step is to always disconnect the battery and wait a couple of minutes before getting started in order to let the Passive Restraint modules power down.
 
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