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Home >> Ford >> 2012 >> Taurus SE >> Repair and Diagnosis >> External Pages >> Different car >> Section 3473 (Seating System - Component Testing, General Procedures, Removal And Installation, Disassembly And Assembly) >> Removal And Installation >> Head Restraint Guide Sleeve >> Installation
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Head Restraint Guide Sleeve: Installation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2015 Lincoln MKT. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
NOTE: Always install new head restraint guide sleeves. Difficult adjustment of the head restraint may occur. Failure to follow these instructions may result in component failure.
NOTE: For front seats only, the head restraint guide sleeves are not interchangeable. Failure to install the correct head restraint guide sleeve at the correct position may result in component failure.

  1. 1.

    Make sure the holes in the backrest foam pad and backrest trim cover are aligned to the holes in the backrest frame.

  1. 2.

    For front seats, install the head restraint guide sleeve with the wide key and large button on the LH side of the seat.
GFD95557Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY

  1. 3.

    Install the head restraint guide sleeve with the thin key and small button.
GFD95558Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY

  1. 4.

    NOTE: Do not attempt to seat the head restraint guide sleeve by hand. This may result in excessive head restraint adjustment efforts and permanent damage to the head restraint guide sleeve.

    To allow the head restraint guide sleeve to slide freely through the backrest foam pad and backrest trim cover, twist the head restraint guide sleeve while pushing it into the backrest frame hole as far as it will go with hand pressure.

GFD95559Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY

  1. 5.

    NOTE: Striking effort should not result in any type of damage or distortion to the head restraint guide sleeve. If a head restraint guide sleeve is damaged, install a new one.

    Using a non-marring mallet, strike the top of the head restraint guide sleeve with moderate force, seating it in the backrest frame.

    • Striking effort must be high enough to snap the head restraint guide sleeve retainer in place in the backrest frame.
GFD95560Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY

  1. 6.

    Inspect the head restraint guide sleeve.
    • Pull the head restraint guide sleeve out by hand, making sure it is locked in place. If the head restraint guide sleeve can be removed by hand, repeat the installation procedure. If the head restraint guide sleeve can be removed again after installing a second time, install a new head restraint guide sleeve.

  1. 7.

    Repeat these steps for the head restraint guide sleeve on the opposite side.

  1. 8.

    Install the head restraint in the following sequence.

    1. 1.

      Position the head restraint rods to the head restraint guide sleeve holes.

    1. 2.

      Push the head restraint down, guiding the rods into the head restraint guide sleeve holes.

    1. 3.

      Make sure the head restraint adjusts without excessive effort and locks in place.
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