Seat Backrest Release Modified
Seat Backrest Release Modified
Vehicle Type: 911 Carrera (996)
Model Year: As of 1999 (X)
Concern: Difficulty when tilting the front seat backrest forward.
Information: The front seat backrest release mechanism on the 911 Carrera (996) has been modified. This modification reduces the operating travel of the backrest release knob by approx. 10 mm. On vehicles produced prior to the below production date, the modified backrest release mechanism can be retrofitted in the event of a "Seat backrest does not release" complaint.
The modification was introduced as of March 17, 1998 production, and from Vehicle Identification Number (VIN):
99 5XS 62 1196
Parts Information:
Part Number Description
996 521 903 00 Repair kit for backrest release. Consists of 2 each bearing plates, shaft bolts, grooved pins, M4 cross-recess screws and tension springs, deflection rollers, clips.
PNA 043 012 00 Loctite 221
Work Procedure:
1. Remove the front seat.
2. Remove the backrest covering.
3. Remove the backrest shell from backrest frame. Do not disassemble the backrest.
4. A shaft bolt to deflect the cable is installed in the swivel arm pivot point, and a new deflection roller is fitted on the swivel arm.
4.1 Remove the cable end out of one swivel arm (Figure 1, Item 1) and push the swivel arm out of the pivot point by pressing toward the headrest.
4.2 Remove the deflection roller (Figure 1, Item 2) from pivot pin using the blade of a knife or small spatula.
4.3 Remove the end of the cable sleeve (Figure 1, Item 4) from the backrest shell. Use a round file to increase the depth for the cable sleeve in the backrest shell (Figure 2, dimension A).
4.4 Reinstall the cable sleeve in the backrest shell. Secure cable sleeve with a clip (Figure 1, Item 3).
4.5 Install cable into the groove of the new deflection roller and install roller on pivot pin.
NOTE: The groove of the new deflection roller has a chamfer on the side of the swivel arm (Figure 2, detail Z, and arrow).
4.6 Reinstall swivel arm in pivot point. Reinstall cable end (Figure 1, Item 1) into the swivel arm.
4.7 Push shaft bolt (Figure 3, Item 6) into the swivel arm pivot point with holes for lock pin facing upward in the direction of the headrest.
4.8 Install cable into the groove of the shaft bolt and secure the cable in the groove with pin (Figure 3, Item 7) by pressing pin into bore.
WARNING:! The swivel lever and backrest shell can be damaged (broken) if the pin is installed using a hammer.
4.9 Insert bearing plate (Figure 3, Item 5) into the opening between the swivel arm pivot point and the backrest shell (Figure 1, arrow B) with cut out facing opening in the backrest shell.
4.10 Apply loctite 221 to the first threads of one M4 screw. With shaft bolt in the swivel arm pivot point fasten shaft bolt to bearing plate using M4 screw. Using cut out in bearing plate counter hold while tightening M4 screw.
4.11 Replace tension spring on swivel arm.
NOTE: There is no tension spring on the swivel arm on a seat with slotted plate. In this case, replace the tension spring for the slotted plate in the area of the backrest pivot point.
5. Follow the same work procedure for the other swivel arm.
6. Install backrest shell on backrest frame.
NOTE: In the case of a cable with slotted plate, the cable play is adjusted by means of the adjusting screw on the slotted plate. With the backrest in the locked position there must be approx. 1mm play between adjusting screw and release pin (Figure 4, arrow).
7. Install backrest covering and reinstall seat.
Literature: Boxster Technical Manual, Group 7, Sections:
72 01 19 - Removing and installing front seat.
74 19 19 - Removing and installing covering for backrest.
72 19 37 - Disassembling and assembling backrest frame.
Important Notice: Porsche Cars N.A Technical 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. Special tools may be required to perform certain operations identified in these bulletins. Use of tools and procedures other than those recommended in these bulletins may be detrimental to the safe operation of your vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions and know-how to do 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 Porsche Dealer for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information. Part numbers listed in these bulletins are for reference only. Always check with your authorized Porsche dealer to verify correct part numbers.