The rear seat behind the driver side in my 2002 ML320 is in a locked down position. I can barely get my hand under it. I did find that the cable on the middle lever has come lose. The front lever cable appears to be fine. Yes, there is something stuck under the seat (dust mop). Is there a simple DIY to get the seat back up so I can reattach the cable? I've read several posts on the MB forum websites but no real specifics on what to do.

 

I'm having the same problem, but mines the passenger side. I dont think mine has anything jammed under, but with about an inch of movement its hard to tell!! It does feel like its going to open though....
What a ridiculous design if ever I saw one!!

* Well after playing around with it, it doesnt seem jammed up on anything, so I think the mechinism is locked. Any idea from anyone how to release it?

 

There is a cable that connects to a lever under the seats. There is one lever for each rear seat. When the cable head pops out of the lever hook, then you will be unable to get the seats up since the handle will not be able to pull the lever and unlock the seat. You need to patiently put the cable pin on the lever hook or manually move the lever. For the rear passenger seat, the lever is on the right hand side of the seat and under it. Use a flash light and feel the lever with your hand.

Once you get the seat up, put some tape or secure the cable pin so that it won't pop up again. Then you would not have this problem again.

Regards,

AC