Head Restraint Height Increases During Vehicle Operation (Adjust Spring Tension)

Some owners may comment that the height of the head restraints or headrests increases during vehicle operation.

This condition may be caused by insufficient spring tension on the head restraint support rods.

Increase the tension on the spring/wire inside the head restaint using the following procedure.

1. Remove the head restraint from the seat by raising it to the full-up position and inserting a small rounded tool, such as an allen wrench, into the hole in the guide assembly in order to release the lock tabs. If additional information is needed when removing the head restraint, refer to the Seats sub-section of the Body and Accessories section of the appropriate Service Manual.



2. With the head restraint removed from the seat, rotate or turn the support rods (2) 90 degrees (1/4 turn) and pull them out of the head restraint (1).

Important:  Do not over-bend the tension springs in the next steps. Excessive bending of the tension springs will result in too much effort being required to raise and lower the head restraint.

3. Looking into the hole in the head restraint, you will see a small tension spring (4) going from one side to the other. Insert an awl-type tapered tool into the head restraint hole (3) and below the tension spring (4).
4. Carefully bend the center of the tension spring up as shown (5).
5. Repeat Steps 3 and 4 to the tension spring in the other hole.
6. Reinstall the support rods in the head restraint.
7. Install the head restraint in the seat and confirm that it can be raised and lowered without excessive effort.
8. Repeat this procedure on the other head restraint.

For vehicles repaired under warranty, use: