Ford Fiesta Mk6 VI 2002-2008 3 Door Front Seat Tilt Handle Lever Replacement Repair Fix 1417520 / 1417521 Install Instruction Guide

The Problem

Seat tilt handle snaps, preventing tilting of the front seat.

It is very common for the handle on the seat tilt mechanism to snap on these vehicles. This means the seat cannot be tilted restricting access to the rear seats. Making every day tasks such as carrying passengers, fitting children’s seats and exiting the back seats awkward. We have heard of cases of vehicles failing their MOT due to this fault and the restricted access to the rear seats.

Symptoms of the fault

Seat lever handle broken, broke, snapped off, faulty. Handle lever breaks or snaps off away from the rest of the plastic parts. The handle might appear intact but doesn’t tilt the seat due to plastic snapping within the handle mechanism. Or handle lifts but only half way and is not enough to tilt the seat.

Vehicles affected and compatibility

Ford Fiesta 2002-2008 3 door (UK Mk6, 5th generation)

Drivers side part number: 1417520

Passenger side part number: 1417521

Our solution

Simply install our replacement handle and restore the tilting function of your seats.

Provided the cable release mechanism is OK (this can be checked by pulling with pliers which should tilt the seat) this common fault is very easily resolved by installing our replacement handle mechanism.

Our replacement seat tilt handle fits in the exact same way and looks identical to the OE part.

Our part allows a simple repair that can be carried out in situ on the car with no special tools required. With the old broken handle removed, it’s just a push fit to install our part. There is no need to remove the seats. Please check out our pictorial and video instructions.

Step 1: Remove the Old Handle

The old handle is held in position by two push clips, one on either side.

You will need a couple of flat head screwdrivers which will need to be inserted in the positions shown between the seat covering and the plastic trim of the old handle. These will be used to push in the two clips for the handle to be released.

Once both clips are pushed in, you should be able to gently lever the handle upwards. Be careful not to damage the seat material with the screwdrivers.

Once loose, the handle can be lifted out and away to reveal the worn and damaged parts within the old handle.

Step 2: Tilt Seat

Once the handle is removed, it will reveal the top of the cable with a stop end which is pulled to release the seat catch so that it can be tilted forward.

For installation of the new handle it is best to have the seat in the tilted forwards position. To do this with out the handle, get a pair of long nose pliers onto the stop end and then pull upwards. This will release the seat catch and the seat can tilt forward.

You will now have more play in the cable for installing the new handle. The stop end needs to be in the position shown for new handle installation.

The plastic sitting behind the stop end in the pictures is part of the seat, and not part of the old handle so do not remove this. It is used to help locate the new handle into position.

Step 3: Install the New Handle

With the stop end in the correct position, the new handle can now be installed.

Line up the two prongs sticking downwards on the new handle over the piece of black plastic and push downwards making sure that the metal stop end stays in the same position.

Step 4: Push Down on the Handle

With the new handle lined up, it will slide downwards until it clicks into position which should be when the handle is very close to the seat material.

Once clicked into position, lift the lever slowly and you should here a click and this will be the stop end locating into position on the new handle.

With the stop end located, you can test the tilting action of the seat.

Step 5: Installation Complete

Test the function of the new handle.

This completes the repair. If you need any further guidance on this install or would like to purchase the parts shown please call us on [phone] or email us at [e-mail]. Please also check out our instruction guide on YouTube. www.x8r.co.uk

Installation is carried out at installers risk, if unsure please contact us or a professional, X8R Ltd cannot be held responsible for any adverse result of installing this product or any injuries caused by install, if in doubt ask a professional. All images and texts are copyright X8R Ltd 2018.