Bed mechanism needs a fix - anyone done it themselves? 2015 SE - Help!

[Alison C]

I joined the ‘bed stuck club’ last week whilst away and after two days of frustration, using the detailed instructions posted by @Shuftie, I finally managed to release the side that was stuck and got the seat back upright - albeit in the slightly reclined position.
I have been searching the forum in the hope of finding a way to fix the problem so I can use the bed again. (Thankfully, I generally sleep ‘upstairs’, whilst the dog is ‘downstairs’).
I was pleased to read that back in 2017 the VW Van Centre in Edinburgh had been able to quickly fix the issue for @suzanne1 by removing the panel on the back of the rear seat and reattaching a cable. I am hopeful that in my case it’s a simple fix. But having read about so many different experiences and garages not seeming to have experience of how to repair it, resulting in hefty bills (if not under warranty, (which mine isn’t, being 10 years old), I’d really appreciate some advice about how to remove the back of the seat to check out the mechanism. Can anyone help, please?
I am booked on the ferry to the Outer Hebrides on Wednesday and would like to get this resolved before I go, or know that I need to change my plans to get the bed sorted first.

 

[westfalia]

Is it now stuck in the upright position?
What happens when you pull the release strap, is there any movement?
Pulling the release strap whilst pulling forward on the backrest can relieve tension on the locking hook and allow it to release.

 

[Alison C]

Is it now stuck in the upright position?
What happens when you pull the release strap, is there any movement?
Pulling the release strap whilst pulling forward on the backrest can relieve tension on the locking hook and allow it to release.

Thanks, @westfalia , yes, it’s stuck upright.

The locking bolt on the kitchen side wasn’t moving when it was stuck flat, the other side moved freely when I pulled the strap.

So, I am assuming the cable has either failed or come detached from the mechanism on one side.

If I can get the back off the seat I am hoping I’ll be able to see what’s what and if it’s a simple fix, do it myself. I am hoping someone will know how to get the back off the seat.

 

[westfalia]

Thanks, @westfalia , yes, it’s stuck upright.

The locking bolt on the kitchen side wasn’t moving when it was stuck flat, the other side moved freely when I pulled the strap.

So, I am assuming the cable has either failed or come detached from the mechanism on one side.

If I can get the back off the seat I am hoping I’ll be able to see what’s what and if it’s a simple fix, do it myself. I am hoping someone will know how to get the back off the seat.

I'm not sure if removing the sliding drawer will enable access, have a look here about the seat panel removal. https://vwcaliforniaclub.com/threads/broken-rear-bench-seat-recline-mechanism.53292/

 

[Alison C]

I'm not sure if removing the sliding drawer will enable access, have a look here about the seat panel removal. https://vwcaliforniaclub.com/threads/broken-rear-bench-seat-recline-mechanism.53292/

Thank you for that link, that’s really helpful. It hadn’t come up when I searched.

When it finally stops raining I’ll take a look and see what I can do.

It’s amazing how much information is shared here. Thank you everyone who’s posted when they’ve found a solution. Much appreciated.