Latch Symbol Button Replacement

Contact Patch · Aug 9, 2012

Hi All,

New to the forum, recently purchased a silver 2008 VR6 for my wife. So far, very pleased with the vehicle, solid build, comfortable interior, love the exterior looks. One small thing I noticed is that one of the "Latch" symbol buttons on the passenger side rear seat is missing, leaving a small hole in the leatherette. Is this common? Does the dealer carry replacement buttons? Can this be repaired?

Thanks,
CP

Contact Patch · Aug 11, 2012

For those of you on the edge of your seat, waiting for the life altering solution...I spoke with a VW dealer mechanic today who explained that in order to replace one of the "Latch" symbol buttons on the rear seat, they need to remove the seat and remove the seat cover in order to install a new button backing plate that holds the button in place. The button itself cost ~$20 (part # 1J898762A followed by your interior color code, e.g. 95R). According to the mechanic, it would take roughly 2 hrs of labor to remove the seat from the car, remove the seat cover, install the new button, then re=install the cover, which is tricky in terms of keeping the original tension on the seat cover, then replace the seat into the vehicle.

Not sure it's worth it to me, but hope the info is useful to others.

major · Aug 11, 2012

Where did you get this 1J898762A R98 number ?

Contact Patch · Aug 11, 2012

My mistake, missing an "M" the correct part # from the dealer is 1JM898762A 95R - the last three represent the color according to the parts person. I will try to post a photo - it is the little round plastic indicator that shows you where the baby seat attaches or "latches" to the car's seat.

johnsc2 · Aug 11, 2012

I would doubt that they would remove the seat and cover for this. I would assume they told you that so you feel justified by spending $ for 2 hrs labor. More than likeley they will pull up the seat bottom, unhooking the j clip for the rear seat cover pull it forward, put in the front piece and push in the backer then squish it with the rubberized pliers. Re connect the j hook and done...about 15-20 minutes Max. We don't always do things by the book. We try and work smarter not harder.

Contact Patch · Aug 12, 2012

Hey johnsc2! Thanks for your insight! So, are you a VW mechanic? Besides rubber pliers, would I need any special upholstery tool to unhook and re-hook the j clip? Can one access the j clip with the seat back still in the car?

johnsc2 said:
I would doubt that they would remove the seat and cover for this. I would assume they told you that so you feel justified by spending $ for 2 hrs labor. More than likeley they will pull up the seat bottom, unhooking the j clip for the rear seat cover pull it forward, put in the front piece and push in the backer then squish it with the rubberized pliers. Re connect the j hook and done...about 15-20 minutes Max. We don't always do things by the book. We try and work smarter not harder.

johnsc2 · Aug 12, 2012

Im not a vw mechanic but a Honda/Acura tech and I was just stating generally speaking that would be how it would work at our place. Some covers come off easy on the bottom which may be the case. All Honda covers at least on the bottom come off with a j hook and since the latch clips are on the lowest section it would be easy to put in. I've never had a vw seat apart but I can't imagine its that different. Some covers even have a small zipper that u can unzip. If I get a chance ill see if I can see how the bottom of the seat back comes apart.

A lot of techs choose to take the seats out because sometimes it is easier to work on but I prefer to get it done as fast as possible so I usually leave them in the car.

Contact Patch · Aug 12, 2012

Cool, thank you. It'd be great it I could just replace the part myself.

Latch Symbol Button Replacement

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