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How do I fix a stuck manual car seat?

My manual car seat is stuck. It won’t slide forward, so how do I fix a manual car seat? I want to avoid a trip to the mechanic.

avatar
Matthew Macgugan · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
How frustrating! I’m sure any back seat passengers will appreciate the fix. Luckily, a stuck manual car seat is fixable, and hopefully, won’t require a trip to the
mechanic
.
Sometimes a car seat can become stuck if the locking pins didn’t properly engage when someone last adjusted it. Try giving your seat a firm shake or jostle to engage these pins and allow you to move the seat normally. Listen for a popping or clicking noise to confirm.
If this does not work, then the car seat slider track may need lubricant. This can be effective in older vehicles or in moist climates where the metal track may be rusty or worn out. Try WD-40 spray on the track to allow it to move a bit easier.
Ideally, either of these solutions will fix your seat. If they don’t, you’ll likely have to visit a repair shop to figure out what the issue is.
Cars are very complex pieces of machinery and even something as simple as a car seat slider can break. If you’re concerned about a more serious breakdown, try a roadside assistance membership with
Jerry
. Jerry’s roadside assistance membership protects you with their nationwide network of 55,000+ service providers.
Good luck!
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