2004 Toyota Tacoma 4x4 - Passenger Seat

Hello all,

I'm new to the forum. Over the years, I have searched the forum for answers before, but this time, I haven't had much luck.

I own a 2004 Toyota Tacoma 4x4. My passenger seat doesn't stay secured when driving. The track is not the issue; that's fine. The issue is the seat back. When I accelerate, my passenger falls backwards. Not back one big swoop back, increments. When I stop and go again, they will fall a little more, until they unjust the seat upright. To prevent falling backwards, they can't put too much weight, otherwise they recline back.

My mechanic, without looking at the seat, thinks I need to replace the whole seat. So here I am. Is this true? Am I possibly looking to replace the whole seat, or have others found the issue without hunting down a replacement seat?

With the truck being 20 years old, the odds of finding a used seat are slim. What are your thoughts? Any advice would be great! My family is getting frustrated with the seat.

If I do need a replacement seat, how does one go about finding one that is in great condition, that hasn't been exposed to floods, a smoker, etc.

One frustrated Tacoma owner.

 

This may help you out. Looks like a Tacoma he’s using for the demonstration. Maybe examine it and clean up the gear teeth and/or check your spring tension
https://youtu.be/SleXUhHLkH
Or this
https://youtu.be/wHczjg8SV8c

 

Thank you for these videos. Attached is a picture of the issue I have, the 'teeth mechanism'. It either needs to be cleaned or replaced. I haven't taken the cover off to take a look. I'm not sure if others are having the same issue. You're the only one who's responded so far. I did reach out to a shop that was recommended to me on Facebook. The responder wanted to send me a 'part' that cost $80, but without seeing the part, I wasn't confident in purchasing it. He showed me a photo of an electrical seat, mine is manual, and he tried to say, "It's all the same. Works all the same". I'm not finding any videos for 2004 Tacomas that show how to diagnose this issue and how to fix it. I wish more folks here had an idea of what I need to do first.

 

I’d say further inspection of those teeth will be warranted. I’d bet they’re just gummed up with dirt and/or grime and need a good cleaning. Here’s the removal process for the plastic….don't be scared and just get in there
https://www.parksoffroad.com/tacomamods/seatsideplastic/seatsideplastic.htm