Hi, first official post here.....just getting used to my 2012 van, and would like to remove last two rows of seats. this is a 11/12 passenger configuration. My '99 14 passenger I had no problems with, this is different. I notice in 2012 Torx style bolts mounting the seat legs to the floor. Are these sockets available thru Ford, or picked up elsewhere. Also how are they sized? Torque spects on them? I am also wondering if Ill encounter problems with seatbelt warning systems....

thanks

leev

 

Torx sockets (usually fitting on a 3/8" drive ratchet) are available most places tools are sold, like Sears. The numbers increase as sizes go up (Torx 15 and 20 are for headlights, and get larger from there.) I have removed the bases on my '02 E150 and had to buy a Torx 55 socket.

 

The Torx bolts upfront are indeed T55 but make sure you use Torx PLUS as they're generally called. That designation makes a difference in how the Torx bit fits the bolt recess.

IF you insist on using just a plain T55 Torx bit get the hardened versions as they're less likely to cause any damage, either to the bolt recess or the bit itself.

As YoGeorge says most any place selling automotive-type tools will have these. NAPA for example allows you to buy just the needed sizes if a full set isn't in the plans.

Also as YoGeorge says the T55 Torx PLUS bits tend to fit 3/8" drive ratchets only so torque on those bolts would be rather limited, a good pull of the wrench is usually sufficient. The 18mm rear seat studs require a medium- or deep-well socket which can utilize a 1/2" ratchet. Before reinstalling these bolts & nuts use something like anti-seize to prevent rust from forming on the threads, most notably the Torx bolts---they're exposed to the underside and subject to weather conditions.

There's no harm removing the seats but be sure to carefully disconnect the pre-tensioner wiring BEFORE attempting to move the seat. When all finished make sure to re-connect them so your air bag warning light doesn't pop up on the dash board.

HTH

HTH

 

thanks for the comeback YoGeorge and JWA.......JWA are you always so thorough with your responses?, I appreciate it and the info they contain. I did notice these Torx screws/bolts are sitting in removable rubber "boots", Ill be interested in seeing how far down they go. So no torque specs on these?.........
thanks again......very helpful

leev

 

JWA rocks, as do many people on this forum. The depth of experience on this forum is such that I'd have a hard time getting rid of my van because I'll probably replace it with a minivan and I don't want to leave the group of good friends I have made here.

I don't think there is an issue with the belts given you are gonna be working on the last 2 rows...I think it's only the front seats that have the warning lights and airbag stuff connected...and they also have explosive charges in the front seat belts that lock the ratchets if you are in an accident.

The torx bolts are black, which implies they are hardened, so they can probably take a fair amount of torque. Not sure about the numbers, but maybe 50 ft. lb.?

It is also handy to remove the front seats if you have to do engine work, so keep the Torx bit somewhere in the event you need to work on the engine, and THEN definitely follow JWA's advice on the belt wiring.

George

 

Oh, hell to the yeah on removing those *#&@&)# front seats for engine work. I even remove them just to sweep out the front area! (That's a bit facetious but not by very much.)

Echoing YoGeorge's comments most of us who share here have been there, done that on so much and we recall how initially difficult and frustrating it was/is looking for answers. There are very few things we've not yet covered including some of the most far out and downright weird, we're all nearly pro's at knowing a little about a lot.

The rubber boots you mention isn't anything other than a thick coating of some kind applied, most likely as an appearance feature. Being dark or nearly black they somewhat blend in with the seat base and surrounding floor, stock anyway.

The seat bases where they contact the floor have rigid plastic "feet" which probably serve several functions or purposes, none of which are known to me. They should remain in place when re-installing the seats.

If you look under the van where the seats are attached you'll easily see how far the Torx bolts extend past the lower surface of the floor.

 

thanks again, and for [U]absolutely[U]no other reason than that it is true, I am challenged in that I cannot walk......I drive great but walking, not so good. Anyhow, what size pics may be loaded here, Ill show you what I mean about the rubber boots....they are distinct of the Torx screw. Oh, as this was a lease return I did not get the "operation manual, the owners manual"....is there one on line somewhere? I see where I may order a socket from MATCO or Snap-on via the internet.....why who knows, Ford service might even tell me the size if I call them.............you folks have been a great help.........I have other issues with the van but they might get answered via the manual

best regards

leev

 

Owners manuals we can do easily. They are all on line here in pdf form--you can download and/or print one out:

Owner Manuals | fleet.ford.com

Good luck; we have other handicapped folks on the van forum who do a lot of wrenching and if you do a post asking for assistance with your issues, I'm sure you can get help in that area as well.

Take care,
George