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1968-Present E-Series Van/Cutaway/Chassis Econolines. E150, E250, E350, E450 and E550

bench seat/bed help needed

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Old Dec 23, 2014 | 01:53 PM
  #1  
dchuey's Avatar
dchuey
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bench seat/bed help needed

I just got a 1997 E150 van with a rear bench seat that folds down into a bed. I found the lever to turn and laid the bed out, but now I can't get it to fold back up again. I pushed and pulled on everything. Is there a release lever somewhere?

Thanks.
 
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Old Dec 23, 2014 | 06:30 PM
  #2  
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jimandnena
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Originally Posted by dchuey
I just got a 1997 E150 van with a rear bench seat that folds down into a bed. I found the lever to turn and laid the bed out, but now I can't get it to fold back up again. I pushed and pulled on everything. Is there a release lever somewhere?

Thanks.
From the 1996 owner's book:

138
%
*
[FV42101( E )12/89]
Seat/bed conversion
*
[FV42301( E )05/89]
To convert the seat/bed to a bed:
[FV42501( E )12/91]
1. While in the rear of the vehicle, behind the
seat, rotate the release lever on the right side
of the seat while pulling the seat back
extension panel rearward and up until flat.
[FV42800( E )12/91]
2. Tuck the safety belts into the pockets on the
seat cushion while in the bed position.
*
[FV42900( E )01/89]
To convert the bed to a seat:
*
[FV43000( E )07/92]
1. While in front of the seat, pull the release
lever up and at the same time pull the
seatback up. Raise the seatback to the full
upright and locked position.
*
[FV43100( E )01/89]
2. Make sure the safety belts are free and
available for use.
[FV43200( E )12/91]
3. Push the seat back extension forward,
making sure the latch engages.

Hope that helps? My '88 model has 2 separate levers.
jim
 
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Old Dec 23, 2014 | 06:43 PM
  #3  
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dchuey
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Sounds like I may have a different set up.
I turned a black lever in front of the bench seat, lifted it up and the back of the seat flattened out and another cushion that was in back folded down and all snapped into place against the rear doors.
Is there another lever to release it to fold up?
Thanks.
 
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Old Dec 24, 2014 | 07:49 AM
  #4  
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jimandnena
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Originally Posted by dchuey
Sounds like I may have a different set up.
I turned a black lever in front of the bench seat, lifted it up and the back of the seat flattened out and another cushion that was in back folded down and all snapped into place against the rear doors.
Is there another lever to release it to fold up?
Thanks.
Here's the page from my '88 owners book. Two levers: the one in the center lets you pull the seat bottom forward and the seat back drops to lay flat next to the fixed seat cushion behind the seat. The second lever at the side, unlatches the seat back (which should pop up slightly), then you push the seat bottom until the seat latches into the bench position.

 
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Old Dec 24, 2014 | 07:54 AM
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Thanks so much. I 'll try it later.

Happy holiday!
 
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Old Dec 24, 2014 | 08:36 AM
  #6  
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JWA
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From: Reynoldsburg, Ohio
Originally Posted by dchuey

Happy holiday!
Which holiday? Easter? Thanksgiving? Halloween? Festivus?

Merry Christmas to you as well----Happy New Year too!
 
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