Lack of seatback latches

[tennbird]

I own a 2004 Bird that I purchased used 2 years ago. Does anyone else find it odd that there appears to be no latch mechanism to hold the seatbacks in place? I have owned 2-door cars before which had a positve latch that had to be unhooked in order to gain access to the back seat. Obviously, there is no back seat in the latest T-Birds. However, it seems like a safety concern if the only thing holding the seatback in place in the event of a frontal collision is the seatbelt (hopefully) worn by the seat occupant.

I e-mailed Ford customer service about this. The respondent replied about a LATCH mechanism in the passenger seat. A look at the owners manual told me that this has to do with a child restraint seat and nothing to do with my question/concern.

Does anyone else think that the lack of a latch on the seatback may be a safety concern?

Sincerely,

Tennbird

[taflocks]

Re: Lack of seatback latches

it locks in place when you have an impact or if you jerk it fast.

[bronzebird]

Re: Lack of seatback latches

Paul:

There is so much pressure on the seat belt mechanism under sudden load from either acceleration or deceleration I would defy you to try and move the seat back in either direction when seated and belted in.

Bronzebird

[blue731]

Re: Lack of seatback latches

I have to admit, I have found this very odd. It was so odd, it was almost a deal breaker when buying the car, because my wife was adamant that the seats were defective. It was zero help that the dealer was at a total loss to explain the reasons why a two seat convertible would have the lack of seat-back locks as a "feature".

But, since I had sat in and driven 3 different Tbirds, I knew that it was not a defective issue... my wife, is still not convinced.

[DavidA]

Re: Lack of seatback latches

Many cars now don't have a lock mechanism for the seat backs. THey work by inertia like the seat belts. Try hitting the brakes hard and then try leaning forward in the seat ... it's impossible. This is nothig to worry about!

[5bird7]

Re: Lack of seatback latches

taflocks statement is correct from what we were told when this car was being marketed new.

[ACEBIRD]

Re: Lack of seatback latches

Does anyone else think that the lack of a latch on the seatback may be a safety concern?

Tennbird

It doesn't bother me at all. Really don't need the safety police all over this.

[Peterfurlan]

Re: Lack of seatback latches

Your body is the seat back lock. When you are sitting in the car the seat belt prevents
you and the seat back from going forward in the event of a frontal collision. Lets say the
seat back had a lock but your not using your seat belt in the event of a frontal collision
your going to go through the windshield. The rigid seat back isn't going to prevent you
from going forward. There is nothing in the seat back its all in the seat belt its just that
simple.

[tennbird]

Re: Lack of seatback latches

Well, I tried yanking the seat forward as hard and as fast as I could and nothing locked. (I did the same with the seat belt and, yes, the belt did lock). It still seems strange that Ford would not install the typical seat latching mechanism that every other 2-door vehicle I have ever seen has.

Thanks for your comments, y'all.

Tennbird

[RQTBIRD]

Re: Lack of seatback latches

Paul, Did you try driving and then hit the brakes hard and at the same time push the seat forward? The inertia mechansim might be in the movement of the car? Just a thought.

[Brad]

Re: Lack of seatback latches

My 1996 T-Bird and older Mustangs didn't have the seat latch either, so it isn't something new. I also found it odd when I first saw it.

[Icebluebird]

Re: Lack of seatback latches

Folks, I think that you will find that locking seat backs are only installed in cars with a rear seat!!!???

The locking front seat back would keep the people in the rear from coming forward.

Reasonable????

[Vintage Merlot]

Re: Lack of seatback latches

I think the " so called seat back latches" are for seat back angle adjustments to fit individual driver and passenger comfort.

[toysax]

Re: Lack of seatback latches

The seat belt locks when you brake hard as well as when you start fast. They will unlock after you slow then move back and then forward.

Does it all the time when I start, i guess that's why I get poor gas mileage.

[bwlewis]

Re: Lack of seatback latches

The latches are inetia activated...hard on the brakes or gas or sudden impact.