Resetting Headrests in Mercedes E400 After Accident - A Complex Process

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. The Accident and its Impact on the Mercedes E400
3. Resetting the Headrests: A Complex Process
4. Need for Replacement Actuators
5. Accessing the Headrest Assemblies
6. Removing the Seat and Tonic Cover
7. Releasing the Tension and Pushing Down the Headrests
8. Securing the Headrests with Tie Straps
9. Removing the Headrest Assemblies
10. Releasing the Hydraulic Pressure and Opening the Convertible Top Manually
11. Conclusion

🚗 The Process of Resetting the Headrests in a Mercedes E400 After an Accident

The Mercedes E400 is a stunning car, but accidents can cause unexpected issues. In this article, we will discuss the process of resetting the headrests in a 2015 Mercedes E400 that was involved in an accident. The impact of the accident resulted in the activation of the airbags and seat belts, while also damaging the crash bar and causing the headrest in the back to lock in the up position. We will go through the intricate process step-by-step, highlighting the challenges faced and the solutions employed to successfully reset the headrests.

1. Introduction

Car accidents can cause significant damage, even if they don't appear major at first glance. In the case of this 2015 Mercedes E400, the accident triggered the airbags, activated the seat belts, and rendered the headrest in the back locked in the up position. This presented a unique challenge for resetting the headrests, considering the convertible top was closed during the accident, making it impossible to access the headrests from above.

2. The Accident and its Impact on the Mercedes E400

The accident resulted in the deployment of the airbags and the activation of the seat belts, which are safety features designed to protect occupants. Although the damage was not major, the impact caused the headrest in the back of the Mercedes E400 to lock in the up position. Additionally, the convertible top being closed during the accident created further complications in the reset process.

3. Resetting the Headrests: A Complex Process

Resetting the headrests in this Mercedes E400 proved to be a complex task. Unlike other headrests, these specific ones could not be simply reset. Instead, they required replacement actuators, which would release the lock and allow them to be reset. These actuators are essential components that extend all the way to the bottom of the headrest assembly, though they are not visible without removing the entire assembly.

4. Need for Replacement Actuators

In order to proceed with resetting the headrests, it is necessary to purchase replacement actuators from Mercedes. These actuators replace the original ones and play a crucial role in ensuring the headrests can be locked in at the correct position. Without these actuators, the headrests will not secure properly, posing a safety risk for the occupants.

5. Accessing the Headrest Assemblies

To access the headrest assemblies and install the replacement actuators, it is imperative to remove the seat. This is no easy feat, as the convertible top being closed obstructs the path to the headrest assemblies. However, the Mercedes E400 possesses hinges equipped with a release knob that allows the back seat to be pulled up and forward, creating enough space to remove the seat.

6. Removing the Seat and Tonic Cover

Removing the seat is the preliminary step to accessing the headrest assemblies. The seat is secured by bolts in the bottom, and the bottom part can be easily popped out. Additionally, a clip and a few screws behind the seat belts need to be undone to release the seat. Once these components are removed, the solid rear seat can be lifted, enabling access to the headrest assemblies.

7. Releasing the Tension and Pushing Down the Headrests

Each headrest has a release screw located at the back. This screw allows the tension to be relieved, enabling the headrest to be pushed back down. However, due to the tight space, the release screw can only be accessed after removing the seat. Once the tension is released, the headrest can be pushed down, but the absence of a release mechanism necessitates the use of tie straps to hold them in the down position temporarily.

8. Securing the Headrests with Tie Straps

As a temporary solution, tie straps are utilized to secure the headrests in the down position. This prevents them from popping back up while enabling the subsequent steps of the reset process to be carried out. However, it is important to note that these tie straps are not a permanent fix and will need to be removed once the replacement actuators are installed.

9. Removing the Headrest Assemblies

Once the headrests are secured in the down position, the focus shifts towards removing the headrest assemblies. This involves undoing six substantial bolts that hold the assemblies in place. Removing the entire assembly is essential to access the actuators, as they are situated at the bottom, hidden from view without disassembling the headrest.

10. Releasing the Hydraulic Pressure and Opening the Convertible Top Manually

Once the headrest assemblies are removed, it is necessary to release the hydraulic pressure. This ensures that the convertible top can be opened manually without causing any damage to the back glass. Opening the convertible top manually allows for the replacement of the actuators and the subsequent reassembly of the headrest assemblies.

11. Conclusion

Resetting the headrests in a Mercedes E400 after an accident is no simple task. The intricate process involves accessing the headrest assemblies, removing the seat and tonic cover, pushing down the headrests with tie straps, replacing the actuators, and reassembling the components. By following these steps carefully, the headrests can be reset and the car can be restored back to its original state of safety and comfort.

Highlights

• Car accidents can have hidden consequences, such as the locking of headrests in an up position.
• Resetting headrests in a Mercedes E400 after an accident requires replacement actuators.
• Accessing the headrest assemblies involves removing the seat and tonic cover.
• Tie straps are used to temporarily secure the headrests in the down position.
• Six bolts hold the headrest assemblies in place and need to be undone for removal.
• Releasing hydraulic pressure allows for manual opening of the convertible top.
• The process of resetting headrests in a Mercedes E400 demands precision and careful execution.

FAQ

Q: Can the headrests in a Mercedes E400 be reset without replacing the actuators?\ A: No, the headrests in a Mercedes E400 require replacement actuators to be reset properly. The actuators release the lock and allow the headrests to be locked in at the correct position.

Q: Is it necessary to remove the seat to access the headrest assemblies?\ A: Yes, in order to access the headrest assemblies, the seat needs to be removed. The convertible top being closed obstructs the path to the headrest assemblies, making it impossible to access them from above.

Q: How can the convertible top be opened manually without causing damage to the back glass?\ A: To open the convertible top manually without causing damage to the back glass, it is important to release the hydraulic pressure. This ensures a safe manual opening of the top.