For my 1998 wagon, when it was in this condition, I found it pretty easy to go in from the back and pry up the little metal tab that the handle would normally pull up, then the seat would fold. It doesn't take much pressure to "pry" it up.

It was actually easier for me than it sounds (on the wagon). Take a look at the other side, on the seat back where the latch is on the folding up/down part. You should be able to see the business/action end of the part that the handle pulls on, if you fold the seat 1/2-way and work the latch/release mechanism manually.

Then perhaps you can reach the stuck one from behind and at least make it operate. Like I said, it was easy on the wagon... but I have no idea how easy it may or may not be to reach it on the sedan.

I ended up getting a latch part from the junkyard and replacing the whole broken mechanism, because it kind of bothered me.

 

Thanks for the reply!

I noticed there was another thread with more replys and pictures about this problem. Sounds like "jimmying" with a strong piece of wire is the best way to go for a temp fix.

 

Yes, there is another thread with lots of info. And "making it work" with a piece of wire is fine, once you have the latch assembly removed from the seat and taken apart.

What I don't remember in that thread was information on how to get the seatback to fold down when the stupid release handle is broken off.

So, I figured out this way to go in from the back, using a screwdriver to push up the metal latch-release tab that the handle would pull up on if it wasn't broken.

Good luck!

 

hopefully this works on my 01 passat also? wheres the best place start when taking apart the rear seat