I just bought a used 2004 Suburban. The 3rd row bench seat is stuck half-in. The passenger side is secure, the driver side is not.
I can't fold the back forward to get the seat in or out. I suspect this is a safety feature.
I've searched the forum and the solution seems to be to put a pipe in the unlatched side latches to trick it into thinking it's fully latched. Then the back is supposed to be able to fold down.

I've tried putting some copper pipe in where the seat is supposed to be anchored on the truck but the back seat still won't fold forward. In fact, it looks like the latches are in the closed position already, even with no pipe inserted. Or am I not understanding this correctly?

Here a a pictures of the rear and front driver side seat bottom latches.

Driver side front latch



Driver side rear latch

 

I got it. The MIDDLE latch was not in the closed position.

 

Had a 2005 Yukon XL; getting that 3rd seat in or out was always a pain, and confusing. Sold it last month, but expect its cousin 2011 Yukon XL Denali is similar....

 

Once you have it out apply a smll amount of oil to all the latches. Don't use too much as it will geton the carpet.

 

You won't be disappointed. About the only difference is that they put plastic tracks on top of the carpet for the rollers to slide on. They are still both very heavy.

 

I pulled the 3rd seats out of my Tahoe when I got it. Took too much cargo room up and didn't need them as the nest is empty anyway.