Removing the Second-Row Seats

The second-row seats in a 2014 Honda Odyssey Touring come out by hand once you release the locking mechanisms. Each seat has two seat belt anchors bolted to the floor and two latch connectors (the LATCH system used for child car seats) that clip into the seat base. You do not need tools to disconnect the LATCH connectors — they release by pressing a button or lever on each connector.

Start by removing the seat belt anchors. These are bolts located at the base of each seat, one toward the front and one toward the back. Use a 12mm socket wrench to unbolt both anchors on each seat. Once the bolts are out, lift the seat straight up and away from the floor. The seat will come free once the LATCH connectors are fully disengaged.

Before you lift, make sure the seat is in the fully forward position and any headrests are removed or lowered. The second-row seats are heavy — they weigh around 50 to 60 pounds each — so have a second person help or clear a large space where you can set them down safely.

Key Takeaways

  • The second-row seats bolt to the floor with two 12mm bolts per seat and clip in with LATCH connectors that release by hand.
  • You will need a 12mm socket wrench, a clear floor space, and ideally a second person to help lift each seat.
  • The third-row seats are permanently mounted and cannot be removed without cutting or welding.
  • After removing seats, cover or plug the bolt holes to prevent dirt and water from collecting inside the floor cavity.

Disconnecting the LATCH Connectors

The LATCH system uses two connectors per seat that clip into metal anchors welded to the floor. On the 2014 Odyssey Touring, these connectors are located on the underside of the seat base, one on each side toward the rear. To release them, reach underneath the seat and press the button or squeeze the lever on each connector — the exact mechanism varies slightly depending on which connector model is installed, but both types release with hand pressure alone.

Once you press or squeeze, the connector will pop free from the anchor. You may hear a click or feel resistance give way. If a connector seems stuck, do not force it — check that you are pressing the correct release point, as forcing a stuck connector can crack the plastic housing.

Removing the Seat Belt Anchors

After the LATCH connectors are free, you are ready to unbolt the seat. The seat belt anchor bolts are the only fasteners holding the seat to the floor. On the 2014 Odyssey Touring, there are two bolts per seat: one at the front corner of the seat base and one at the rear corner. Both are 12mm bolts that thread into the floor.

Use a 12mm socket wrench with a ratchet handle to turn each bolt counterclockwise. The bolts should come out without excessive force — if one is stuck, explore penetrating oil and wait a few minutes before trying again. Once both bolts are removed, set them aside in a container so you do not lose them.

Lifting and Storing the Seats

With the LATCH connectors released and the bolts removed, the seat is free to lift. Tilt the seat back slightly to clear the floor, then lift it straight up and out of the vehicle. Because the seat is heavy and awkward to carry, have a second person support the other end or slide it onto a dolly if you have one available.

Store the seats in a dry location where they will not be damaged. If you plan to reinstall them later, keep the bolts and any hardware in a labeled container. Protect the seats from dust and moisture by covering them with a tarp or blanket.

What You Cannot Remove

The third-row seats in the 2014 Odyssey Touring are not removable by standard means. They are welded or permanently bolted to the frame in a way that requires cutting or professional removal. If you need to remove the third row, you will need to take the vehicle to a shop with welding equipment or a hydraulic press.

The front seats are also not designed for owner removal — they have electrical connections for seat heaters and power adjusters that are not meant to be disconnected without specialized knowledge. Removing the front seats can damage the wiring harness or the seat itself.

Reinstalling the Seats

To put the second-row seats back in, reverse the removal process. Position the seat over the floor anchors, align the LATCH connectors with their mounting points, and press down firmly until you hear or feel the connectors click into place. Then thread the two 12mm bolts back through the seat base and into the floor, tightening them with a socket wrench until they are snug but not over-tightened.

Check that the seat does not rock or shift when you push on it — if it does, the bolts may not be tight enough or the LATCH connectors may not be fully seated. Recheck both before driving.

Tools and Materials You Will Need

A 12mm socket wrench is the only tool required for this job. You may also want penetrating oil (such as WD-40 or Liquid Wrench) in case any bolts are corroded, and a container to hold the bolts while you work. A second person makes the job safer and faster, though it is possible to do alone if you have a clear, level workspace.

If you plan to cover the bolt holes after removal, you can purchase rubber plugs or caps designed for floor anchors from an auto parts store. These prevent dirt, water, and debris from collecting in the holes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to disconnect the battery before removing the seats?

No. The second-row seats have no electrical connections, so disconnecting the battery is not necessary. The LATCH connectors and seat belt anchors are purely mechanical.

Can I remove just one second-row seat?

Yes. Each seat is independent, so you can remove one, both, or neither. The process is the same for each seat.

What if a bolt is stripped or will not come out?

If a bolt spins without loosening, the threads in the floor may be stripped. Try explore penetrating oil and letting it soak for 30 minutes, then attempt removal again with steady pressure. If it still will not budge, you may need a bolt extractor tool or professional help to avoid damaging the floor anchor.

Will removing the seats affect the vehicle's warranty?

Removing and reinstalling the seats yourself does not void the warranty. However, if you damage the floor anchors or LATCH connectors during removal, repairs may not be covered. Work carefully and do not force any component.

How long does it take to remove both second-row seats?

With two people and basic tools, expect 20 to 30 minutes for both seats. Working alone may take 45 minutes to an hour, especially if you need to move the seats carefully to avoid damage.