The basic steps to remove your passenger seat
Removing the passenger seat from a 2013 Ford Connect involves disconnecting the seat belt, unbolting the seat base from the floor, and unplugging the electrical connectors underneath. The whole job takes about 30 minutes with basic hand tools. You do not need to remove the seat back separately — the entire seat assembly comes out as one unit.
Start by moving the seat all the way forward and all the way back to locate all the bolts. The 2013 Connect has four bolts holding the seat base to the floor: two near the front of the seat and two near the back. All four are 13mm bolts. You will also find an electrical connector underneath the seat that powers the seat belt pretensioner, which you must unplug before lifting the seat out.
Before you begin, disconnect the negative terminal on your battery. This prevents accidental airbag deployment if your Connect has a passenger-side airbag, and it stops any electrical shorts while you work.
Key Takeaways
- The 2013 Ford Connect passenger seat is held down by four 13mm bolts on the floor and one electrical connector under the seat.
- You must disconnect the negative battery terminal before starting work to prevent airbag issues and electrical damage.
- The seat belt is attached to the seat frame itself, so you do not need to unbolt it separately — it comes out with the seat.
- After removing the four floor bolts and unplugging the electrical connector, you can lift the entire seat assembly straight up and out.
Disconnecting the battery and seat belt
Open your hood and locate the negative battery terminal on the driver's side. It is the black cable attached to the negative post of the battery. Loosen the 8mm nut holding the cable to the post and slide the cable off. Set it aside where it cannot touch the battery post again. Wait at least five minutes before touching any electrical parts of the seat.
The seat belt for the passenger seat is bolted to the seat frame itself, not to the floor or door frame. You do not need to unbolt it — it will come out with the seat. However, check that the belt retracts smoothly and is not tangled around anything before you begin lifting.
Locating and removing the four floor bolts
Slide the passenger seat all the way forward. Look underneath the seat toward the back. You will see two bolts on the floor, one on each side of the seat base. These are the rear bolts. They are 13mm and point straight down into the floor. Use a 13mm wrench or socket to remove both of them.
Now slide the seat all the way back. Look underneath toward the front of the seat base. You will see two more 13mm bolts, one on each side. Remove both of these as well. Once all four bolts are out, the seat is no longer attached to the floor.
Keep the four bolts in a safe place. You will need them again if you reinstall the seat. If you are replacing the seat with a different one, check that the new seat uses the same bolt pattern — most aftermarket seats for the Connect do, but it is worth confirming before you buy.
Unplugging the electrical connector
With the seat bolts removed, look underneath the seat near the center. You will find a black electrical connector with two wires running to it. This connector powers the seat belt pretensioner, a safety device that tightens the belt during a crash. Pinch the tab on the connector and pull it straight out. It will come free without tools.
Some 2013 Connects may have a second connector for a seat heater if that option was installed. Check both sides of the seat base. If you find a second connector, unplug it the same way.
Lifting the seat out of the vehicle
Once all four bolts are removed and all electrical connectors are unplugged, you can lift the seat. Grab the seat frame on both sides near the front edge. Lift straight up slowly and steadily. The seat is heavy — it weighs around 60 to 70 pounds — so use your legs and not your back. Have a second person help if you can.
As you lift, watch the seat belt to make sure it does not catch on anything. The belt should move freely with the seat. If it feels stuck, lower the seat and check what is tangled before lifting again.
Once the seat is high enough to clear the floor, angle it slightly and slide it out of the door opening. Set it down on a blanket or tarp to protect the upholstery.
What to do before reinstalling the seat
If you are removing the seat to clean underneath it or to access the floor, take the chance to vacuum and wipe down the area. Dirt and debris collect under the seat and are straightforward to miss during normal cleaning.
Before you put the seat back in, reconnect the battery terminal first. This lets you test the electrical connector before the seat is bolted down. Plug the connector back in and turn on the ignition. The seat belt light on your dashboard should come on briefly and then turn off. If it stays on or blinks, the connector may not be fully seated. Unplug it, check for bent pins, and try again.
Once the electrical test passes, disconnect the battery again, reinstall the seat, and bolt it down. Tighten each bolt firmly but do not over-tighten — 13mm bolts into the floor should be snug, not stripped. Reconnect the battery terminal last.
Tools and materials you will need
A 13mm wrench or socket with a ratchet handle is the main tool. You may also want a socket extension if your ratchet handle is short and does not reach the bolts easily. A flashlight or headlamp helps you see underneath the seat. A jack and jack stands are not necessary for this job — the seat is light enough to remove without lifting the vehicle.
Wear work gloves to protect your hands from sharp edges under the seat. Have a blanket or tarp ready to set the seat on so you do not damage the upholstery. If you are working in a garage, make sure you have good lighting and enough space to move the seat once it is out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to disconnect the battery?
Yes. The 2013 Connect has a passenger-side airbag, and disconnecting the battery prevents accidental deployment while you work. It also protects you from electrical shorts when you unplug the seat connector. Always disconnect the negative terminal and wait five minutes before touching electrical parts.
Can I remove the seat without a second person?
Yes, but it is harder. The seat weighs 60 to 70 pounds and is awkward to lift alone. If you must work alone, remove all bolts and connectors first, then lift the seat slowly and rest it on your thighs as you angle it toward the door. Take breaks if you need to.
What if the bolts are stuck and will not turn?
explore penetrating oil like WD-40 around the bolt head and let it soak for 15 minutes. Try again with steady pressure on the wrench. If a bolt still will not budge, do not force it — you risk stripping the bolt or the floor nut. Stop and consult a Ford dealer or mechanic.
Will removing the seat damage the floor or wiring?
No, if you follow the steps in order. The bolts come out cleanly, and the electrical connector is designed to unplug and replug many times. The only risk is dropping the seat or pinching the seat belt, so work carefully and have help if you can.