Find this thread on SiennaChat:
https://www.siennachat.com/threads/seat-track-removal-in-my-2013.7603/
Discussion Starter • #1 • Apr 17, 2013
"I can't figure out how to remove the seat track assembly in my new 13 Sienna. The entire reason I bought the van was because I need a flat interior behind the front seats. I was going to buy the Chrysler but was swayed by the higher quality of the Sienna. I had seen older ones and the seats remove to a flat floor. I never would have dreamed that upon removing the seats I'd be left with an entire rail assembly protruding from the floor. Seems like a big mistake by Toyota. I figure there must be a way to unbolt the assy and simply replace it if or when I want the middle seats in. This will be a deal killer and I will end up selling/trading a brand new van for the Chrysler. Wouldn't that drive the Toyota brass nuts. Does anyone have experience with this? Thanks in advance."
#2 • Apr 19, 2013
The track assembly is not meant to be removed. There has been some discussion on the forum about this and one person said that in order to remove them, you'd need to remove a few parts under the floor to access the bolt securing them in place. Sorry.
#3 • Apr 19, 2013
Check out the last post in this thread
http://www.siennachat.com/forum/89-...-remove-second-row-seat-tracks-off-floor.html
It isn't plug-n-play. The poster claims that that trained tech took 3 hours to remove it. So if you are willing to shell out for 3-4 hours of labor it can be done. Seems like once its out, it stays out.
Discussion Starter • #8 • Apr 20, 2013
Thanks for the comments and suggestions everyone. It doesn't matter who it is on. The situation is what it is and now I need to figure a solution. I'm betting this design dies with the next redesign. The whole design is flawed. For whatever readon a person has to remove the seats in their van, they should be able to expect that removing the seats will expose a useable floor. As it is these carriages leave an unusable area and a potential tripping hazard. Many run without the middle seats and only use the rear seat to allow for addl legroom besides cargo needs. Where this goes is anyone's guess. Toyota is generally good about these things. The worse case scenario is trading it in for a Honda or T&C, which is a real possibiity. I'll send a note to Toyota with a suggestion to fix this as well. It is rare that Toyota loses to the competition.
#17 • May 8, 2013
I'm an idiot and did the same thing. We traded in a 2005 Sienna that we loved, but it had the AWD and we didn't have enough need for it. Plus it had many miles. We always had the 2nd row seats out since it works well that way for biking, skiing, etc. Our dog sits in the 3rd row, and he can get up and walk around a bit w/o the 2nd row. I just figured the 2013 would be the same, since I told the salesman that we always kept the 2nd row out. You'd think he would have told us about the change to the rail system (when did Toyota do that?). Easiest solution to me looks like building a 2" high plywood platform with some carpeting on top. Pain in the ass, but it's my own fault for not asking more questions. I also overlooked the lack of power back vent windows which we had on our 2005 and are not on the 2013.
Discussion Starter • #20 • May 17, 2013
Well it's been a bit over a month and try as I can I can't come up with an easy solution except making a false floor to place over the tracks. Some people have replied and blamed us for not checking this first. They must not need the feature or they would be as annoyed as we are. You have to wonder who okayed this one. My dealer didn't even know - now some would say that they knew and didn't tell so that they could make the sale. I bought from a reputable, neighborhood dealer. They even gave my van to the service people to figure it out. I was able to partially dissemble it, but what a pain. As much as I like this van I wish I bought a competitor's. All of the quality in the world doesn't help if the vehicle doesn't fit your needs.
