Seat lock not releasing

[CoachDoc]

I took my saddle off today ('97 Standard with a 2000 OEM seat), and when I put it back on it didnt seem to seat properly at first, failing to latch. I worked it a bit and noticed that the bolt holding the locking mechanism on the frame was a little loose. I tightened it up, tried replacing the seat and  it finally locked, but it worried me enough that I wanted to check it out when I got the bike home.  Tried releasing it with the key in my garage, but failed to get the usual pop like when it regularly opens, and the seat is stuck fast.
The key turns easily and was moving the jaws that hold the small crossbar on the seat in place when I had the seat off. I think something got misaligned and now the crossbar and seat  latch won't separate. What to do, short of destroying the seat and/or locking mechanism?

[Red Diamond]

Loosen the bolt that holds the Locking mechanism, since you tightened it, it may release the locking mechanism.

[CoachDoc]

Loosen the bolt that holds the Locking mechanism, since you tightened it, it may release the locking mechanism.

Aha! Therein lies the problem. Said bolt sits under the seat........cannot be reached unless the seat unlatches.

[8Track]

Can you get the side covers off and get under the seat that way?

[CoachDoc]

Can you get the side covers off and get under the seat that way?

Yes, you can see the underside of the locking mechanism from the side with the covers off, but I have no idea how's to get it to disengage.

[Mickmanchester]

First try putting weight on the seat above catch while someone turns the key, you won’t get enough down pressure doing it yourself, that might do it.

If not it’s a long screwdriver and a lot of patience, get the driver into the latch and wiggle, you’ll get there in the end, if I remember right I undone the centre panel to gain access from left side of bike as you sit, patience is the key, a close second to removing / fitting an alternator.

[Chiefy]

First try putting weight on the seat above catch while someone turns the key, you won’t get enough down pressure doing it yourself, that might do it.

   Back Pressure keeping the parts from moving out of the way so it'll pop open.

[CoachDoc]

First try putting weight on the seat above catch while someone turns the key, you won’t get enough down pressure doing it yourself, that might do it.

If not it’s a long screwdriver and a lot of patience, get the driver into the latch and wiggle, you’ll get there in the end, if I remember right I undone the centre panel to gain access from left side of bike as you sit, patience is the key, a close second to removing / fitting an alternator.

Mick, where exactly can you get a screwdriver into the latch.  From the left I can see (barely) the vertical left side of the little crossbar on the seat, but the rest is buried in the locking mechanism and there doesn't seem to be anywhere to do much with a screwdriver.

Chiefly, don't understand about the back pressure. Are you suggesting a remedy vs. describing what has caused the lockup? Please explain.

[9Ball]

I've had a stuck seat latch before and managed to spring the locking mechanism using a screwdriver (long, thin) from behind the left hand sidecover.  This will be your best, easiest access based on my experience.

Have someone hold a light from the other side to help locate the latch.  It helps to have some downward pressure on the front of the seat to take pressure off the latch assembly.

It's doable and just takes time and patience.

Good luck.

[HayHauler]

I had the same thing happen to me and it turned out that the plastic cable end with the slot in it had fallen out of the "fork" that holds the outside of the cable stationary while the cable operates the latch.  I went in from the left side cover (removed the coolant tank) with a long pair of needle nose pliers and pulled on the latch where the cable connects to get the seat off.
I had rerouted the tank vent hose and while putting the tank back on, pulled this cable out of the
"fork".  Well, I routed the vent line to keep THIS from happening again. 

Hay 
Jimmyt

[Chiefy]

First try putting weight on the seat above catch while someone turns the key, you won’t get enough down pressure doing it yourself, that might do it.

If not it’s a long screwdriver and a lot of patience, get the driver into the latch and wiggle, you’ll get there in the end, if I remember right I undone the centre panel to gain access from left side of bike as you sit, patience is the key, a close second to removing / fitting an alternator.

Mick, where exactly can you get a screwdriver into the latch.  From the left I can see (barely) the vertical left side of the little crossbar on the seat, but the rest is buried in the locking mechanism and there doesn't seem to be anywhere to do much with a screwdriver.

Chiefly, don't understand about the back pressure. Are you suggesting a remedy vs. describing what has caused the lockup? Please explain.

I'm agreeing with the recommendation of applying a lot of downward pressure.  That would defeat the back pressure.  It sounds like something was bent or modified in the past, which would explain why the lock was loose.  Good luck with it.

[Mickmanchester]

First try putting weight on the seat above catch while someone turns the key, you won’t get enough down pressure doing it yourself, that might do it.

Chiefly, don't understand about the back pressure. Are you suggesting a remedy vs. describing what has caused the lockup? Please explain.

Remedy, put down pressure (a lot) on seat at catch to ease pressure on catch as you turn key.

[Ricky-D]

And when you get it open, lubricate everything from the key to the latch including the cable.

***

[Skinhead]

I had this problem, and it turned out that some aux wiring I installed had worked behind the release and would not let it travel far enough to release.  It is a poor design in a very inaccessible location.

[Toledo Mark]

You can actually get your hand in through the sidecover on the left side and feel for the latch.  I have done this numerous times as mine seems to stick and needs lubed.  Every once in a while I spray WD40 into the cable housing.  Takes time but it does work.  Been doing this for the last 10 years.

[CoachDoc]

Thanks for all the replies. Sounds like some sound advice- at least I have a plan of attack in my head. I'll get at it this weekend. Peace.

[Raider]

Left cover off, you can use a screwdriver to release the lock. 

I had this happen, but in my case, the locks mounting screws had worked loose and allowed just enough slack for the cable to work out of its seat.  The cable connects like hand brake levers on a bicycle.

Anyways, what a pain in the butt to get the cable reconnected.  You have to do it blind, with your hand contorted in a crazy position under the seat. 

FYI, if the cable is the issue, all the downward pressure in the world won't help.

[Mickmanchester]

Had the cable come loose on mine, after 2nd time I fitted a cable tie to catch and stuck it out the front panel, won’t have that problem again.

[Hook#3287]

One of my bikes always unlatched hard, then one day wouldn't.

I did the long screwdriver thing.

After I got it open, cables good, latch mechs good.

I hit the bracket that the seat hooks too, back a little, and it works great now.

[CoachDoc]

Problem solved after a frustrating morning of getting into it. Turned out the spring loaded fork that holds the actual lock mechanism in the plastic front cover plate had come out of its track and allowed extra play that prevented the cable from springing the latch. Replaced the clip in its proper groove and now everything works. Did lube everything before closing up shop. Thanks to all for the help.