How to Remove the Headrest on a CTS
by Russell Wood
The headrests in a Cadillac CTS are designed to keep your head in place during an accident, and are key to preventing neck and spinal injuries such as whiplash. There are occasions though when you might want to remove the headrests temporarily, such as when you want to install a headrest monitor or a set of seat covers. Cadillac didn't make the removal process obvious, but if you know the tricks, you can get them off easily.
Step 1
Sit in the seat you want to remove the headrests from and turn yourself around so that you're facing the back of the seat and can clearly see the headrest. Grab the sides of the headrest with your hands and lift it up vertically, exposing the plastic covers at the top of the seat and at the bottom of the headrest rails.
Step 2
Locate the small hole in the plastic covers, one on each side. Place the #00 Phillips-head screwdriver into the hole and push firmly. This will release the lock on that post on the headrest. Lift it slightly with one hand so it doesn't fall back in the slot.
Step 3
Repeat step 2 for the other side of the headrest, then grab both sides with your hands and lift it up and out of the slots on the back of the seat.
References
Tips
- If you don't have a #00 Phillips-head screwdriver, you can also use a torx-head key, a hex-head key, or even a piece of steel doweling if it's small enough to fit in the hole and strong enough to pop the latch.
Things You'll Need
- #00 Phillips-head screwdriver
Warnings
- Never drive your car without your headrests being installed. It may be illegal depending on which state you live in, and if you get into an accident, you risk getting a head or neck injury.
Writer Bio
Russell Wood is a writer and photographer who attended Arizona State University. He has been building custom cars and trucks since 1994, including several cover vehicles. In 2000 Wood started a career as a writer, and since then he has dedicated his business to writing and photographing cars and trucks, as well as helping people learn more about how vehicles work.
