This article is a collection of information and resources for removing the second-row (middle row) seats on the 4th-generation Toyota Sienna (2021-).
The Situation
2nd-row seats of the previous Sienna generation (2011-2020) were easily removable by pulling a latch. However, the 4th-gen Sienna’s 2nd-row seats are not removable by the user, at least according to Toyota. This is in part because there are now SRS airbags inside the backrests, as seen in this crash test video.
Instead of a quick-release mechanism, the 2nd-row seats are now secured with 4 bolts hidden behind plastic trim pieces. Additionally, the seat airbag connector must be disconnected.
The Procedure
This video shows the process for removing the 2nd-row seats, which involves disconnecting the 12V battery to depower the airbags, prying off seat trim, disconnecting the airbag and seat heater/seatbelt connectors, and removing 4 bolts.
These instructions are focused on the captain chairs, but the bench seat has a similar procedure.
Written Instructions
| 7-Seat | 8-Seat | |
|---|---|---|
| Removal | Left or Right | Left Right |
| Installation | Left or Right | Left Right |
I’m linking both the bare minimum tool you need just by itself, and alternatively a better value set if you plan on keeping a good set of tools for DIY automotive work.
| Minimum needed | Expansion set or more versatile upgrade | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| 10mm socket | 1/4"-drive socket set | To loosen/tighten the battery terminal bolt |
| 1/4"-drive ratchet | Flex-head 1/4"-drive ratchet | To drive the 10mm socket |
| 17mm socket | 1/2"-drive socket set | To loosen/tighten the seat bolts |
| 1/2"-drive socket extension | 1/2"-drive socket extension set | To reach the recessed seat bolts |
| 1/2"-drive ratchet | More compact 1/2"-drive ratchet if you have a torque wrench and/or impact wrench | To drive the 17mm socket |
| Pry tool | Interior trim tool kit | To pry off the seat trim |
| 1/2"-drive torque wrench | Additional 1/4"-drive torque wrench if you don't trust "hand-tight" for battery terminal either | To ensure seat bolts are re-tightened to proper torque |
The Problem
Once one or more seats are out, if the battery were to be reconnected and the car started, you would see this warning:
The car knows that one or more of its airbags are missing, so it complains. It stays on the gauge cluster screen and also appears on the infotainment screen. Fortunately, it does not beep continuously. Some Toyota dealership employees have claimed that all other airbags stop working in this situation. While this has not been verified, it’s wise to err on the side of caution to avoid a “cry wolf” situation where a false positive masks a real, unrelated airbag problem (e.g. you couldn’t tell the difference between the 2nd-row seat airbags being unplugged and the driver airbag actually malfunctioning).
The Solution
You can use an airbag simulator to resolve the airbag warning message and ensure that the SRS airbag system is working normally. I developed one specifically to fit the Sienna’s airbag connector.
You can buy these airbag simulator dongles from my web store. Get 2 if removing 2 seats.
FAQ
How can I remove the seat carriages or rails?
The process is extremely involved. While the outboard rails are bolted top-down, the inboard rails are bolted from the undercarriage. I haven’t done it myself, but here’s Toyota’s instructions. An alternative way is to cut the inboard rails and slide the carriage out of the opening.
Great work on the dongle. Just curious. Do you think the seats could be reinstalled facing the rear? Thinking that facing rear they could be moved very far forward and the seat could serve as a support to a bed platform.
I just tried this on the 2022 Sienna. They now have a third plug (see photo) below the white & yellow. With this unplugged the warning light comes on regardless of whether the yellow plugs is connected to the module or seat. Any suggestions?
@Brad Ling consider changing the title of your posts and videos, the bypass doesn’t work for anything but the 2021 Sienna, not all 4th gen or (2021-). Nice work on the hack, it just doesn’t work for 2022.
Just removed the second row seats in my 2022 Sienna LE and used 2 of your original airbag dongles (didn’t need the new ones for the upper trim level). Everything worked great and I really appreciate the clear step by step instructions. Thank you so much!!!
How can I remove the console between the drivers & passengers seat in my 2022 Sienna please? I need to be able to move to the back while staying inside my vehicle. I’m sure others do also.
I’m just a little bit confused how many plugs do I need if I want the remove 2 second row seats? 2 round and 2 square plugs right?
Is it possible to remove a middle bench seat
Can the third row seating also be removed for extra storage purpose? 2022 sienna. Thank you
Thanks for the tutorial and dongle soluton. Can you remove the rail carriages for a flat surface?
Hi Brad, Do I need just 2 round dongles if removing both middle row seats on my ’22 Sienna LE (8 passenger), or do I also require 2 square dongles?
Thanks!
Mark
I bought 2 dongles before removing the railing of a 2022 Sienna LE. It did take away the air bag message. But now that the railings have been removed the airbag message is back. How can I by pass the message now?
We had given up on getting a new Sienna van but after watching this are slowly coming around to reconsider.
Any update on yhe ottoman conversion? I have a 2022 Sienna with 3 plugs. I bought the ottoman but it only have 2 plugs. Do you know what is the 3rd plug for? My middle seat is not power nor heated. Thanks
Hello
i cannot get the key fob to be recognized by the van for power doors and locks after making this change.?
Got the 2 square for my 2022 XLE today. Thanks for the fast shipping. Works great , no more annoying SRS warning
Hi Brad, thanks for this, I ordered a set online recently, and am writing to ask you to expedite getting the order out since we are leaving on a trip in 7-10 days and need to figure out the new camping set-up. Thank you! –Faris Keeling, Duluth MN
Brad, if the 2022 has 3 plugs per seat, why does the table recommend only 2 plugs per seat? Is one of them unnecessary? Thanks. –Faris
I just got my 2022 Toyota Sienna Platinum XLE. I told the Toyota dealership I needed to have the 2nd row seats removed (as I am not savvy or strong enough to get under those seats). They charged me $225. As I drove out the dealership, the error message came… Read more »
So we disconected the battery and plugged the square dongle into the yellow connector. We still have warning messages. Any advice?
Hi Brad and others,
Is anyone able to verify if these dongles work for the 2023 models?
Hi Rich, please send a photo of the connector area at the base of your seat to brad@bradshacks.com, and we’ll figure it out together.
Brad I have a 2023 Sienna XLE hybrid.
I removed the seat and plugged in the round dongle but still have the error code. There is two more square connections left. Do I need additional dongles? If so which one?
Frank
I have a 2023 XLE, and there are 3 connectors in the captains chairs that have to be unplugged. It seems 2021-22 models have just 2 connectors and 2023+ models have 3 connectors. Do you know if the current 1 square + 1 round connector solution works for this? Is… Read more »
I ordered the airbag simulator dongles and would like to know if there a way to remove the rail carriages for the middle row seats on a 2022 Sienna?