1996 Ford Explorer Owner's Manual - Page 177

Features Folding Rear Seat 2 door models To fold down the rear split seat: Rotate the head restraint fully forward. Lower the head restraint to the top of the seatback. Pull upward on the latch release handle at the side of the seatback, while pulling the seatback forward with the other hand. Push the seatback downward until the latch engages in the full down position. To return the system to the seating position, pull upward on the latch release handle while rotating the seat upward until seat back latches in the upright position. The inboard safety belt buckle will not be damaged by this operation. The buckles will automatically return to original position when seat is upright. Folding rear seat (two door model) 4 door models NOTE: If your vehicle is equipped with a built-in child seat, the seatback cannot be folded down unless the built-in child seat is fully stowed. 177