Chrysler Repair: Chrysler Sebring Seat Mechanism, recliner mechanism, chrysler sebring

Question
The reclining mechanism on the the driver's seat of my 1998 Sebring has broken.  The seat back effectively flops back and forth.  When I pull up on the recliner lever you can see a short verical piece rotating but the seat doesn't move.  The mechanism seems to be functioning but has become disconnected from the seat back.  How do I get through the upholstery to inspect the mechanism?  The zipper does not appear to have a tab to pull.

Thank,
Mitch

Answer
FRONT SEAT RECLINER
REMOVAL
Remove seat from vehicle. Refer to appropriate procedure found in this section.
Clamp the shoulder belt at seat belt bezel Clamp Shoulder Belt , or the belt will winding up on the retractor and lock. If the belt is wound up and lock on the retractor, apply 12 volts to the retractor to release the belt. For a power source use the retractor connector in the vehicle or a 12 volt battery supply.
Remove seat back from lower seat frame.
Remove upper recliner handle.
Remove seat back cover until the screws holding the upper recliner mechanism to the seat back frame can be accessed.
Remove rubber bellows covering lower part of seat back frame.
Remove screws holding upper recliner mechanism to seat frame.
Remove bolts attaching recliner housing to seat frame.
Push upper recliner mechanism into seat frame with handle shaft facing the front of the seat frame
NOTE: Do not reuse bolts holding recliner housing to seat frame. Verify availability prior to proceeding.

Pull recliner housing and upper recliner handle mechanism downward and out through bottom of seat frame Recliner Housing
INSTALLATION
Feed upper recliner mechanism and then recliner housing into the seat back frame with handle shaft facing the front of the seat frame.
Install new bolts to hold seat recliner housing to seat frame. Tighten to 34 N·m (300 in. lbs.) torque.
Pull upper recliner mechanism through hole in seat frame.
Install screws attaching upper recliner mechanism to seat frame.
Install rubber bellows covering lower part of seat back frame.
Install seat back cover.
Install recliner spring bracket, spring, and lead screw.
Install seat back to lower seat frame.
Install recliner handle.
Install seat into vehicle.