How do you remove the trim covering the mounting rail for the seat?

 

It slides forward.

 

Mine just slide forward out of their detents without the use of any tools.

 

^^ Yep....

 

+1

The trim has 2 square slots:





which engage with metal "tongues" on the rail (front one arrowed):





Slide forwards to release. It should NOT take much force to release.

Graham

 

Not relevant to the OP's question, although that looks more robust than the previous incarnation fitted to my 98.

That has a strong spring clip at the front that has to be lifted just free, then the assembly has to be slid backwards to clear the rear attachment to the rail. Possibly Jaguar had issues with them rattling or something, as there was also a really strong double-sided adhesive pad stuck at the red outline:




The rear attachment is a superbly under-engineered pair of plastic tangs that break off. I used a small piece of ABS glued in as a repair:

 

If the seat is height adjustable (some are not), I find it is easiest to install and remove it with the seat bottom at maximum height.

 

Thanks. Info VERY helpful. I'll give it another try. I pulled it forward with what I thought was enough force to release any plastic clips but when it wouldn't release I was afraid pulling forward was NOT the way to release it. I'll give it more force and hope the clips don't break.

Thanks for the help.

 

Thanks for the help. I did finally get the trim to release. It took a little more force than I thought it should but it finally came free. I got the seats out and replaced both of the seat belt latches. Which was the original objective. But I also learned that I might be able to fix both of the headrest cables so ... maybe they'll be another thread when I give that a try.

Thanks again.