Hi Andre,
There is a cable that runs from the release handle over to the mechanism that lets the seat come forward. Most likely this cable is binding and will either need replacement or maybe adjustment.
I have attached the documents to remove the seat back. You don't actually need to remove it but follow these steps to gain access to it and then operate the seat back and see where it is binding.
Depending on what you find, you may need to remove it but if not, hopefully you will be able to see where it is getting hung up or bound up.
I am not sure about your build date as 2001 vehicles were built in 2000. It appears they made a change in August of 2000 in the type of seat they were using. You can check your build date by locating a sticker that should be in your driver door jam but if not, I would just suggest you begin following both and see which process lines up with what you have.
Thanks
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Friday, April 12th, 2019 AT 11:21 AM