I had the same problem as the original post. The handle wouldnt do anything when I had the seat slid back against the back wall. It was holding the seat in place. I moved it forward a few inches and wallah it worked. Sit in the seat, pull the lever up with your left hand (American car), and pull or push your body with your right hand grasping the steering wheel. I was so excited, I felt like I had just discovered plutonium for the first time.