I just picked up a 2005 RL (white/tan) and in going through the car found a few paint issues to deal with and an issue with the rear seat headrests.

When I push the button on the ceiling console they do not go up. When I go to the back seat I can raise them up manually and then when I push the button they go down but when I push it a second time they stay down. There is a noise like it's trying to do something but nothing happens. The fact that all three stay down makes me think I'm doing something wrong....

Any suggestions?

 

I would get a Hayne's manual or something like that and see if a link is broken or something. I would bet that's what it is.

 

The rear headrestraints in the second generation RL are actually just remote retractable head restraints; passengers manually have to raise them to the up position. This way, when the rear seats are not occupied, you can lower them without having to get into the back.

Further, when the seatbelts are "engaged", the head restraints (of the respective seat) will not retract if you try to. I'm assuming the buckle features a cut-off when the belt is engaged. This is so the head restraint will not be retracted when the respective seat is occupied.

The noise you are hearing is likely the electric release trying to engage when the head restraints are not in the up-right position. Perfectly normal.