Side Air Bag Module: Removal
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 Lincoln Town Car. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
WARNING:
Always wear safety glasses when repairing a supplemental restraint system (SRS) vehicle and when handling an air bag module. This will reduce the risk of injury in the event of an accidental deployment.
WARNING:
Carry a live side air bag module with the air bag and tear seam pointed away from your body. This will reduce the risk of injury in the event of an accidental deployment.
WARNING:
Do not set a live side air bag module down on the cover tear seam. This will reduce the risk of injury in the event of an accidental deployment.
WARNING:
After deployment, the air bag surface can contain deposits of sodium hydroxide, a product of the gas generant combustion that is irritating to the skin. Wash your hands with soap and water afterwards.
WARNING:
Never probe the connectors on the air bag module. Doing so can result in air bag deployment, which can result in personal injury.
WARNING:
Side air bag modules with damaged covers must be replaced.
WARNING:
Front seat back trim covers installed on seats equipped with side air bags cannot be repaired, they are to be replaced. Cleaning is permissible.
WARNING:
To reduce the risk of personal injury, do not use any memory saver devices.
NOTE:
If a seat equipped with a supplemental restraint system (SRS) component is being serviced, the SRS must be depowered.
NOTE:
The air bag warning lamp illuminates when the RCM fuse is removed and the ignition switch is ON. This is normal operation and does not indicate a supplemental restraint system (SRS) fault.
NOTE:
The SRS must be fully operational and free of faults before releasing the vehicle to the customer.
NOTE:
If a side air bag deployment took place, the seatback pad, trim cover and side air bag module must be replaced. The seatback frame should be replaced if necessary.
NOTE:
When replacing the side air bag after deployment, refer to SEATING
for additional information concerning the installation of a new side air bag.
NOTE:
Repair is made by installing a new part only. If the new part does not correct the condition, install the original part and carry out the diagnostic procedure again.
NOTE:
The RH seat is shown, the LH seat is similar.
- Position the affected seat all the way forward and up.
- Depower the system. For additional information, refer to SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS) DEPOWERING AND REPOWERING .
- Remove the seat back trim panel.
- Lift at the bottom of the seat back trim panel and release the retaining clips at each corner.
- Slide the seat back trim panel downward and remove.
- Inspect the seat back trim panel retainers for damage. Install a new seat back trim panel as necessary.
- Release the four seat back trim cover retainers (three shown).
- Unzip the side air bag deployment chute.
- Remove the side air bag module nuts.
- Position the seat back trim cover and seat back pad forward enough to access the side air bag module.
- Separate the side air bag module from the seat back frame.
- Disconnect the seat side air bag module electrical connector.
- Remove the side air bag module.
WARNING:
Front seat back trim covers installed on seats equipped with side air bags cannot be repaired; they are to be replaced. Cleaning is permissible.
CAUTION:
When removing the seat back trim panel, be careful not to damage the J-hooks.
NOTE:
Install new side air bag module retaining nuts if installing a new side air bag module. If the existing side air bag module is being reinstalled, use the existing nuts.