Side Air Bag Module: Removal

WARNING: Always carry or place a live air bag module with the air bag and deployment door/trim cover/tear seam pointed away from the body. Do not set a live air bag module down with the deployment door/trim cover/tear seam face down. Failure to follow these instructions may result in serious personal injury in the event of an accidental deployment.

WARNING: Never probe the electrical connectors on air bag, Safety Canopy® or side air curtain modules. Failure to follow this instruction may result in the accidental deployment of these modules, which increases the risk of serious personal injury or death.

WARNING: If the seat side air bag cover has been damaged or separated from its mounting, or if the air bag material has been exposed, install a new seat side air bag module. Never try to repair the seat side air bag module. Failure to follow these instructions may result in the seat side air bag deploying incorrectly, which increases the risk of serious personal injury or death in a crash.

NOTE: If a side air bag deployment took place, a new side air bag module and bolts must be installed. The side air bag module bracket on the seat back frame should be inspected and installed new if necessary.

NOTE: When installing a new side air bag after deployment, refer to SEATING for additional information.

NOTE: The air bag warning indicator illuminates when the correct Restraints Control Module (RCM) fuse is removed and the ignition is ON.

NOTE: The Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) must be fully operational and free of faults before releasing the vehicle to the customer.

Position the affected seat and backrest fully up and forward.
Depower the SRS . For additional information, refer to SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS) DEPOWERING AND REPOWERING in the General Procedures portion of this service information.

NOTE: The seat backrest trim cover and foam pad have been removed to show the backrest trim panel retainers.

Remove the backrest trim panel.
1. Release the 2 pin-type retainers at the bottom of the backrest trim panel.
2. Slide the backrest trim panel down to release the upper clips.
3. Turn the backrest trim panel to release the middle clips and remove the backrest trim panel.
  
  Fig 1: Identifying Backrest Trim Panel And Clips
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

NOTE: Passenger seat shown in illustration, driver similar.

Fig 2: Locating Backrest Cover Outboard J-Clip

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Disengage the backrest cover outboard J-clip.
Remove and discard the 2 side air bag module bolts. Separate the side air bag module from the seat backrest.

NOTE: Do not pull the electrical connector out by the Connector Position Assurance (CPA) clip. Damage to the CPA clip can set DTCs in the Restraints Control Module (RCM).

Fig 3: Disconnecting Side Air Bag Module Electrical Connector

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Lift up and release the CPA clip and disconnect the side air bag module electrical connector.