Side Air Bag Module: Installation

All vehicles 

1. Connect the side air bag module electrical connector.
WARNING: Before installing the seat side air bag module/deployment chute assembly:

• Inspect the side air bag module and mounting surfaces for any damage or foreign material.
• Remove any foreign material from the mounting surfaces of the deployment chute, the seat backrest frame mounting bracket and the air bag module cavity in the seat backrest foam pad.
• Install new parts if damaged.

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.

WARNING: Inspect the seat side air bag module and mounting surfaces for any damage or foreign material before installing the seat side air bag module. If any damage is found, install new components. If any foreign material is found, remove it. Failure to follow these instructions may result in the seat side air bag module deploying incorrectly and increase the risk of serious personal injury or death in a crash.
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.
WARNING: Check the seat side air bag deployment chute for damage. The deployment chute must not be repaired. If there is any damage to the deployment chute, a new seat back trim cover and deployment chute must be installed as a unit. Failure to follow these instructions may result in the seat side air bag module deploying incorrectly and increase the risk of serious personal injury or death in a crash.
WARNING: If the seat side air bag module deployment chute is not correctly positioned and closed, the seat side air bag module may not deploy correctly. Failure to follow these instructions may result in the seat side air bag module deploying incorrectly and increases the risk of serious personal injury or death in a crash.
NOTE: The alignment pin will only allow the side air bag module to be installed to the seat back mounting bracket one way.
2. Position the side air bag module into the deployment chute.
   • Position the side air bag module into the deployment chute with the alignment pin offset to the top and the electrical connector to the bottom of the seat back. This will position the alignment pin correctly when the side air bag module and deployment chute are mounted to the seat back frame mounting bracket.
   • The side air bag module mounting studs and alignment pin must come through the deployment chute stud openings.
Fig 1: Air Bag Module Mounting Studs & Alignment Pin
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
WARNING: Before installing the seat side air bag module/deployment chute assembly:

• Inspect the side air bag module and mounting surfaces for any damage or foreign material.
• Remove any foreign material from the mounting surfaces of the deployment chute, the seat backrest frame mounting bracket and the air bag module cavity in the seat backrest foam pad.
• Install new parts if damaged.

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.

WARNING: Front seat backrest trim covers installed on seats equipped with seat side air bags cannot be repaired. A new trim cover must be installed. Cleaning is permissible. Failure to follow these instructions may result in the seat side air bag module deploying incorrectly and increase the risk of serious personal injury or death in a crash.
3. Install the side air bag module onto the front seat back frame mounting bracket. Install the 2 nuts.
   • The deployment chute should not have any wrinkles or folds where it contacts the seat back frame mounting bracket.
   • Tighten to 7 Nm (62 lb-in).
4. Make sure the seat backrest trim cover deflector flap is positioned with no wrinkles or folds between the trim cover and seat back pad.
Fig 2: Backrest Foam Pad & Trim Cover
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
5. Reposition the seat back pad and trim cover to the seat back frame.
6. Install the outboard hog rings that attach the foam pad to the seat backrest frame.
   • Make sure the hog rings go around the listing wire in the foam pad as well as the backrest frame wire.
Fig 3: Locating Hog Rings
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Non-police vehicles 

NOTE: Note the alignment of the 2 side J-clips at the top of the seat to avoid bunching.
7. Attach the 3 seat back trim cover J-clips.
   • Attach the 2 side J-clips first and then attach the lower J-clip.
Fig 4: Identifying J-Clips
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Police vehicles 

NOTE: Inspect the seat back trim panel retaining hooks for damage. If damaged, install a new seat back trim panel.
8. Install the seat back trim panel.
   1. Angle the top of the seat back trim panel inward and down to engage the 2 upper retaining hooks to the seat back frame.
   2. Push in on the lower seat back trim panel and install the 2 screws.
Fig 5: Backrest Trim Panel & Screws
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
9. Pull the seat backrest material down, zip both the zippers and tuck the zippers under the material.
Fig 6: Identifying Zippers
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

All vehicles 

10. Repower the SRS. For additional information, refer to Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) Depowering and Repowering .