Seat Backrest - Front: Assembly

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2008 Mercury Mariner and 2008 Ford Escape. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

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.

CAUTION: Make sure the side air bag module wiring harness is not pinched between the side air bag module and the mounting bracket. Damage to the wire harness may occur.

Seats with lumbar adjust

Install the lumbar support assembly to the backrest frame wires.
Install the lumbar adjust control and 2 screws.

All seats

Install the side air bag module and 2 nuts to the backrest frame mounting bracket.
- Tighten to 5 Nm (44 lb-in).
Position the side air bag module wiring harness to the backrest frame and attach the retainers.

Fig 1: Identifying Retainers

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Install the backrest foam pad to the backrest frame.
Position and roll the backrest trim cover down the backrest to the side air bag module.

Fig 2: Locating Hog Rings

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

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.

Feed the side air bag deployment chute and clips back through the opening in the backrest foam pad.

Fig 3: Identifying Air Bag Deployment Chute

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

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.

Install the side air bag module deployment chute and J-clips around the side air bag module and seat backrest frame.

Fig 4: Identifying Side Air Bag Module Backrest Trim Cover

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Roll the trim cover down the backrest and fasten the hook-and-loop strips.
Fasten the backrest J-clip.

Fig 5: Identifying J-Clip

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Seats with lumbar adjust

Install the lumbar control knob.

All seats

Install the seat backrest. For additional information, refer to Seat Backrest - Front .
Install the seat. For additional information, refer to Seat - Front .