Side Air Bag Module: Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2011 Mercury Milan, 2011 Lincoln MKZ, and 2011 Ford Fusion. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

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: 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.

NOTE: If a side air bag deployment took place, a new seat backrest foam pad, backrest cover, side air bag module and nuts must be installed. The seat backrest frame should be replaced if necessary. For additional information, refer to the front seat backrest disassembly and assembly procedure in SEAT SYSTEM - SEATS -- FUSION, MILAN & MKZ article.

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.

Remove the seat backrest. For additional information, refer to SEAT SYSTEM - SEATS -- FUSION, MILAN & MKZ article.

NOTE: RH shown in the illustration, LH similar.

Fig 1: Locating Seat Backrest Cover Bolt

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Separate the seat backrest cover from the inboard and outboard recliners on the seat backrest frame.
Release the seat backrest cover J-clip.

Fig 2: Locating Seat Backrest Cover J-Clip
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

NOTE: Use care when separating the seat backrest cover from the hook-and-loop strips, or the hook-and-loop strip can be torn from the seat backrest foam pad.

Place a hand between the seat backrest cover and foam pad and carefully separate the hook-and-loop strips, then carefully roll up the seat backrest cover in an inside out fashion to the row of hog rings in the front.
Remove and discard the 3 hog rings.

Fig 3: Locating Hog Rings
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Detach the hook-and-loop strips and invert the seat backrest cover up enough to expose the side air bag.
Remove and discard the 2 side air bag module nuts.
- Pull outward on the side air bag module until the studs clear the backrest frame and then lift upwards to detach the locator hook from the frame.

NOTE: Do not pull the side air bag electrical connector out by the locking button. Damage to the locking button can occur.

Using a small screwdriver, lift up and release the locking button and disconnect the electrical connector.
- Remove the side air bag module.
  
  Fig 4: Locating Side Air Bag Module Locking Button
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.