Side Air Bag Module: Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2007 Mercury Mariner and 2007 Ford Escape. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

WARNING: Always wear safety glasses when repairing an air bag 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: If a side air bag deployment took place a new seat back pad, trim cover, and side air bag module must be installed. The seat back frame should be replaced if necessary.

NOTE: When replacing the side air bag after deployment, refer to SEATING article for additional information concerning the installation of a new side air bag.

NOTE: The SRS must be fully operational and free of faults before releasing the vehicle to the customer.

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: Passenger seat side air bag module shown, driver side similar.

All seats

Remove the front seat and depower the system. For additional information, refer to SEATING article.
Remove the inboard seat cushion side shield.
1. Remove the rear screw.
2. Push the inboard seat cushion side shield forward to release.

Fig 1: Inboard Seat Cushion Side Shield & Screw

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Loosen the safety belt buckle pretensioner bolt.

Fig 2: Safety Belt Buckle Pretensioner Bolt

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

WARNING: Note the position of the wiring harness, to aid installation. An incorrectly routed wiring harness could become damaged when the seat is moved. Failure to follow this instruction may result in personal injury.

Disconnect the side air bag module electrical connector and detach the wiring retainers.

Fig 3: Side Air Bag Module Electrical Connector & Harness

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Seats with manual lumbar adjust

Turn the manual lumbar knob clockwise until it stops, releasing all tension on the manual lumbar support cable.
Pull and remove the manual lumbar knob.

Fig 4: Manual Lumbar Knob

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

All seats

Fully recline the seat backrest.
Release the seat back trim cover J-clip.

Fig 5: Seat Back Trim Cover J-Clip

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Move the seat backrest to the upright position.

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: Use care when separating the seat cushion trim cover from the hook and loop strip. The hook and loop strip can be torn from the seat cushion foam.

Place a hand between the seat backrest trim cover and foam pad and carefully separate the hook and loop strips.
Carefully roll up the seat back trim cover in an inside out fashion to the side air bag module.
Release the hook and loop retainer from around seat backrest frame.

Fig 6: Hook And Loop Fastener Around Seat Backrest Frame

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Release the side air bag module deployment chute J-clip from around the side air bag module.

Fig 7: Identifying Side Air Bag Module Backrest Trim Cover

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Feed the side air bag module deployment chute, J-clips, and hook and loop retainer out through the side air bag module seat back foam opening.

Fig 8: Identifying Side Air Bag Module

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Continue to roll seat trim cover up to access the side air bag module.
Detach the 2 side air bag module wiring harness retainers from the seat backrest frame.

Fig 9: 2 Side Air Bag Module Wiring Harness Retainers At Seat Backrest Frame

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Remove the 2 side air bag module nuts and remove the side air bag module.

Fig 10: Identifying Side Air Bag Module Nuts

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.