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Side Air Bag Module: Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2006 Mercury Grand Marquis and 2006 Ford Crown Victoria. 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: The SRS must be fully operational and free of faults before releasing the vehicle to the customer.
NOTE: If a side air bag deployment took place, the seatback pad, trim cover and side air bag module must be replaced. The seatback frame should be replaced if necessary.
NOTE: When replacing the side air bag after deployment, refer to SEATING for additional information concerning the installation of a new side air bag.
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: RH shown, LH similar.

    All vehicles 

  1. Position the affected seat all the way forward and up.
  2. Depower the system. For additional information, refer to SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS) DEPOWERING AND REPOWERING  in the General Procedures portion of this article.

    3. Police vehicles 

  3. Remove the zippers from under the material, unzip both the zippers and position the seat backrest trim cover up to access the seat back trim panel.
    Fig 1: Removing Zippers From Under Material
    G04586541Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  4. Remove the seat back trim panel.
    1. Remove the 2 screws located at the bottom of the seat back trim panel.
    2. Pull out at the bottom and slide the seat back trim panel up to disengage the 2 upper retaining hooks.
      Fig 2: Sliding Seat Back Trim Panel Up To Disengage Upper Retaining Hooks
      G04586542Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

    5. Non-Police vehicles 

  5. Release the 3 seat back trim cover J-clips.
    • Release the lower J-clip first and then release the 2 side J-clips.
      Fig 3: Releasing Seat Back Trim Cover J-Clips
      G04586543Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

    6. All vehicles 

  6. Remove the outboard hog rings that attach the foam pad to the seat backrest frame.
    Fig 4: Removing Outboard Hog Rings
    G04586544Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
    7. NOTE: If installing a new side air bag module, use new retaining nuts. If the same side air bag module is to be reused, then reuse the side air bag module nuts.
  7. Remove the 2 side air bag module nuts.
  8. Position the side air bag module and deployment chute away from the mounting bracket and seat back frame.
    Fig 5: Positioning Side Air Bag Module
    G04586545Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  9. Position the seat back trim cover and seat back pad forward enough to access the side air bag module.
  10. Remove the side air bag module from the deployment chute.
    • Pull the side air bag module mounting studs back through the deployment chute openings and remove the side air bag module from the deployment chute.
      Fig 6: Removing Side Air Bag Module From Deployment Chute
      G04586546Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  11. Disconnect the electrical connector and remove the side air bag module.
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