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Front Seat Backrest: Disassembly

WARNING: Always wear safety glasses when repairing a air bag supplemental restraint system (SRS) vehicle and when handling an airbag 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 after handling a deployed air bag module.
WARNING: Never probe the connectors on the air bag module. Doing so can result in air bag deployment, which can result in personal injury.

Vehicles with side air bags 

  1. Prepare the vehicle for front seat backrest disassembly;
      WARNING: To avoid accidental deployment and possible personal injury, the backup power supply must be depleted before repairing or replacing any front or side air bag supplemental restraint system (SRS) components and before servicing, replacing, adjusting or striking components near the front or side air bag sensors, such as doors, instrument panel, console, door latches, strikers, seats and hood latches.
      Please refer to the appropriate vehicle shop manual to determine location of the front air bag sensors.
      The side air bag sensors are located at or near the base of the B-pillar.
      To deplete the backup power supply energy, disconnect the battery ground cable and wait at least one minute. Be sure to disconnect auxiliary batteries and power supplies (if equipped).
    1. Disconnect the battery ground cable (14301) and wait at least one minute. For additional information, refer to BATTERY, MOUNTING AND CABLES .
      2. WARNING: To reduce the risk of serious personal injury, read and follow all warnings, cautions, notes, and instructions in the supplemental restraint system (SRS) deactivation/reactivation procedure.
    2. Deactivate the supplemental restraint system (SRS). For additional information, refer to SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS) DEACTIVATION AND REACTIVATION  .
      3. WARNING: To reduce the risk of serious personal injury, read and follow all warnings, cautions, notes, and instructions in the seat removal and installation procedure.
    3. Remove the affected seat. For additional information, refer to DRIVER SEAT  or PASSENGER SEAT  .

    Vehicles without side air bags 

  2. Remove the affected seat. For additional information, refer to DRIVER SEAT  or PASSENGER SEAT  .

    All seats 

  3. Remove the front seat backrest. For additional information, refer to FRONT SEAT BACKREST  .
  4. Raise the armrest to the upright position.
  5. Release the clip.
    Fig 1: Releasing Clip
    G03456517Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  6. Remove the armrest stud and guide pin.
    Fig 2: Removing Armrest Stud And Guide Pin
    G03456518Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  7. Remove the headrest.
    Fig 3: Removing Headrest
    G03456519Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  8. Remove the screw covers.
    Fig 4: Removing Screw Covers
    G03456520Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  9. Remove the screws.
    Fig 5: Removing Screws
    G03456521Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  10. Using a 12 mm socket and extension, remove the headrest guide rod sleeve.
    Fig 6: Removing Headrest Guide Rod Sleeve
    G03456522Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

    Seats with side air bag 

    11. WARNING: Do not disconnect the wire connector at the side air bag module. This is a permanent connection. Doing so may result in accidental air bag deployment, which may result in personal injury.
    NOTE: Note the side air bag module wire routing during removal.
    Fig 7: Detaching Pin-Type Retainer
    G03456523Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  11. Detach the pin-type retainer.
  12. Remove the screws and the side air bag module.
    Fig 8: Removing Screws Of Side Air Bag Module
    G03456524Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

    All front seats 

  13. Remove the seat backrest frame.
    Fig 9: Removing Seat Backrest Frame
    G03456525Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  14. Remove the springs.
    Fig 10: Removing Springs
    G03456526Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
    15. WARNING: Front seat backrest trim covers installed on seats equipped with side air bags cannot be repaired. They are to be replaced (cleaning is permissible).
  15. Separate the trim cover from the pad.
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