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Side Air Bag Module: Installation

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.

    All vehicles 

  1. Connect the side air bag module electrical connector.
    2. WARNING: Inspect the mounting surfaces of the side air bag module for any foreign objects before installing the side air bag module. If any foreign objects are found, remove them. Failure to do so may result in personal injury, in the event of an air bag deployment.
    WARNING: Inspect the side air bag deployment chute and the side air bag cavity in the seat back pad for any foreign objects. If any foreign objects are found, remove them. Failure to do so may result in personal injury in the event of an air bag deployment.
    WARNING: Before installing the side air bag module into the deployment chute, check it for damage and foreign objects. If the air bag module is damaged, replace it. If any foreign objects are found, remove them. Failure to do so may result in personal injury, in the event of an air bag deployment.
    WARNING: If the air bag cover has separated or the air bag material has been exposed, install a new side air bag module. Do not attempt to repair the air bag module. Failure to do so may result in personal injury in the event of an air bag deployment.
    WARNING: Check the side air bag deployment chute for damage. The deployment chute must not be repaired. If there is any damage to the deployment chute, the seat back trim cover and deployment chute must be installed new as a unit.
    WARNING: If the air bag deployment chute is not correctly positioned, the side air bag may not deploy correctly.
    NOTE: The alignment pin will only allow the side air bag module to be installed to the seat back mounting bracket one way.
  2. Position the side air bag module into the deployment chute.
    • Position the side air bag module into the deployment chute with the alignment pin offset to the top and the electrical connector to the bottom of the seat back. This will position the alignment pin correctly when the side air bag module and deployment chute are mounted to the seat back frame mounting bracket.
    • The side air bag module mounting studs and alignment pin must come through the deployment chute stud openings.
      Fig 1: Identifying Side Air Bag Module Mounting Studs And Alignment Pin
      G04586547Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
    3. WARNING: Inspect the mounting surfaces of the deployment chute and the seat back frame mounting bracket for any foreign objects, before installing the side air bag module/deployment chute assembly. If any foreign objects are found, remove them. Failure to do so may result in personal injury, in the event of an air bag deployment.
    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.
  3. Install the side air bag module onto the front seat back frame mounting bracket. Install the 2 nuts.
    • The deployment chute should not have any wrinkles or folds where it contacts the seat back frame mounting bracket.
    • Tighten to 7 Nm (62 lb-in).
  4. Make sure the seat backrest trim cover deflector flap is positioned with no wrinkles or folds between the trim cover and seat back pad.
    Fig 2: Identifying Seat Backrest Trim Cover Deflector Flap
    G04586548Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  5. Reposition the seat back pad and trim cover to the seat back frame.
  6. Install the outboard hog rings that attach the foam pad to the seat backrest frame.
    • Make sure the hog rings go around the listing wire in the foam pad as well as the backrest frame wire.
      Fig 3: Installing Outboard Hog Rings
      G04586549Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

    7. Non-Police vehicles 

    NOTE: Note the alignment of the 2 side J-clips at the top of the seat to avoid bunching.
  7. Attach the 3 seat back trim cover J-clips.
    • Attach the 2 side J-clips first and then attach the lower J-clip.
      Fig 4: Attaching Seat Back Trim Cover J-Clips
      G04586550Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

    8. Police vehicles 

    CAUTION: Inspect the seat back trim panel retaining hooks for damage. If damaged, install a new seat back trim panel.
  8. Install the seat back trim panel.
    1. Angle the top of the seat back trim panel inward and down to engage the 2 upper retaining hooks to the seat back frame.
    2. Push in on the lower seat back trim panel and install the 2 screws.
      Fig 5: Installing Seat Back Trim Panel
      G04586551Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  9. Pull the seat backrest material down, zip both the zippers and tuck the zippers under the material.
    Fig 6: Zipping Both Zippers And Tuck Zippers Under Backrest Material
    G04586552Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

    10. All vehicles 

  10. Repower the system. For additional information, refer to SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS) DEPOWERING AND REPOWERING  in the General Procedures portion of this article.
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