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Seat Backrest - Front: Disassembly

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: To reduce the risk of personal injury, do not use any memory saver devices.
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: Seat 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).
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 seat side air bag deployment took place a new seat backrest pad, trim cover and side air bag module must be installed. Install a new seat backrest frame if necessary.
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: When servicing just the seat side air bag module, refer to SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM for the side air bag module removal and installation procedure.
NOTE: Low-back seat shown, hi-back seat similar.
NOTE: Driver side shown, passenger side similar.
NOTE: Seat with climate control and manual lumbar shown, all others similar.

    All seats 

  1. Remove the affected seat and depower the SRS. For additional information, refer to SEAT - FRONT  in this article.
  2. Remove the front seat backrest. For additional information, refer to SEAT BACKREST - FRONT  in this article.
  3. Push the release tab on the LH head restraint sleeve and remove the head restraint.
  4. If equipped, remove the 2 covers, 2 screws and the assist handle.
  5. Release the J-clip.
    Fig 1: Locating J-Clip
    G04663361Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  6. Remove the armrest bolt cover.
  7. Remove the bolt and spring washer and remove the armrest.
  8. Remove the armrest stop screw.
  9. If equipped, remove the lumbar knob.
    10. CAUTION: Use care when separating the seat backrest trim cover from the hook and loop strip or the hook and loop strip could be torn from the backrest foam pad.
  10. Invert the backrest trim cover in an inside-out fashion to the row of hog rings.
    • Placing a hand between the seat backrest trim cover and foam pad, carefully separate the hook and loop strips.
      Fig 2: Separating Hook And Loop Strips
      G04663362Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  11. Reach up in the seat backrest and pinch the end of the head restraint sleeves and remove.
    Fig 3: Locating Head Restraint Sleeves
    G04663363Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

    12. Seats with seat side air bags 

  12. Release the side air bag module deployment chute clip.
    Fig 4: Locating Side Air Bag Module Deployment Chute Clip
    G04663364Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

    13. All seats 

    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).
    Fig 5: Locating Hog Rings
    G04663365Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  13. Remove and discard the hog rings, if equipped.
  14. Remove the backrest trim cover.
  15. Remove the 2 hog rings from the lumbar-to-foam pad and remove the backrest foam pad.
    Fig 6: Locating Hog Rings
    G04663366Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  16. If equipped and necessary, remove the backrest heater mat from the foam pad.

    17. Seats with set side air bags 

    NOTE: When servicing just the seat side air bag module, refer to SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM for the side air bag module removal and installation procedure.
    NOTE: If installing a new seat side air bag module, use new retaining nuts. If the same seat side air bag module is to be reused, reuse the seat side air bag module nuts.
  17. Remove the 2 seat side air bag nuts.
    18. WARNING: Do not disconnect the wire connector at the seat side air bag module. This is a permanent connection. Doing so may result in accidental air bag deployment, which may result in personal injury.
  18. Remove the side air bag module with wire harness.

    19. All seats 

  19. Remove the 2 screws and the LH and RH inner shields.

    20. Climate controlled seats 

  20. Remove the thermo-electric device (TED).
  21. Remove the climate controlled seat duct.
  22. Remove the TED retainer clip.

    23. All seats 

  23. Remove the manual lumbar assembly, if equipped.
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