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Side Air Bag Module: Installation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2008 Mercury Mariner and 2008 Ford Escape. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
WARNING: Inspect the seat side air bag module and mounting surfaces for any damage or foreign material before installing the seat side air bag module. If any damage is found, install new components. If any foreign material is found, remove it. Failure to follow these instructions may result in the seat side air bag module deploying incorrectly and increase the risk of serious personal injury or death in a crash.
WARNING: Before installing the seat side air bag module/deployment chute assembly:
  • Inspect the side air bag module and mounting surfaces for any damage or foreign material.
  • Remove any foreign material from the mounting surfaces of the deployment chute, the seat backrest frame mounting bracket and the air bag module cavity in the seat backrest foam pad.
  • Install new parts if damaged.

Failure to follow these instructions may result in the seat side air bag deploying incorrectly, which increases the risk of serious personal injury or death in a crash.

WARNING: If the seat side air bag cover has been damaged or separated from its mounting, or if the air bag material has been exposed, install a new seat side air bag module. Never try to repair the seat side air bag module. Failure to follow these instructions may result in the seat side air bag deploying incorrectly, which increases the risk of serious personal injury or death in a crash.
NOTE: Make sure the side air bag module wiring harness is not pinched between the side air bag module and the mounting bracket. Failure to follow this instruction may result in wiring harness damage and may cause system failure.

All seats 

  1. Install the side air bag module and nuts onto the seat backrest frame mounting bracket.
    • Tighten to 5 Nm (44 lb-in).
  2. Fig 1: Identifying Side Air Bag Module Nuts
    GF0024042Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  3. Attach the 2 side air bag module wiring harness retainers to the seat backrest frame.
  4. Fig 2: Identifying Retainers
    GF0041785Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  5. Roll down the seat trim cover to the side air bag module.
  6. WARNING: Check the seat side air bag deployment chute for damage. The deployment chute must not be repaired. If there is any damage to the deployment chute, a new seat back trim cover and deployment chute must be installed as a unit. Failure to follow these instructions may result in the seat side air bag module deploying incorrectly and increase the risk of serious personal injury or death in a crash.
  7. Feed the side air bag module deployment chute and J-clips back through the side air bag module seat backrest foam opening.
  8. Fig 3: Identifying Positioning Of Deployment Chute
    GF0041777Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
    WARNING: If the seat side air bag module deployment chute is not correctly positioned and closed, the seat side air bag module may not deploy correctly. Failure to follow these instructions may result in the seat side air bag module deploying incorrectly and increases the risk of serious personal injury or death in a crash.
  9. Install the side air bag module deployment chute and J-clips around the side air bag module and seat backrest frame.
  10. Fig 4: Identifying Side Air Bag Module Backrest Trim Cover
    G03903897Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  11. Roll the seat backrest trim cover down in position and attach the hook-and-loop strips.
  12. Feed the seat backrest trim cover rear J-clip through seat between the seat backrest and seat cushion.
  13. Attach the seat backrest trim cover J-clips.
  14. Fig 5: Identifying Seat Backrest Trim Cover J-Clips
    GF0041776Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

    Seats with manual lumbar adjust 

  15. Install the manual lumbar control knob.
  16. Fig 6: Manual Lumbar Control Knob
    GF0024038Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

    All seats 

  17. Attach the 3 wiring harness routing retainers. Then connect the side air bag module electrical connector and attach it to the seat track.
  18. Fig 7: Identifying Connector And Retainers
    GF0041987Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  19. Install the inboard seat cushion side shield and screw.
  20. Fig 8: Inboard Seat Cushion Side Shield & Screw
    GF0024044Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  21. Install the front seat. For additional information, refer to SEATING article.