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Front Seat Backrest: Removal

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: Never probe the connectors on the air bag module. Doing so can result in air bag deployment, which can result in personal injury.
WARNING: To reduce the risk of personal injury, do not use any memory saver devices.
NOTE: If a seat equipped with a seat mounted side air bag and/or a safety belt pretensioner (if equipped) system is being serviced, the supplemental restraint system (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.

All vehicles 

  1. Depower the SRS. Refer to DISABLING SYSTEM .
  2. Remove the affected seat. Refer to DRIVER SEAT  or PASSENGER SEAT .
  3. Remove the outboard side shield screw.
    Fig 1: Removing Outboard Side Shield Screw
    G03426826Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  4. Push in as indicated, lift, and pull out to release the retaining clip.
    Fig 2: Releasing Retaining Clip
    G03426827Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  5. Release the outboard side shield retainers.
    1. Lift and release the retainer.
    2. While holding the side shield up, rotate the side shield to disengage the retainers.
      Fig 3: Removing Outboard Side Shield Retainers
      G03426828Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  6. Remove the outboard side shield.
    1. Using a suitable pin-type retainer removal tool, remove the side shield front retainer (not shown).
    2. Disconnect the power seat switch electrical connector.
    3. Remove the outboard side shield.
      Fig 4: Disconnecting Power Seat Switch Electrical Connector And Outboard Side Shield
      G03426829Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

      Vehicles with heated seats 

  7. Remove the two pin-type retainers and remove the heated seat switch housing from the seat.
    Fig 5: Removing Heated Seat Switch Housing From Seat
    G03426830Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  8. Push in on the release tab and slide the switch up and out of the housing, disconnect the electrical connector.
    Fig 6: Disconnecting Electrical Connector
    G03426831Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  9. Disconnect the heated seat back electrical connector.
    Fig 7: Disconnecting Heated Seat Back Electrical Connector
    G03426832Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
    10. NOTE: Note the routing of the heated seat back wire harness for installation purpose.
    Fig 8: Routing Heated Seat Back Wire Harness
    G03426833Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  10. Route the heated seat back wire harness through the seat cushion pan.

    All vehicles 

  11. Remove the inboard side shield screw.
    Fig 9: Removing Inboard Side Shield Screw
    G03426834Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  12. Release the back of the inboard side shield and remove the recliner handle cover.
    1. Push in on the side shield as shown.
    2. While pushing in, lift up to release the side shield retainer.
    3. Through the opening at the back of the side shield, use an appropriate pry tool to remove the recliner handle cover.
      Fig 10: Removing Recliner Handle Cover
      G03426835Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  13. Release the inboard side shield retainers.
    1. Lift and release the retainer.
    2. While holding the side shield up, rotate the side shield to disengage the retainers.
      Fig 11: Removing Inboard Side Shield Retainers
      G03426836Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  14. Remove the inboard side shield.
    1. Using a suitable pin-type retainer removal tool, remove the side shield front retainer.
    2. Release the power lumbar switch retaining tabs and separate the switch from the inboard side shield.
    3. Remove the inboard side shield.
      Fig 12: Removing Inboard Side Shield
      G03426837Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

      Vehicles with power lumbar 

  15. Disconnect the power lumbar vacuum hose.
    Fig 13: Disconnecting Power Lumbar Vacuum Hose
    G03426838Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

    All vehicles 

  16. Release the J-clips.
    Fig 14: Releasing J-Clips
    G03426839Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

    Vehicles with side air bag 

    17. 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 harness routing for installation.
    Fig 15: Removing Pin-Type Retainers Retaining Side Air Bag Wire Harness
    G03426840Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  17. Remove the pin-type retainers retaining the side air bag wire harness to the seat cushion. Route it through the seat cushion.

    All vehicles 

  18. Remove the bolt.
    Fig 16: Removing Bolt
    G03426841Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  19. Position the seat backrest trim cover up, remove the bolts, and remove the seat backrest.
    Fig 17: Removing Bolts And Seat Backrest
    G03426842Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
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