Front Seat Backrest: Disassembly

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Ford Focus. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

All Vehicles

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 disabled.

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.

Disable the SRS. For additional information, refer to DISABLING SYSTEM .
Remove the head restraint.
Remove the head restraint guides.
- Using a suitable screwdriver, depress the locking tang.
  
  Fig 1: Removing Head Restraint Guides
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the backrest lumbar support adjust lever (if equipped)

3-Door

Remove the backrest release lever.

Fig 2: Removing Backrest Release Lever
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

All Vehicles

Detach the backrest cover from the underside of the backrest.
- Detach the retaining strip.
  
  Fig 3: Detaching Backrest Cover From Underside Of Backrest
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Roll the backrest cover up the backrest to access the lower ends of the tensioning rods.

Fig 4: Rolling Backrest Cover Up Backrest
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Detach the lower ends of the tensioning rods from the backrest.

Fig 5: Detaching Lower Ends Of Tensioning Rods From Backrest
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Roll the backrest cover up the backrest to access the upper ends of the tensioning rods.
Detach the upper ends of the tensioning rods from the backrest.

Fig 6: Detaching Upper Ends Of Tensioning Rods From Backrest
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Roll the backrest cover up the backrest to access the upper end of the spring frame.
Detach the backrest cover from the spring frame.
- Cut the hog rings.
  
  Fig 7: Detaching Backrest Cover From Spring Frame
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Vehicles With Side Air Bags

WARNING: Do not re-use the plastic retaining rivet. Always use the new rivet from the service kit. Failure to follow this warning could impair the air bag deployment and may result in personal injury.

Fig 8: Removing Side Air Bag Module Deployment Sleeve Retainer

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Remove the side air bag module deployment sleeve retainer.
- Remove and discard the plastic retaining rivet.

WARNING: Do not attempt to separate the plastic retaining strips in any other way than that detailed. Failure to follow this warning could impair the air bag deployment and may result in personal injury.

Fig 9: Sliding Apart Plastic Retaining Strips

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Slide apart the plastic retaining strips securing the side air bag deployment sleeve.

All Vehicles

Remove the backrest cover.
- Detach the retaining strip.
  
  Fig 10: Removing Backrest Cover
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the tensioning rods from the backrest cover if a new backrest cover is to be used.
Remove the backrest pad and heater mat.

Fig 11: Removing Backrest Pad And Heater Mat
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the backrest heater mat. For additional information, refer to SEAT BACKREST HEATER MAT .

CAUTION: Make sure the exact position of the anti-squeak mat on the frame is noted.

Fig 12: Removing Anti-Squeak Mat

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Remove the anti-squeak mat.

Vehicles With Side Air Bags

Remove the side air bag module. For additional information, refer to AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEMS .