FixVault

Side Air Bag Module: Installation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2009 Ford Flex. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
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.
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  .

    NOTE: The side air bag modules are keyed left and right. If the side air bag module locator pin does not align to the backrest frame hole, the wrong side air bag module is being installed.
  1. Position the 2 side air bag module studs and locator pin through the backrest frame and install the 2 nuts.
    • Tighten to 10 Nm (89 lb-in).
      Fig 1: Locating Side Air Bag Module Studs And Nuts
      G06063843Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  2. Route and attach the side air bag module wire harness to the backrest frame.
    Fig 2: Locating Side Air Bag Module Wire Harness
    G06063842Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  3. Connect the side air bag module electrical connector and slide the locking clip to the lock position. Route and attach the electrical connector and wire harness pin-type retainers to the seat.
    Fig 3: Locating Side Air Bag Module Electrical Connector
    G06063845Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  4. Roll the backrest trim cover down and position both ends of the deployment chute through the backrest foam pad opening.
    Fig 4: Locating Backrest Trim Cover
    G06063846Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  5. NOTE: Position the deployment chute around the side air bag module.
    1. Insert the outboard side of the side air bag deployment chute between the backrest foam pad and the side air bag module, pulling it around the outboard side of the backrest frame.
    2. Insert the inboard side of the side air bag deployment chute between the backrest foam pad and the backrest frame, pulling it around the inboard side of the backrest frame.
      Fig 5: Inserting Inboard Side Of Side Air Bag Deployment Chute Between Backrest Foam Pad And Backrest Frame
      G06063847Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  6. Engage the side air bag deployment chute retaining clips and snap them together.
    • The side air bag deployment chute must encircle the side air bag module, going completely around the side air bag module and the side of the backrest frame.
    • Align the side air bag deployment chute to the side air bag module, making sure it is centered around the side air bag module.
      Fig 6: Locating Side Air Bag Deployment Chute
      G06063848Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  7. From the rear of the backrest, attach the backrest trim cover J-clip to the backrest frame wire.
  8. Roll the backrest trim cover down and install the 3 second row hog rings.
    Fig 7: Locating Second Row Hog Rings
    G06063839Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  9. Install the 3 first row hog rings.
    Fig 8: Locating First Row Hog Rings
    G06063838Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  10. Roll the backrest trim cover all the way down and engage the lower J-clips.
    • If equipped, make sure the manual lumbar cable and side air bag module wire harness are accessible from the outboard side of the backrest before engaging the lower J-clips.
    • If equipped, make sure the backrest feed wire harness is accessible from the inboard side of the backrest before engaging the lower J-clips.
  11. Attach the cushion side shield in the following sequence. Return all retaining clips back to the cushion side shield before attaching to the seat.
    1. Align the 4 cushion side shield clips to the seat and push in seating the clips.
    2. Install the screw at the front of the cushion side shield.
    3. Install the screw at the rear of the cushion side shield.
    4. Install the scrivet at the rear of the cushion side shield.
  12. If equipped, install the manual lumbar handle in the following sequence.
    1. Install the clip onto the manual lumbar handle.
    2. Align the splines of the manual lumbar handle to the manual lumbar shaft.
    3. Push the manual lumbar handle onto the manual lumbar shaft, seating the clip.
  13. Install the recliner cover in the following sequence.
    1. Return the barrel nut back to the seat before attaching to the seat.
    2. Slide the recliner cover post into the barrel nut on the seat.
    3. Install the screw at the rear of the recliner cover.
    4. Install the scrivet at the rear of the recliner cover.
  14. Install the driver seat. For additional information, refer to Front Seat in the removal and installation portion of SEATING .
  15. Repower the SRS  . For additional information, refer to SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS) DEPOWERING AND REPOWERING .