Side Air Bag Module: Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2010 Lincoln MKX and 2010 Ford Edge. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

WARNING: Always carry or place a live air bag module with the air bag and deployment door/trim cover/tear seam pointed away from the body. Do not set a live air bag module down with the deployment door/trim cover/tear seam face down. Failure to follow these instructions may result in serious personal injury in the event of an accidental deployment.

WARNING: Never probe the electrical connectors on air bag, Safety Canopy® or side air curtain modules. Failure to follow this instruction may result in the accidental deployment of these modules, which increases the risk of serious personal injury or death.

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: If a side air bag deployment took place, a new side air bag module and bolts must be installed. The side air bag module bracket on the seat back frame should be inspected and installed new if necessary.

NOTE: When installing a new side air bag after deployment, refer to REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION for additional information.

NOTE: The air bag warning indicator illuminates when the correct Restraints Control Module (RCM) fuse is removed and the ignition is ON.

NOTE: The Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) must be fully operational and free of faults before releasing the vehicle to the customer.

Position the affected seat and backrest fully up and forward.
Depower the SRS . For additional information, refer to SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS) DEPOWERING AND REPOWERING .
Release the seat backrest cover rear panel lower J-clip. Then, release the 2 seat backrest cover rear panel side J-clips.

Fig 1: Locating Seat Backrest Cover Rear Panel Side J-Clips
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

NOTE: The reinforcement board and seat backrest cover rear panel can be positioned aside with the reinforcement board still inside the seat backrest cover rear panel.

Detach the 2 pin-type retainers and position aside the seat backrest cover rear panel and reinforcement board.
Through the rear of the seat remove and discard the 2 side air bag module bolts. Then, separate the side air bag module from the seat backrest.

NOTE: Do not pull the side air bag module electrical connector out by the locking button. Damage to the locking button may occur.

Fig 2: Removing Side Air Bag Module Electrical Connector

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Using a small screwdriver as shown in illustration, lift up and release the locking button on the side air bag module electrical connector. With the locking button released, remove the electrical connector and the side air bag module.