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Side Air Bag Module: Installation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 Lincoln Town Car. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
    WARNING: Before installing the side air bag module, check it for damage and foreign objects. If the air bag module is damaged, replace it. If any foreign objects are found, remove them. Failure to do so may result in personal injury, in the event of an air bag deployment.
    WARNING: If the air bag cover has separated or the air bag material has been exposed, install a new side air bag module. Do not attempt to repair the air bag module. Failure to do so may result in personal injury in the event of an air bag deployment.
    Fig 1: Connecting Side Air Bag Module Electrical Connector
    G03880442Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  1. Connect the side air bag module electrical connector.
    2. WARNING: Inspect the mounting surfaces of the side air bag module and the seat back frame mounting bracket for any foreign objects, before installing the side air bag module. If any foreign objects are found, remove them. Failure to do so may result in personal injury, in the event of an air bag deployment.
    WARNING: Inspect the side air bag deployment chute and the side air bag cavity in the seat back pad for any foreign objects. If any foreign objects are found, remove them. Failure to do so may result in personal injury in the event of an air bag deployment.
    Fig 2: Positioning Side Air Bag Module Onto Front Seat Back Frame Mounting Bracket
    G04013100Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  2. Position the side air bag module onto the front seat back frame mounting bracket.
    3. NOTE: Install new side air bag module retaining nuts if installing a new side air bag module. If the existing side air bag module is being reinstalled, use the existing nuts.
    Fig 3: Installing Side Air Bag Module Retaining Nuts - With Torque Specification
    G04013101Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  3. Install the side air bag module retaining nuts.
  4. Reposition the seat back pad and trim cover to the seat back frame.
    Fig 4: Positioning Seat Back Pad And Trim Cover To Seat Back Frame
    G04013102Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
    5. WARNING: Front seat back trim covers installed on seats equipped with side air bags cannot be repaired; they are to be replaced. Cleaning is permissible.
    WARNING: Check the air bag deployment chute and zipper for damage. The air bag deployment chute and zipper must not be repaired. If there is any damage to the deployment chute or zipper, a new seat back trim cover and deployment chute must be installed as a unit.
    WARNING: If the air bag deployment chute is not properly positioned and completely zipped, the side air bag may not deploy properly.
    Fig 5: Positioning Air Bag Deployment Chute
    G04012310Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  5. Position the air bag deployment chute.
    1. Insert the outboard side of the air bag deployment chute between the seat back pad and the side air bag module, pulling it around the outboard side of the seat back frame.
    2. Insert the inboard side of the air bag deployment chute between the seat back pad and the side air bag module from the inboard side of the seat back frame.
    6. NOTE: Be sure the side air bag deployment chute is correctly positioned before proceeding to the next step.
    Fig 6: Zipping Air Bag Deployment Chute Completely Closed
    G04013104Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  6. Zip the air bag deployment chute completely closed, then position the zipper tail at the top of the air bag deployment chute into the seat back opening.
    • The air bag deployment chute must encircle the side air bag module, going completely around the side air bag module and the side of the seat back frame.
    • Align the air bag deployment chute to the side air bag module, making sure it covers the length of the side air bag module, but does not cover the top or the bottom of the side air bag module.
  7. Fasten the four seat back trim cover retainers (three shown).
    Fig 7: Identifying Seat Back Trim Cover Retainers
    G03880320Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  8. Install the seat back trim panel.
    1. Push in at the top of the seat back trim panel and slide upward, engaging the upper retaining hooks.
    2. While lifting up on the seat back trim panel, push the bottom of the seat back trim panel in to engage the lower retainers.
    Fig 8: Installing Seat Back Trim Panel
    G04013106Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  9. Repower the system. For additional information, refer to SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS) DEPOWERING AND REPOWERING .
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