Removal and Installation

All vehicles 

1. Remove the front seat backrest. For additional information, refer to SEAT BACKREST - FRONT, WITHOUT FOLD FLAT .

   Vehicles with climate controlled seats 

2. Remove the 2 head restraint guide sleeves. For additional information, refer to HEAD RESTRAINT GUIDE SLEEVE .
3. Detach the side air bag bolt cover.
4. Remove the bolt and lift up and out to detach the side air bag module from the seat backrest.
   • To install, tighten to 10 Nm (89 lb-in).
     NOTE: Note the position of the side air bag module locator hook in the side air bag module bracket (on the seat back frame) for installation.
5. Slide and disengage the side air bag module electrical connector locking clip, and then release the tab and disconnect the side air bag module electrical connector and remove the side air bag module.

   All vehicles 

6. Detach the 2 pin-type retainers and trim cover flaps from the recliners.
   Fig 1: Locating Trim Cover Flaps

   Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
7. Disengage the backrest cover lower J-strips.
8. Invert the backrest cover up the backrest, remove all rows of hog rings (if equipped) from the front of the backrest trim cover and separate the hook-and-loop strips.
   NOTE: Use care when separating the backrest cover from the hook-and-loop strip, or the hook-and-loop strip can be torn from the backrest foam pad.

   Vehicles with climate controlled seats 

9. Remove the rear upper hog rings attaching the trim cover to the backrest frame and remove the trim cover.
10. Remove the foam pad from the backrest frame.
    • If equipped with climate controlled seats, remove the hog rings from the upper support spring.
    • If equipped with heated seats, detach the pin-type retainer and backrest heater mat wiring harness from the backrest frame.

    All vehicles 

11. Release the 2 lumbar spring clips from the backrest frame and remove the lumbar.
    • Route out the manual lumbar cable, if equipped.
    • Note the routing of the lumbar cable for installation.
    • Disconnect the electrical connector from the power lumbar motor, if equipped.
    Fig 2: Releasing Lumbar Spring Clips

    Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
12. To install, reverse the removal procedure.
    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.
    WARNING: Inspect the seat side air bag module and mounting surfaces for any damage or foreign material before installing the seat side air bag module. If any damage is found, install new components. If any foreign material is found, remove it. 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.