Removal and Installation

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

NOTE: The backrest Thermo-Electric Device (TED) filter is detachable from the TED assembly housing and can be replaced without TED removal.

Remove the front seat backrest. For additional information, refer to SEAT BACKREST - FRONT, WITHOUT FOLD FLAT .
Remove the 2 head restraint guide sleeves. For additional information, refer to HEAD RESTRAINT GUIDE SLEEVE .
Detach the side air bag bolt cover.
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.
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.
Detach the 2 pin-type retainers and trim cover flaps from the recliners.

Fig 1: Locating Trim Cover Flaps
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Disengage the backrest cover lower J-strips.
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.
Remove the rear upper hog rings and trim cover.
If necessary, remove the climate controlled seat backrest manifold from the foam pad.
- To install, align the backrest manifold and insert into the valleys of the foam pad.
- Check for correct fit between the manifold, foam pad and TED assembly, to make sure there is no air flow obstruction or cushion crush.
NOTE: Inspect the climate controlled seat backrest manifold for crush and obstruction before installation. If damaged, install a new backrest manifold.
Remove the hog rings from the upper support spring and remove the foam pad.

Fig 2: Locating Hog Rings From Upper Support Spring
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Disconnect the backrest TED assembly electrical connector and detach the wiring harness retainers.

Fig 3: Locating Backrest TED Assembly Electrical Connector And Wiring Harness Retainers
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the TED exhaust duct.
- Cut and remove the tie strap.
  - During installation, install a new tie strap.
- Remove the pin-type retainer and separate the exhaust duct from the TED .
Disconnect the backrest upper support spring from the backrest frame and remove the spring support with the TED attached.
If necessary, detach the backrest TED filter from the TED .
Use an appropriate tool and separate the TED from the upper backrest support spring.
NOTE: Note the TED position on the support spring for installation.
Remove the 3 rivets and bracket from the TED .
NOTE: Cover the Thermo-Electric Device (TED) openings before removing any rivets to prevent foreign material from entering the TED .
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.