Side Air Bag Module: Removal
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 Lincoln LS. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
- Before proceeding, see AIR BAG SAFETY PRECAUTIONS . Disable air bag system. See DISABLING SYSTEM under DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM. Remove front seat from vehicle. See FRONT SEAT . Pull and release pin-type retainers at bottom of seat back trim panel. While pushing in at top of seat back trim panel, slide trim panel down to disengage "J" hooks.
- Pull out evenly at top of seat back trim panel and remove trim panel. Inspect seat back trim panel "J" hooks and pin-type retainers for damage. Disconnect necessary electrical connectors and mark for reassembly reference. Separate pin-type retainers from seat back frame. See Figure . Disengage seat back trim cover "J" hooks.
- Reposition seat back trim cover and pad. Remove side air bag module retaining nut cover. Push wire harness and grommet through seat back frame. Remove side air bag module mounting nuts. See Figure . With one hand on side air bag module, position seat back trim cover and pad forward enough to access side air bag module.
- Separate side air bag module and deployment chute from seat back mounting bracket. Pull side air bag module mounting studs back through deployment chute openings and remove side air bag module from deployment chute.
- Slide side air bag electrical connector locking clip to disengage it. Release 2 connector tabs by pushing in on them and disconnect side air bag module connector. Remove side air bag module from seat back.
WARNING:
Foreign objects between side air bag module and seat components may be projected toward occupants during air bag deployment. Personal injury may result. Ensure side air bag module, air bag mounting surfaces, deployment chute and seat back pad are free of foreign objects.
Damaged or altered deployment chute may cause side air bag to deploy improperly. Personal injury may result. If deployment chute is damaged or altered, seat back trim cover and deployment chute must be installed new, as a unit. Do not attempt to repair deployment chute.
If air bag cover has separated or air bag material has been exposed, air bag may deploy improperly. Personal injury may result. If air bag cover has separated or air bag material has been exposed, install new air bag module. Do not attempt to repair air bag module.
Damaged or altered deployment chute may cause side air bag to deploy improperly. Personal injury may result. If deployment chute is damaged or altered, seat back trim cover and deployment chute must be installed new, as a unit. Do not attempt to repair deployment chute.
If air bag cover has separated or air bag material has been exposed, air bag may deploy improperly. Personal injury may result. If air bag cover has separated or air bag material has been exposed, install new air bag module. Do not attempt to repair air bag module.
NOTE:
If installing new side air bag module, use new retaining nuts. If reusing side air bag module, reuse retaining nuts.