Removal and Installation

WARNING: Always wear safety glasses when repairing an air bag supplemental restraint system (SRS) vehicle and when handling an air bag module. This will reduce the risk of injury in the event of an accidental deployment.

WARNING: After deployment, the air bag surface can contain deposits of sodium hydroxide, a product of the gas generant combustion that is irritating to the skin. Wash your hands with soap and water afterwards.

WARNING: Never probe the connectors on the air bag module. Doing so can result in air bag deployment, which can result in personal injury.

WARNING: Front seat backrest trim covers installed on seats equipped with side air bags cannot be repaired, they are to be replaced. Cleaning is permissible.

WARNING: To reduce the risk of personal injury, do not use any memory saver devices.

NOTE: The air bag warning lamp illuminates when the restraints control module (RCM) fuse is removed and the ignition switch is ON. This is normal operation and does not indicate a supplemental restraint system (SRS) fault.

NOTE: If a side air bag deployment took place, the seat backrest foam pad, trim cover and side air bag module must be installed new. The seat backrest frame should be installed new if necessary.

NOTE: If a seat equipped with a supplemental restraint system (SRS) component is being serviced, the supplemental restraint system (SRS) must be depowered.

NOTE: The SRS must be fully operational and free of faults before releasing the vehicle to the customer.

Driver seat shown, passenger seat similar.

All seats

Depower the supplemental restraint system (SRS). For additional information, refer to SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS) DEPOWERING AND REPOWERING .
Remove the front seat. For additional information, refer to SEAT - FRONT .
Remove the front seat cushion. For additional information, refer to SEAT CUSHION - FRONT .
Remove the screw and backrest recliner lever handle.
Remove the outboard side shield trim panel.
1. Using a suitable screwdriver, detach the rear retaining clip.
2. Raise the trim panel and remove.
  
  Fig 1: Removing Outboard Side Shield Trim Panel
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Seats with side air bags

Detach the side air bag module electrical connectors from the underside of the seat.
1. Using a suitable screwdriver, depress the locking tang.
2. Disconnect the electrical connector.
  
  Fig 2: Detaching Side Air Bag Module Electrical Connectors From Underside Of Seat
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

CAUTION: Note the position and routing of the wiring harness(es) to aid installation. An incorrectly routed wiring harness may lead to the wires becoming damaged on the seat mechanism.

Fig 3: Locating Wiring Harness

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Detach the wiring harness from the seat frame.

Driver seat

Remove the bolt and position the safety belt buckle safely aside.
- To install, tighten to 53 Nm (39 lb-ft).

Passenger seat

Remove the bolt and the safety belt buckle with belt tension sensor and position aside.
- To install, tighten to 53 Nm (39 lb-ft).

All seats

Remove the inboard side shield trim panel.
- Remove the retaining pin and screw.
- Remove the inboard side shield trim panel.
  
  Fig 4: Removing Inboard Side Shield Trim Panel
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the 4 nuts and front seat backrest by sliding to the side.
- To install, tighten to 28 Nm (21 lb-ft).
  
  Fig 5: Removing Front Seat Backrest
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
To install, reverse the removal procedure.
- Make sure the safety belts and buckles are accessible to the occupants after installation.
Install the front seat cushion. For additional information, refer to SEAT CUSHION - FRONT .
Install the front seat. For additional information, refer to SEAT - FRONT .
Repower the supplemental restraint system (SRS). For additional information, refer to SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS) DEPOWERING AND REPOWERING .