Side Airbag: Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2014 Lincoln MKX and 2014 Ford Edge. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

WARNING: Always carry a live airbag with the deployment door, trim cover or tear seam pointed away from the body. Do not place a live airbag down with the deployment door, trim cover or tear seam facing down. Failure to follow these instructions may result in serious personal injury in the event of an accidental deployment.

WARNING: Never probe the electrical connectors on airbag, Safety Canopy or side air curtain assemblies. Failure to follow this instruction may result in the accidental deployment of these assemblies, which increases the risk of serious personal injury or death.

WARNING: If the seat side airbag cover has been damaged or separated from its mounting, or if the airbag material has been exposed, install a new seat side airbag assembly. Never try to repair the seat side airbag assembly. Failure to follow these instructions may result in the seat side airbag deploying incorrectly, which increases the risk of serious personal injury or death in a crash.

NOTE: If a side air bag deployment took place, a new side air bag module and bolts must be installed. The side air bag module bracket on the seat back frame should be inspected and installed new if necessary.

NOTE: When installing a new side air bag after deployment, refer to SEAT SYSTEM - SEATS for additional information.

NOTE: The air bag warning indicator illuminates when the correct Restraints Control Module (RCM) fuse is removed and the ignition is ON.

NOTE: The Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) must be fully operational and free of faults before releasing the vehicle to the customer.

Position the affected seat and backrest fully up and forward.
Depower the SRS . For additional information, refer to SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS) DEPOWERING AND REPOWERING .
NOTE: The seat backrest trim cover and foam pad have been removed to show the backrest trim panel retainers.

Remove the backrest trim panel.
1. Release the 2 pin-type retainers at the bottom of the backrest trim panel.
2. Slide the backrest trim panel down to release the upper clips.
3. Turn the backrest trim panel to release the middle clips and remove the backrest trim panel.
  
  Fig 1: Identifying Backrest Trim Panel To Release Clips And Pin-Type Retainers
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
NOTE: Passenger seat shown in illustration, driver similar.

Disengage the backrest cover outboard J-clip.
Remove and discard the 2 side air bag module bolts. Separate the side air bag module from the seat backrest.
NOTE: Do not pull the electrical connector out by the Connector Position Assurance (CPA) clip. Damage to the CPA clip can set DTCs in the Restraints Control Module (RCM).

Lift up and release the CPA clip and disconnect the side air bag module electrical connector.

Fig 2: Releasing Connector Position Assurance Clips Using Appropriate Tool
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.