Ford Fiesta: Supplemental Restraint System / Side Airbag. Removal and Installation

Removal

  WARNING: The following procedure prescribes critical repair steps required for correct restraint system operation during a crash. Follow all notes and steps carefully. Failure to follow step instructions may result in incorrect operation of the restraint system and increases the risk of serious personal injury or death in a crash.

  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.

  WARNING: Front seat backrest trim covers installed on seats equipped with seat side airbags cannot be repaired. A new trim cover must be installed. Cleaning is permissible. Failure to follow these instructions may result in the seat side airbag deploying incorrectly and increase the risk of serious personal injury or death in a crash.

NOTE: Removal steps in this procedure may contain installation details.

NOTE: LH seat shown, RH seat similar.

1. Remove the front seat backrest cover.
   Refer to: Front Seat Backrest Cover (501-10 Seating, Removal and Installation).
   

1. NOTE: Follow the unique instructions or graphic for this step in installation.

   Remove the side airbag nuts.
   Torque: 80 lb.in (9 Nm)

Installation

  WARNING: Incorrect repair techniques or actions can cause an accidental pyrotechnic device deployment. Make sure the supplemental restraint and pedestrian protection system (if equipped) is depowered before reconnecting the component. Refer to the depowering General Procedure in section 501-20B. Failure to precisely follow depowering instructions could result in serious personal injury from an accidental deployment.

1.   WARNING: Check the seat side air bag deployment chute for damage. The deployment chute must not be repaired. If there is any damage to the deployment chute, a new seat back trim cover and deployment chute must be installed as a unit. 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.

     WARNING: If the seat side air bag module deployment chute is not correctly positioned and closed, the seat side air bag module may not deploy correctly. Failure to follow these instructions may result in the seat side air bag module deploying incorrectly and increases the risk of serious personal injury or death in a crash.

     WARNING: Inspect the seat side airbag, airbag cavity, mounting surface and deployment chute for damage or the presence of foreign material. Remove all foreign material. Install a new side airbag if it is damaged. Install a new deployment chute if the deployment chute is damaged. Failure to follow these instructions may result in the seat side airbag deploying incorrectly and increase the risk of serious personal injury or death in a crash.

   To install, reverse the removal procedure.
   

1. Route the side airbag wire harness to the inside of the backrest foam pad.