Air Bag Systems: Service and Repair

RIVET NUT REPLACEMENT

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

CAUTION: If the safety canopy module has deployed, the tether cord rivet nut must be inspected and replaced if damaged before installing a new safety canopy.

NOTE:
- The air bag warning lamp illuminates when the RCM fuse is removed and the ignition switch is ON. This is normal operation and does not indicate a supplemental restraint system (SRS) fault.
- A typical rivet nut replacement is shown that is similar for all vehicles.
- The left-hand drive driver side is shown, all others are similar.

1. Depower the system.
2. Remove the A-pillar trim panel







3. Remove the bolt and bracket for the tether cord from the A-pillar.
4. Position and secure the side air curtain tether cord and bracket assembly out of the way.







5. Using the appropriate service tool, sand the rivet nut shoulder until the shoulder surface is removed.
6. Punch the remaining portion of the rivet nut through the rivet nut hole.

7. NOTE: Use only Ford Motor Company factory-authorized replacement parts for rivet nut repair procedure.

Obtain the correct square shank rivet nut for the vehicle application from the Ford Master Parts Catalog, and insert it into the rivet nut hole.

8. Using a suitable rivet nut installing tool, install the rivet nut.
9. Position the A-pillar tether cord. Install the bolt. See the appropriate component removal and installation procedure or Specifications for the correct torque specification.

10. NOTE: The tether cord must be positioned correctly in place before installing the A-pillar trim panel.

Install the A-pillar trim panel.