Air Bag Systems: Service and Repair

RIVET NUT REPLACEMENT

WARNING: Always wear eye protection when servicing a vehicle. Failure to follow this instruction may result in serious personal injury.

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

NOTE:
- A typical rivet nut replacement is shown that is similar for all vehicles.
- LH shown, RH similar.

1. Depower the supplemental restraint system (SRS).
2. Remove the necessary trim panel(s).
3. Remove the bolt and bracket for the tether cord (if present).







4. If needed, position and secure the safety canopy/side air curtain tether cord and bracket assembly aside.
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. If present, position the 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 necessary trim panel(s).