Side Air Bag: Service and Repair

SIDE AIR BAG MODULE







Removal

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.
- Carry a live side air bag module with the air bag and tear seam pointed away from your body. This will reduce the risk of injury in the event of an accidental deployment.
- Do not set a live side air bag module down on the cover tear seam. This will reduce the risk of injury in the event of an accidental deployment.
- After deployment, the air bag surface may 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. Failure to follow this instruction may result in personal injury.
- Never probe the connectors on the air bag module. Doing so can result in air bag deployment, which may result in serious personal injury.
- Side air bag modules with damaged covers must be installed new. Failure to follow this instruction may result in serious personal injury.
- To reduce the risk of personal injury, do not use any memory saver devices.

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.
- When installing a new side air bag after deployment.
- The air bag warning indicator 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.
- The supplemental restraint system (SRS) must be fully operational and free of faults before releasing the vehicle to the customer.
- Repair is made by installing a new part only. If the new part does not correct the condition, install the original part and carry out the diagnostic procedure again.

1. Position the affected seat and backrest fully up and forward.
2. Depower the system.







3. Release the seat backrest trim cover rear panel lower J-clip. Then, release the 2 seat backrest trim cover rear panel side J-clips.

4. NOTE: The reinforcement board and seat backrest trim cover rear panel can be positioned aside with the reinforcement board still inside the seat backrest trim cover rear panel.

Detach the 2 pin-type retainers and position aside the seat backrest trim cover rear panel and reinforcement board.

5. Through the rear of the seat remove and discard the 2 side air bag module bolts. Then, separate the side air bag module from the seat backrest.







6. CAUTION: Do not pull the side air bag module electrical connector out by the locking button. Damage to the locking button may occur.

Using a small screwdriver as shown, lift up and release the locking button on the side air bag module electrical connector. With the locking button released, remove the electrical connector and the side air bag module.

Installation







1. CAUTION:
- Do not install the side air bag module electrical connector by the locking button. Damage to the locking button may occur.
- The side air bag module electrical connector locking button must be in the released position when the connector is being installed or connector damage may occur.
- The side air bag module electrical connector is unique and cannot be reversed when connected to the side air bag module. Match the electrical connector key to the keyway in the side air bag module. Do not force the electrical connector into the side air bag module. Damage to the connector or component may occur.

With the locking button released, install the side air bag module electrical connector fully into the side air bag module and seat the locking button.

2. CAUTION: Make sure the side air bag module wiring harness is not pinched between the side air bag module and the backrest frame. Damage to wire harness may occur.

NOTE: When installing the side air bag module, new bolts must be installed.

Position the side air bag module in the seat backrest and install the 2 new bolts.
- Tighten to 25 Nm (18 lb-ft).

3. Position the seat backrest trim cover rear panel and attach the 2 pin-type retainers.
4. Attach the 2 seat backrest cover rear side J-clips. Then attach the seat backrest cover rear lower J-clip.
5. Repower the system.