Side Air Bag: Service and Repair

SIDE AIR BAG MODULE







Removal and Installation

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 can 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.
- Never probe the connectors on the air bag module. Doing so can result in air bag deployment, which can result in personal injury.
- Side air bag modules with damaged covers must be replaced.
- Front seat back trim covers installed on seats equipped with side air bags cannot be repaired, they are to be replaced. Cleaning is permissible.
- 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 seat back pad, trim cover, side air bag module and nuts must be installed. The seat back frame should be replaced if necessary.
- The air bag warning lamp 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 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 cover lower rear J-clip, then unzip the 2 side zippers.

4. NOTE: Note the position of the side air bag module locator pin to the seat backrest frame for installation.

Remove the 2 side air bag module nuts.
- To install, tighten to 10 Nm (89 lb-in).







5. NOTE: Note the position of the side air bag module locator pin and mounting studs in the seat backrest trim cover deployment chute for installation.

Position the seat backrest foam aside and remove the side air bag module from the seat backrest frame. Then slide the side air bag module out of the seat backrest trim cover deployment chute.

6. Disconnect the electrical connector and remove the side air bag module.

7. WARNING:
- Check the side air bag module deployment chute for damage. The side air bag module deployment chute must not be repaired. If there is any damage to the side air bag module deployment chute, a new seat back trim cover and side air bag module deployment chute must be installed as a unit.
- Inspect the mounting surfaces of the side air bag module for any foreign objects before installing the side air bag module. If any foreign objects are found, remove them. Failure to do so may result in personal injury, in the event of an air bag deployment.
- If the side air bag module cover has separated or the side air bag module material has been exposed, install a new side air bag module. Do not attempt to repair the side air bag module. Failure to do so may result in personal injury in the event of an air bag deployment.

To install, reverse the removal procedure.

8. Repower the system.