Side Air Bag: Service and Repair
SIDE AIR BAG MODULE
Removal
WARNING:
- Always wear safety glasses when repairing a 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 backrest 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 seat equipped with a supplemental restraint system (SRS) component is being serviced, the SRS must be depowered.
- 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.
- The SRS must be fully operational and free of faults before releasing the vehicle to the customer.
- If a side air bag deployment took place, the seat backrest pad, trim cover and side air bag module must be replaced. The seat backrest frame should be replaced if necessary.
- When replacing the side air bag after deployment, refer to Seats.
- 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.
- RH seat shown, LH similar.
1. Position the affected seat all the way FORWARD and UP.
2. Depower the system.
3. WARNING: Front seat backrest trim covers installed on seats equipped with side air bags cannot be repaired; they are to be replaced. Cleaning is permissible.
Release the seat backrest trim cover J-clips.
- Release the lower J-clip first and then release the 2 side J-clips.
4. Unzip the side air bag deployment chute.
5. Remove the side air bag module nuts.
6. Position the seat backrest trim cover and seat backrest pad forward enough to access the side air bag module.
7. Separate the side air bag module from the seat backrest frame.
8. Disconnect the electrical connector and remove the side air bag module.
Installation
1. WARNING:
- Before installing the side air bag module, check it for damage and foreign objects. If the air bag module is damaged, replace it. 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 air bag cover has separated or the air bag material has been exposed, install a new side air bag module. Do not attempt to repair the air bag module. Failure to do so may result in personal injury in the event of an air bag deployment.
Connect the side air bag module electrical connector.
2. WARNING:
- Inspect the mounting surfaces of the side air bag module and the seat backrest frame mounting bracket 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.
- Inspect the side air bag deployment chute and the side air bag cavity in the seat backrest pad for any foreign objects. 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.
Position the side air bag module onto the front seat backrest frame mounting bracket.
3. NOTE: Install new side air bag module retaining nuts if installing a new side air bag module. If the existing side air bag module is being reinstalled, use the existing nuts.
Install the side air bag module retaining nuts.
- Tighten to 7 Nm (62 lb-in).
4. Reposition the seat backrest pad and trim cover to the seat backrest frame.
5. WARNING:
- Front seat backrest trim covers installed on seats equipped with side air bags cannot be repaired; they are to be replaced. Cleaning is permissible.
- Check the air bag deployment chute and zipper for damage. The air bag deployment chute and zipper must not be repaired. If there is any damage to the deployment chute or zipper, a new seat backrest trim cover and deployment chute must be installed as a unit.
- If the air bag deployment chute is not properly positioned and completely zipped, the side air bag may not deploy properly.
Position the air bag deployment chute.
1 Insert the outboard side of the air bag deployment chute between the seat backrest pad and the side air bag module, pulling it around the outboard side of the seat backrest frame.
2 Insert the inboard side of the air bag deployment chute between the seat backrest pad and the side air bag module from the inboard side of the seat backrest frame.
6. NOTE: Be sure the side air bag deployment chute is correctly positioned before proceeding to the next step.
Zip the air bag deployment chute completely closed, then position the zipper tail at the top of the air bag deployment chute into the seat backrest opening.
- The air bag deployment chute must encircle the side air bag module, going completely around the side air bag module and the side of the seat backrest frame.
- Align the air bag deployment chute to the side air bag module, making sure it covers the length of the side air bag module, but does not cover the top or the bottom of the side air bag module.
7. NOTE: Note the alignment of the 2 side J-clips at the top of the seat to avoid bunching.
Attach the seat backrest trim cover J-clips.
- Attach the 2 side J-clips first and then attach the lower J-clip.
8. Repower the system.