Ford Explorer: Supplemental Restraint System / Removal and Installation - Side Curtain Airbag

Removal

  WARNING: The following procedure prescribes critical repair steps required for correct restraint system operation during a crash. Follow all notes and steps carefully. Failure to follow step instructions may result in incorrect operation of the restraint system and increases the risk of serious personal injury or death in a crash.

NOTE: Removal steps in this procedure may contain installation details.

NOTE: LH (left-hand) shown, RH (right-hand) similar.

1. Remove the headliner.
   Refer to: Headliner (501-05 Interior Trim and Ornamentation, Removal and Installation).
   

1. Depower the SRS.
   Refer to: Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) Depowering (501-20B Supplemental Restraint System, General Procedures).
   

1. Remove the screw and the bracket.
   

1. Disconnect the side curtain airbag electrical connector and remove the M6 x 26 mm screw.
   Torque: 93 lb.in (10.5 Nm)

1. If equipped.
   Detach the side curtain airbag nut cap.
   

1. 1. Position the side curtain airbag aside and remove the M6 x 26 mm screws.
      Torque: 80 lb.in (9 Nm)
   2. Position the side curtain airbag aside and remove the M6 x 25 mm screws.
      Torque: 80 lb.in (9 Nm)
   3. Remove the side curtain airbag nut.
      Torque: 80 lb.in (9 Nm)

1. 1. Detach the side curtain airbag front tether clip.
      
   2. Remove the side curtain airbag pin-type retainer.
      
   3. Detach the side curtain airbag hanger from the stud.
      

1. Detach the side curtain airbag hanger from the sheet metal.
   

1. 1. Remove the side curtain airbag M6 x 25 mm screw.
      Torque: 80 lb.in (9 Nm)
   2. Remove the side curtain airbag nut.
      Torque: 71 lb.in (8 Nm)
   3. Remove the side curtain airbag M6 x 26 mm screw.
      Torque: 93 lb.in (10.5 Nm)

1. Detach the side curtain airbag hangers from the sheet metal.
   

1. Slide the side curtain airbag forward, disengaging the retainer from the sheet metal and remove the side curtain airbag.
   

Installation

  WARNING: Incorrect repair techniques or actions can cause an accidental Supplemental Restraint System deployment. Make sure the restraint system is depowered before reconnecting the component. Refer to the Supplemental Restraint System depowering General Procedure in section 501-20B. Failure to precisely follow depowering instructions could result in serious personal injury from an accidental deployment.

  WARNING: Before installing a Safety Canopy® or side air curtain module, inspect the roofline for any damage. If necessary, the sheet metal must be reworked to its original condition and structural integrity. Install new fasteners if damaged and remove foreign material. Failure to follow these instructions may result in the Safety Canopy® or side air curtain deploying incorrectly, which increases the risk of serious personal injury or death in a crash.

  WARNING: Anytime the side curtain airbag has deployed, a new headliner and new roof pillar upper trim panels with attaching hardware must be installed. Make sure the headliner includes the word AIRBAG where it meets each roof B-pillar trim panel. Remove any other damaged components or hardware and replace with new. Failure to follow these instructions may result in the side curtain airbag deploying incorrectly and increases the risk of serious personal injury or death in a crash.

1. To install, reverse the removal procedure.
   

1. Repower the SRS.
   Refer to: Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) Repowering (501-20B Supplemental Restraint System, General Procedures).