This procedure replaces the passenger-side airbag module in the dashboard, requiring removal of the glove box assembly and proper handling of pyrotechnic safety systems.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Passenger airbag module × 1 — Use OEM Ford airbag only - VIN-specific
• Dashboard trim clips (assorted) × 1 — Replacement clips as needed
• Airbag connector locking pin × 1 — Often included with airbag module

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and set parking brake
2. Turn ignition to OFF position and remove key
3. Disconnect negative battery terminal and secure cable away from battery post
4. Wait minimum 2 minutes for airbag system capacitor discharge - set a timer and do not proceed early
5. Open passenger door and lower passenger window for access and ventilation
6. Ensure new replacement airbag is VIN-matched and specifically for 2011-2014 F-150 passenger side
7. Prepare clean, padded work surface away from vehicle to store removed airbag face-up

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove glove box assembly
   Open glove box fully. Squeeze sides of glove box inward to release stop tabs from dash opening and lower past stops. Locate hinge pins at bottom of glove box - depress retaining tabs on each side and pull glove box forward to disconnect from hinges. Set aside. You now have access to the airbag mounting area behind where glove box was located.
2. 2

   Disconnect glove box light and damper
   If equipped, disconnect glove box light electrical connector by pressing release tab. Disconnect glove box damper strut from ball socket on glove box frame by pulling straight off. Remove glove box from vehicle.
3. 3

   Remove lower dashboard trim panel
   Locate lower dash trim panel below airbag area on passenger side. Remove retaining screws using appropriate driver. Carefully pull trim panel away from dash using panel tools, releasing retainer clips. Work slowly to avoid breaking clips. Disconnect any electrical connectors behind panel if present. Remove panel from vehicle.
   Torque spec

   Dashboard Fasteners4 Nm (3 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Locate airbag module and connector
   With glove box removed, look toward the upper rear area of the opening. The passenger airbag module is a large rectangular unit mounted behind the upper dash panel. Locate the yellow airbag connector - it will have a bright yellow housing for identification as part of the supplemental restraint system.
   ⚠Verify battery has been disconnected for at least 2 minutes before proceeding. Do not touch connector yet.
5. 5

   Disconnect airbag electrical connector
   Locate the connector locking mechanism on the yellow airbag connector. On F-150, this typically uses a red or orange sliding lock. Slide the lock to the unlock position. Press the connector release tab and carefully pull connector halves apart. Do not pull on wires. Move connector away from work area.
   ⚠️Handle connector gently. Never force or use metal tools to separate connector as this may damage airbag circuit.
6. 6

   Access airbag mounting bolts
   The passenger airbag is secured by multiple Torx bolts accessible from the glove box opening. Depending on model year, there are typically 4 bolts around the perimeter of the airbag housing. You may need to use a flashlight to locate all bolt positions. Confirm you can access all mounting bolts before proceeding.
7. 7

   Remove airbag mounting bolts
   Using appropriate Torx driver (typically T30 or T25), carefully remove all airbag module mounting bolts. Keep track of bolt locations as lengths may vary. Work by hand only - never use power tools on airbag fasteners. Support the airbag module with your other hand as you remove the final bolt to prevent it from falling.
   ⚠️Support airbag module before removing final bolt. Module is heavy and falling could damage it or cause injury.
8. 8

   Remove old airbag module
   With all mounting bolts removed, carefully pull the airbag module forward and out through the glove box opening. The module is large - angle it as needed to clear the opening. Immediately place module face-up on the prepared padded surface away from work area. Never place module face-down.
   ⚠Place removed airbag face-up in secure location. Keep away from heat, electrical sources, and impact.
9. 9

   Inspect mounting area and connector
   Inspect the dash mounting bracket for damage, cracks, or deformation. If airbag deployed, mounting area must meet Ford structural repair requirements before installing new airbag. Inspect airbag wiring harness for damage, chafing, or burned insulation. Inspect connector for damaged pins, corrosion, or melting. Any harness or structural damage must be repaired before proceeding.
   ⚠If this is a post-deployment replacement, dash structure must be inspected and certified per Ford collision repair procedures.
10. 10

    Prepare new airbag module
    Remove new airbag module from packaging. Verify part number matches vehicle specifications and VIN if printed on packaging. Wearing clean nitrile gloves, inspect new module for shipping damage. Do not remove any protective covers from deployment surface until ready to install. Orient module to understand mounting position before installation.
    ⚠️Verify new airbag is correct part number for this specific vehicle. Incorrect airbag may not deploy properly.
11. 11

    Install new airbag module
    Carefully guide new airbag module into position through glove box opening, angling as necessary. Align mounting holes with bracket. Once aligned, start all mounting bolts by hand to ensure proper thread engagement and positioning. Do not tighten yet.
12. 12

    Torque airbag mounting bolts
    Using torque wrench, tighten airbag module mounting bolts in a cross-pattern to ensure even seating. Torque all bolts to specification. Work carefully - these are small fasteners threaded into dash structure. After torquing, verify all bolts are secure and airbag module sits flush against mounting surface.
    ⚠️Airbag module bolts are CRITICAL safety fasteners. Must be torqued to exact specification using calibrated torque wrench. Over-torquing can strip threads; under-torquing may allow airbag to separate during deployment.
    Torque spec

    Airbag Module Bolts7 Nm (5 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reconnect airbag electrical connector
    Route connector back to airbag module if it was moved. Align yellow connector halves and press together firmly until you hear/feel a positive click. Engage the connector locking mechanism by sliding lock to locked position. Gently tug on connector to verify it is fully seated and locked.
    ⚠Connector must be fully seated and locked. Partial connection will cause airbag warning light and may prevent deployment.
14. 14

    Reinstall dashboard trim and glove box
    Reinstall lower dashboard trim panel, connecting any electrical connectors first. Secure with fasteners and press clips into place. Reinstall glove box by connecting hinge pins - align glove box hinges with mounting brackets and press straight back until pins click into place. Reconnect glove box damper strut and light connector if equipped. Test glove box operation.
    Torque spec

    Dashboard Fasteners4 Nm (3 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Reconnect battery and clear codes
    Reconnect negative battery terminal and torque to specification. Do not start vehicle yet. Connect Ford-compatible scan tool capable of accessing restraint control module. Turn ignition to ON position (do not start engine). Using scan tool, clear any airbag system fault codes stored during replacement. Follow scan tool procedures to verify new airbag module is recognized by system.
    ⚠Professional scan tool required to clear restraint system codes and verify proper airbag system operation.
    Torque spec

    Ground Bolt16 Nm (12 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. All dashboard trim panels must be fully seated with all clips engaged to prevent rattles and ensure proper airbag deployment clearance
2. Glove box must operate smoothly through full range of motion without binding - binding may indicate airbag module interference
3. Verify no tools or parts were left in dashboard cavity before closing up

Verification

• With ignition ON (engine off), verify airbag warning light illuminates for approximately 6 seconds then extinguishes - this is normal system check
• If airbag warning light stays illuminated, flashes, or does not illuminate at all, system has detected a fault - do not drive vehicle and retrieve diagnostic codes immediately
• Using scan tool, perform restraint system self-test if available to verify all airbag circuits are functioning properly
• Verify glove box opens and closes smoothly without interference
• Test all dashboard functions that were disturbed during repair (lights, vents, etc.)
• Before returning vehicle to service, ensure no airbag warning lights are present and scan tool confirms all restraint systems are operational
• Document repair with date, mileage, and part numbers for vehicle service records

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