This procedure covers removal and replacement of the side curtain airbag module in the 2015-2020 Ford F-150, including proper disarming of the SRS system and post-installation verification.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Side curtain airbag module (driver or passenger side as needed) × 1 — Use OEM specification - must match VIN configuration
• Airbag connector retaining clips (if damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Headliner trim clips (as needed for replacements) × 5 — Ford part W710759-S439

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Turn ignition to OFF position and remove key/fob from vehicle
3. Open driver door and all doors on the side being serviced to prevent lockout
4. Disconnect negative battery cable first, then positive battery cable
5. Wait minimum 2 minutes for SRS backup power to deplete completely - DO NOT skip this wait period
6. Verify the side curtain airbag to be replaced (left or right side, typically runs from A-pillar to C-pillar or D-pillar)
7. Remove all personal items from the work area that could interfere with headliner access
8. Document any existing SRS fault codes using scan tool before beginning work

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove A-pillar trim panel
   Using trim removal tools, carefully pry the A-pillar trim panel away from the pillar starting at the bottom. The panel is secured by multiple retaining clips. Pull the panel away from the headliner and pillar, working from bottom to top. Disconnect any electrical connectors for tweeter speakers or lighting if equipped. Set the panel aside in a safe location.
2. 2

   Remove B-pillar upper trim panel
   Release the seatbelt height adjuster if equipped by pressing the release button and sliding it to the lowest position. Using trim tools, carefully release the retaining clips securing the upper B-pillar trim. Pull the trim panel away from the pillar. Disconnect any electrical connectors. Note the routing of the seatbelt through the trim for reassembly.
3. 3

   Remove C-pillar or D-pillar trim panel (depending on cab configuration)
   For SuperCrew models, remove both C-pillar and D-pillar trim panels. For SuperCab, remove C-pillar trim. Use trim removal tools to release retaining clips. Pull trim panels away carefully to avoid breaking clips. Disconnect any electrical connectors for lighting or other accessories. The headliner edge will now be accessible along the entire curtain airbag length.
4. 4

   Lower headliner edge to access airbag mounting
   Gently pull down the edge of the headliner along the side where the curtain airbag is mounted. The headliner is held by spring clips and can be carefully lowered approximately 4-6 inches without removal. You should now see the folded curtain airbag module secured to the roof rail with multiple Torx bolts. Support the headliner to prevent stress on the material.
   ⚠Do not crease or fold the headliner material. Support it with your free hand or a padded prop to prevent damage.
5. 5

   Locate and disconnect airbag electrical connector
   Locate the airbag module electrical connector, typically positioned near the B-pillar area. The connector has a yellow housing indicating SRS components. Slide the red safety lock tab to the unlock position. Press the connector release tab and carefully pull the connector apart. Do not pull on wires. Position the vehicle-side connector away from the airbag module to prevent accidental contact.
   ⚠️Ensure battery has been disconnected for at least 2 minutes before touching any airbag connectors. Yellow connectors indicate live SRS components.
6. 6

   Remove curtain airbag module mounting bolts
   Using a Torx driver (typically T30), remove all mounting bolts securing the curtain airbag module to the roof rail. There are typically 5-7 bolts depending on cab configuration, spaced along the length of the module from A-pillar to rear pillar. Keep track of bolt locations as some positions may have different lengths. Support the airbag module as you remove the final bolts.
   ⚠The airbag module may be heavier than expected. Support it with your free hand as you remove the final mounting bolts to prevent it from falling.
7. 7

   Remove old curtain airbag module
   Carefully guide the curtain airbag module down and out from behind the headliner. Route the electrical connector pigtail through any retaining clips or guides. The module is a long, folded fabric unit. Handle it carefully and place it on a clean, flat surface with the deployment side facing UP, away from any surfaces. Never place an airbag with the deployment side facing down.
   ⚠️Place removed airbag module with deployment side facing UP on a stable surface away from people and objects. Never place it deployment-side down.
8. 8

   Inspect mounting points and wiring harness
   Inspect all mounting bolt holes in the roof rail for damage or stripped threads. Check the vehicle-side wiring harness and connector for any signs of damage, corrosion, or contamination. Verify that all wire routing clips and guides are intact. Clean any debris from the mounting area using a clean, dry cloth only - do not use solvents near SRS components.
9. 9

   Prepare new curtain airbag module for installation
   Remove the new curtain airbag module from its protective packaging. Verify the part number matches the vehicle configuration and the side being replaced (left/right). Do not remove any protective covers or tape from the module until it is positioned for installation. Inspect the module for any shipping damage. The module should be clean and free of any contamination.
   ⚠️Verify the new airbag module part number matches your vehicle VIN and configuration. Installing an incorrect module can result in deployment failure.
10. 10

    Install new curtain airbag module
    Carefully route the new curtain airbag module up behind the headliner, feeding the electrical connector pigtail through the same path as the original. Position the module along the roof rail, aligning all mounting bolt holes. The folded edge of the airbag should face downward toward the cabin. Ensure the module sits flush against the roof rail with no twists or misalignment.
11. 11

    Install and torque mounting bolts
    Install all curtain airbag module mounting bolts finger-tight first, ensuring proper alignment. Starting from the center and working outward, torque each bolt to specification using a torque wrench. Verify each bolt is properly seated and the module is secured evenly along its entire length without gaps or movement.
    ⚠️CRITICAL: Side Airbag Module Bolts must be torqued to exactly 7.0 Nm (5.0 lb-ft). Over-torquing can damage the module; under-torquing can allow movement during deployment.
    Torque spec

    Side Airbag Module Bolts7 Nm (5 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Connect airbag electrical connector
    Carefully connect the airbag module electrical connector to the vehicle harness connector. Ensure the connector seats fully with an audible click. Slide the red safety lock tab to the locked position. Gently tug on both connectors to verify they are securely locked together. Route any excess wiring through the provided clips to prevent interference with the headliner.
    ⚠Ensure the connector is fully seated and the safety lock is engaged. Incomplete connections will cause SRS fault codes and deployment failure.
13. 13

    Reposition headliner
    Carefully push the headliner edge back up into position against the roof rail, ensuring it seats properly in all retaining clips. Verify the headliner material is not pinched, creased, or interfering with the airbag module. The headliner should sit flush and even along the entire length of the installation.
14. 14

    Reinstall pillar trim panels
    Reinstall the D-pillar (if equipped), C-pillar, B-pillar, and A-pillar trim panels in reverse order of removal. Reconnect any electrical connectors for speakers or lighting. Ensure all retaining clips are properly seated and the panels are flush with no gaps. Route the seatbelt properly through the B-pillar trim. Press firmly on all trim panels to fully seat the retaining clips.
15. 15

    Reconnect battery and clear SRS codes
    Reconnect the positive battery cable first, then the negative battery cable. Ensure connections are tight and secure. Turn the ignition to ON position without starting the engine. The SRS light should illuminate for approximately 6 seconds then turn off. If the light remains on or flashes, do not operate the vehicle. Connect the OBD-II scan tool and clear any stored SRS codes if the light behaves normally. Verify no new fault codes are present.
    ⚠️If the SRS warning light remains illuminated or exhibits abnormal flashing patterns after battery reconnection, do NOT drive the vehicle. A fault exists that must be diagnosed immediately.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all pillar trim panels are fully seated with no gaps or loose clips
2. Verify seatbelt operates freely through B-pillar trim without binding
3. Check that headliner is properly positioned with no sagging or interference points
4. Confirm all electrical connectors for trim-mounted components are secure

Verification

• Turn ignition to ON position - SRS warning light should illuminate for 6 seconds then turn OFF
• Use OBD-II scan tool to verify no active or pending SRS fault codes are present
• Perform a visual inspection of all trim panels to ensure proper fitment
• Gently press on headliner near installation area to verify no abnormal movement or noise from airbag module
• Test all accessories that were disconnected (speakers, lights) to ensure proper operation
• DO NOT attempt to test airbag deployment - verification is through electronic diagnostics only
• Consider having a professional technician perform a final SRS system verification if any doubts exist
• Document the repair with date, mileage, and part numbers for vehicle service records

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