Airbag - Side

Replace the side airbag module located in the front seat backrest, including proper disarming of the supplemental restraint system and system verification.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Side airbag module × 1 — Use OEM specification - specify left or right side
• Seat cover clips (if damaged) × 1 — OEM replacement clips

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface, engage parking brake, and ensure transmission is in Park
2. Turn ignition to OFF position and remove key fob from vehicle interior
3. Locate battery in engine compartment. Disconnect negative terminal first, then positive terminal
4. Wait minimum 3 minutes for SRS system capacitor discharge - set timer and do not proceed early
5. Move front seat to full forward position for access to rear mounting bolts
6. Disconnect seat wiring harness under seat (multiple connectors for seat controls, occupant sensor, seatbelt pretensioner)
7. Document seat position settings if equipped with memory function

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove front seat assembly
   Using 13mm socket, remove four seat mounting bolts (two front, two rear). The seat is heavy - use proper lifting technique or second person. Carefully lift seat assembly out of vehicle and place on protected work surface. Keep seat upright to avoid damaging mechanisms.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Access seat backrest cover
   Identify the side of the seat backrest where airbag is located (driver or passenger side edge). Locate plastic trim covers or decorative panels on the rear of the seat backrest. Using trim removal tools, carefully pry off rear cover panels to expose seat frame structure. On Levante, covers are typically held by clips at top and bottom edges.
3. 3

   Locate and disconnect side airbag
   Locate the side airbag module mounted inside the outboard bolster of the seat backrest frame. The airbag will have a yellow connector (SRS system standard color). Press the connector lock tab and carefully disconnect the yellow airbag connector. Inspect connector terminals for corrosion or damage - replace if any issues found.
   ⚠️Ensure 3+ minutes have elapsed since battery disconnection. Do not proceed if timer has not completed.
4. 4

   Remove side airbag mounting bolts
   Using appropriate Torx bit (typically T20 or T30), remove the side airbag module mounting bolts. Levante uses 2-3 bolts securing the airbag to the seat frame. Keep bolts organized for reinstallation. Note the exact orientation and position of airbag before removal.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove old airbag module
   Carefully extract the side airbag module from the seat backrest frame pocket. The module may be held by additional clips or routing guides for the wiring harness. Work slowly to avoid snagging upholstery. Once removed, place airbag on workbench with deployment side facing UP.
   ⚠️Handle airbag only by hard plastic housing. Never touch or probe the deployment mechanism. Place with trim cover UP, never face-down.
6. 6

   Inspect seat frame and wiring
   With airbag removed, inspect the seat frame mounting points for damage, cracks, or deformation. Check the wiring harness routing path for any pinching, fraying, or damage. Verify the yellow connector is intact with no bent pins. If any damage is found to frame or harness, seat assembly may need additional repair or replacement.
7. 7

   Install new side airbag module
   Remove new airbag from packaging. Verify part number matches old airbag and is correct for vehicle side (left/right). Route airbag wiring harness through seat frame channels following exact path of original. Position new airbag module in seat backrest pocket, aligning mounting holes with frame. Ensure deployment face is oriented toward seat outboard edge.
   ⚠Verify airbag deployment direction is correct - must face outboard (toward door). Incorrect orientation will cause deployment failure.
8. 8

   Secure airbag mounting bolts
   Insert side airbag module mounting bolts and hand-tighten. Using torque wrench with Torx bit, tighten bolts to exactly 7.0 Nm (5.0 lb-ft) in cross pattern if multiple bolts. Do not overtighten - this can damage airbag housing or prevent proper deployment. Verify airbag is firmly seated with no gaps.
   ⚠️Precise torque is critical. Over-torquing can prevent deployment; under-torquing can cause airbag to dislodge during deployment.
   Torque spec

   Side Airbag Module Bolts7 Nm (5 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Connect airbag electrical connector
   Connect the yellow SRS connector to the new airbag module. Push connector firmly until lock tab clicks into place. Tug gently on connector to verify it is fully seated and locked. Verify no tension on wiring harness and proper routing through seat frame guides.
10. 10

    Reinstall seat backrest covers
    Reinstall rear seat backrest trim panels in reverse order of removal. Align clips properly and press firmly until all clips engage. Verify covers are flush and secure. Check that no wiring is pinched between covers and seat frame.
11. 11

    Reinstall seat assembly
    With second person or proper lifting technique, carefully lower seat assembly into vehicle. Align seat mounting holes with floor brackets. Insert all four seat mounting bolts and hand-tighten. Using torque wrench with 13mm socket, tighten all four seat mounting bolts to 61.0 Nm (45 lb-ft) in cross pattern. Reconnect all seat wiring harness connectors under seat.
    ⚠Seat mounting bolts are safety-critical. Verify correct torque and that seat is solidly mounted with no movement.
    Torque spec

    Mounting Bolts35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reconnect battery and clear codes
    Reconnect battery positive terminal first, then negative terminal. Tighten battery terminal bolts to 7.0 Nm (5.0 lb-ft). Connect factory scan tool to OBD-II port. Turn ignition to ON position (do not start engine). Clear all SRS fault codes. Verify no new codes appear after clearing.
    ⚠️Do not start or drive vehicle until SRS system verification is complete. System may be non-functional until properly initialized.
    Torque spec

    Battery Terminal Bolts7 Nm (5 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Perform SRS system verification
    Using scan tool, perform SRS system self-test and component verification. Verify side airbag module is recognized by system with correct resistance values. Check all SRS components (front airbags, curtain airbags, seatbelt pretensioners, sensors) show ready status. Turn ignition to ON and verify SRS warning light illuminates briefly then extinguishes after 6-7 seconds.

Reassembly

1. Restore seat position settings if equipped with memory function
2. Test all seat functions including power adjustments, heating/cooling, and lumbar support
3. Verify seatbelt buckle and pretensioner connector are properly seated
4. Check that seat moves smoothly on tracks with no binding or interference

Verification

• SRS warning light must illuminate for 6-7 seconds at ignition ON, then extinguish completely - if light stays on or does not illuminate, system has fault
• Scan tool shows no active or pending SRS fault codes
• Scan tool verifies side airbag module present and ready with correct resistance reading (typically 2-3 ohms)
• Physically verify seat is solidly mounted with no movement - attempt to rock seat fore/aft and side-to-side
• All seat electrical functions operational including occupant detection sensor
• Professional test drive recommended to verify no SRS warning light illumination under dynamic conditions
• Document repair with scan tool report showing successful SRS system verification for liability protection

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