Replace the side airbag module located in the front seat backrest, including proper SRS system deactivation and verification procedures.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Side airbag module × 1 — Use OEM Toyota SRS airbag module only
• Seat side trim panel clips × 1 — Replacement clips as needed

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 hood and locate negative battery terminal
4. Disconnect negative battery terminal first, then positive terminal
5. Wait minimum 90 seconds for SRS backup capacitor to fully discharge before proceeding
6. Move front seat to full forward position for easier access
7. Document which seat position (driver or passenger) requires service

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove seat from vehicle
   Locate four seat mounting bolts at base of seat (two front, two rear). Using 14mm socket, remove all four mounting bolts. Tilt seat backward slightly and disconnect electrical connectors under seat (seat position sensors, seat heater if equipped, and SRS connectors). Note yellow SRS connector identification. Carefully remove seat from vehicle and place on clean, protected work surface.
   ⚠Seat is heavy (approximately 25-35 lbs). Use proper lifting technique or have assistant help to avoid injury or damage.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts34 Nm (25 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Remove seat side trim panel
   Identify seat side trim panel on outboard side of seat backrest (side where airbag is located). Using trim removal tools, carefully pry panel starting from bottom rear corner. Work around perimeter releasing retaining clips. Remove panel completely to expose airbag module. Inspect clips and replace any damaged clips during reassembly.
3. 3

   Disconnect side airbag electrical connector
   Locate yellow SRS connector attached to side airbag module. Press connector lock tab and carefully pull connector straight away from airbag module. Do not pull on wires. Verify connector is fully disconnected and position wiring harness away from work area.
   ⚠️Ensure battery has been disconnected for minimum 90 seconds before touching any SRS connectors.
4. 4

   Remove side airbag mounting bolts
   Locate two Torx T30 mounting bolts securing side airbag module to seat frame (typically positioned at top and bottom of module). Using Torx T30 driver, remove both bolts completely. Keep bolts in safe location for reinstallation. Note bolt locations and any washers or spacers present.
   ⚠Support airbag module while removing second bolt to prevent it from falling.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove old side airbag module
   Carefully pull side airbag module away from seat frame. Module should slide out of mounting bracket. Handle module gently and immediately place it face-up (deployment side up) on clean, flat surface away from work area. Do not place anything on top of module. Keep removed airbag away from heat sources and static electricity.
   ⚠️Never place airbag face-down. Always store face-up on clean surface away from work area.
6. 6

   Inspect seat frame and mounting points
   Examine seat frame mounting bracket for damage, cracks, or deformation. Check threaded holes for damage or stripped threads. Inspect wiring harness for chafing, cuts, or damage. Verify routing clips and guides are intact. Clean mounting surface with clean, dry cloth. Any damaged components must be replaced before installing new airbag.
7. 7

   Install new side airbag module
   Remove new airbag module from packaging. Verify correct part number matches vehicle specification and seat position. Position new module into seat frame mounting bracket, ensuring module is properly oriented with deployment side facing outboard. Align mounting holes with threaded holes in seat frame.
   ⚠️Verify airbag orientation is correct. Deployment side must face outboard (away from seat occupant rest position).
8. 8

   Install side airbag mounting bolts
   Insert both Torx T30 mounting bolts with any washers or spacers that were present during disassembly. Hand-tighten both bolts first, then torque to specification using torque wrench. Torque bolts in alternating pattern to 7.0 Nm (5.0 lb-ft). Verify module is securely mounted with no movement or gaps.
   ⚠Do not over-torque airbag mounting bolts. Excessive torque can damage module housing or seat frame threads.
   Torque spec

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

   Connect side airbag electrical connector
   Route wiring harness to airbag module connector. Align yellow SRS connector with module connector and push firmly until lock tab clicks into place. Gently tug on connector to verify it is fully locked. Ensure wiring is properly routed through guides and not pinched or kinked.
10. 10

    Reinstall seat side trim panel
    Position seat side trim panel over airbag module area. Align panel with mounting points and seat contours. Press firmly around perimeter to engage all retaining clips. Verify panel is flush and fully seated. Replace any damaged clips that were noted during removal.
11. 11

    Reinstall seat in vehicle
    Carefully lift seat and position over mounting points in vehicle. Reconnect all electrical connectors under seat (seat position sensors, seat heater if equipped, and SRS connectors). Ensure yellow SRS connectors are fully engaged. Align seat with four mounting holes and install mounting bolts hand-tight. Torque all four seat mounting bolts to 61.0 Nm (45.0 lb-ft) in cross pattern.
    ⚠Verify no wiring is pinched between seat and floor before tightening mounting bolts.
    Torque spec

    Mounting Bolts34 Nm (25 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reconnect battery and clear SRS codes
    Reconnect positive battery terminal first, then negative terminal. Torque battery terminal bolts to 7.0 Nm (5.0 lb-ft). Connect OBD-II scan tool and turn ignition to ON position (do not start engine). Access SRS system and verify communication with airbag control module. Clear any stored fault codes related to side airbag disconnection.
    Torque spec

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

    Perform SRS system verification
    With scan tool connected, verify SRS system shows no active faults. Turn ignition to ON position and observe SRS warning light on instrument cluster. Light should illuminate for approximately 6 seconds during bulb check, then extinguish. If light remains on or flashes, diagnosis is required. Use scan tool to verify all SRS components are communicating properly and airbag system is armed.
    ⚠️Do not operate vehicle if SRS warning light remains illuminated. System must be diagnosed and repaired by qualified technician.

Reassembly

1. Verify all electrical connectors are fully engaged and locked
2. Confirm seat operates normally in all directions and positions
3. Test seat heater function if equipped
4. Verify seat trim panel is secure with no loose clips or gaps

Verification

• Turn ignition to ON position and verify SRS warning light extinguishes after 6-second bulb check
• Use scan tool to confirm no active or pending SRS fault codes are present
• Verify scan tool shows side airbag module is communicating with SRS control module
• Confirm seat mounting bolts are torqued to specification and seat is secure
• Perform visual inspection of seat trim panel to ensure proper fit and finish
• Test drive vehicle and verify SRS light does not illuminate during normal operation

More procedures for this vehicle