501-20B-1

Supplemental Restraint System

501-20B-1

REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION

Side Impact Sensor Second Row,
C-Pillar
WARNING: Vehicle sensor orientation is
critical for correct system operation. If a vehicle
equipped with an air bag supplemental restraint
system (SRS) is involved in a collision, inspect
the sensor mounting bracket and wiring pigtail
for deformation. Replace and correctly position
the sensor or any other damaged supplemental
restraint system (SRS) components whether or
not the air bag is deployed.
WARNING: Always wear safety glasses
when repairing an air bag supplemental restraint
system (SRS) vehicle and when handling an air
bag module. This will reduce the risk of injury in
the event of an accidental deployment.
WARNING: To reduce the risk of personal
injury, do not use any memory saver devices.
NOTE: The air bag warning lamp illuminates when
the RCM fuse is removed and the ignition switch is
ON. This is normal operation and does not indicate
a supplemental restraint system (SRS) fault.

Item

NOTE: The SRS must be fully operational and free

of faults before releasing the vehicle to the
customer.
NOTE: Repair is made by installing a new part
only. If the new part does not correct the condition,
install the original part and perform the diagnostic
procedure again.
NOTE: The RH side is shown, the LH side is
similar.
NOTE: The LH and RH C-pillar mounted side
impact sensors are not interchangeable.
1.

2.

3.

Depower the system. For additional

information, refer to Supplemental Restraint
System (SRS) Depowering and Repowering in
this section.
Remove the parts in the order indicated in the
following illustration and table.

Copyright 2002, Ford Motor Company

Last updated: 06/18/2002

Part Number

Description

1
2
3

7813244
704703-S
78611B68

7831012

5
6
7

14A488
W704726-S301
14B345

Rear door scuff plate

Safety belt anchor bolt
Safety belt anchor
Installation Note
Quarter trim panel
Removal Note
Connector
Side impact sensor bolts
Side impact sensor
Installation Note

WARNING: The tightening torque of

the air bag side impact sensor retaining bolts
is critical for correct system operation.
NOTE: Make sure the battery negative cable is
still disconnected before continuing with the
installation portion of this procedure.
To install, reverse the removal procedure.

4.

Repower the system. For additional information,

refer to Supplemental Restraint System (SRS)
Depowering and Repowering in this section.

2003 Explorer/Mountaineer, 9/2002

501-20B-2

Supplemental Restraint System

501-20B-2

REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

Item 4: Quarter Trim Panel Removal Note

Item 3: Safety Belt Anchor Installation Note

1.

1.

Pull out on the rear quarter trim panel at the

C-pillar to release the retaining clips and access
the C-pillar side impact sensor.

Item 7: Side Impact Sensor Installation Note

1.

NOTE: Make sure the safety belt webbing is

not twisted prior to installation.
Position the safety belt anchor and install the
bolt.

Align the locator tab of the second row side

impact sensor mounting bracket to the opening
in the C-pillar sheet metal.

2003 Explorer/Mountaineer, 9/2002