OEM Ford Explorer Seat Heater Switch

Ford Explorer Seat Heater Switch Parts and Q&A

• Switch Assembly, Front
  98AZ-14D694-AA
  Q: How to safely service the Seat Heater Switch with an air bag supplemental restraint system (SRS) on Ford Explorer?

  A:

  Safety glasses should be worn when servicing heated seat switches of vehicles with SRS Air Bag supplemental restraint systems and when touching air bag modules or safety belt pretensioners to prevent accidental deployment injuries. The servicing process must start only after depowering the SRS system if the seat integrates seat-mounted side air bags or safety belt pretensioners. A removal of the RCM fuse coupled with an Ignition Switch ON condition will cause the air bag warning lamp to illuminate but this does not signify a mechanical issue. The SRS needs to have full operation with no faults detected before handing over the vehicle to the customer. Begin with the front seat in position to reach the four mounting bolts while deactivating the SRS after which you should remove the seat in question. Remove the recliner handle and clip from the recliner if it includes them followed by taking off the lumbar adjuster knob and the seat backrest recliner lever. Begin by removing all screws present at the lumbar adjust mechanism and the rear trim section along with the lower trim section. The first step is to pull the lumbar mechanism slightly outward before taking the side trim off the mounting bracket while preserving its mounting tabs intact. Disconnect the heated seat switch electric wiring by pulling the locking devices on the edges and extracting it from the trim component. To install the heated seat switch put it inside the trim panel then connect the electrical connector. Apply the side trim to the seat spot and fasten its front retaining clip while avoiding extreme force that might damage the mounting tabs. After screwing in all mounting hardware at the lower side trim section and the lumbar adjust mechanism screws it is safe to proceed with the front retaining clip installation. Install the clip onto the recliner handle after you ensure the switch harness keeps the correct route and retention method. Complete the installation of the lumbar adjuster knob and seat backrest recliner handle by properly aligning the locator tab before reinstallation of the front seat and SRS can be repowered.