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Side Airbag - Driver - Remove And Replace: Install

  1. Install the driver side airbag into the airbag chute, and then slide the airbag chute with the airbag inside through the slot in the seat back foam.
    CAUTION: Make sure that the driver side airbag mounting studs extend out of the holes of the chute.
    CAUTION: Handle the airbag with extreme care when installing it into the airbag chute. The airbag is configured/folded in a specific manner and will need to be replaced if it is dropped, altered or manipulated in any way.
    NOTE: Refer to the following video for proper care when installing the driver side airbag into the airbag chute, and when installing the chute through the seat foam.
    multimedia:A supplement to the article is available.
    G15099711Courtesy of TESLA, INC.
    G15099712Courtesy of TESLA, INC.
  2. Position the driver seat back rest trim onto the driver seat back rest foam, and then align the Velcro strips (x4).
    G15099713Courtesy of TESLA, INC.
    G15099714Courtesy of TESLA, INC.
    G15099715Courtesy of TESLA, INC.
  3. With assistance, maneuver the driver seat back trim assembly downward onto the seat frame to install it onto the seat assembly.
    G15099716Courtesy of TESLA, INC.
  4. Install the clip that attaches the driver seat harness to the RH side of seat back frame.
    G15099717Courtesy of TESLA, INC.
  5. Carefully secure the RH side of the driver seat back trim onto the driver seat frame.
    G15099718Courtesy of TESLA, INC.
    G15099719Courtesy of TESLA, INC.
  6. Install new nuts (x2) that attach the driver seat side air bag to the seat back frame assembly.

    5.4 N.m (4.0 ft-lbs) 

    Tip: Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:

    • 11 mm socket
    G15099720Courtesy of TESLA, INC.
    G15099721Courtesy of TESLA, INC.
  7. Fasten the tabs (x2) that attach the lower portion of the driver seat backrest lumbar support to the seat back frame.
    G15099722Courtesy of TESLA, INC.
  8. Install the bolt that attaches the driver seat backrest lumbar support to the seat back frame.

    5 N.m (3.7 ft-lbs) 

    Tip: Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:

    • 10 mm socket
    G15099723Courtesy of TESLA, INC.
  9. Install the clip that attaches the driver seat side airbag harness to the driver seat frame.
    G15099724Courtesy of TESLA, INC.
  10. Connect the driver seat side air bag electrical connector, and then secure the safety lock.
    G15099725Courtesy of TESLA, INC.
    G15099726Courtesy of TESLA, INC.
  11. Carefully secure the LH side of the driver seat cover and foam onto the seat frame.
    G15099727Courtesy of TESLA, INC.
    G15099728Courtesy of TESLA, INC.
  12. Secure the retainers (x6), and then secure the trim strap onto the driver seat back frame.
    G15099729Courtesy of TESLA, INC.
  13. Secure the female side of microphone connector and harness clips (x2) onto seat back suspension.
    G15099730Courtesy of TESLA, INC.
    G15099731Courtesy of TESLA, INC.
  14. Connect the driver seat microphone, and then secure harness clip onto the seat back foam.
    G15099732Courtesy of TESLA, INC.
    G15099733Courtesy of TESLA, INC.
  15. Slide the fan controller electrical connector downward to install it onto the bracket, and then connect the electrical connector.
    G15099734Courtesy of TESLA, INC.
  16. With assistance, align and fully secure the clips that attach the driver seat back shell to the seat assembly.
    G15099735Courtesy of TESLA, INC.
    G15099736Courtesy of TESLA, INC.
    G15099737Courtesy of TESLA, INC.
  17. Install the driver headrest trim. See Trim - Headrest - Driver (Remove and Replace) .
  18. Position the driver seat assembly onto the seat back.
    NOTE: Protect the seat from damage.
  19. Secure the clip and bracket that attach the FSC and FSB vent heat pad harnesses to the seat assembly.
    NOTE: One harness is for the seat cushion and the other is for the seat back. The upper bracket aids in routing while the lower clip secures them.
    G15099738Courtesy of TESLA, INC.
  20. Connect the FSB vent heat pad electrical connector from the seat controller.
    G15099739Courtesy of TESLA, INC.
  21. Secure the seat back elastic straps (x2) to the seat frame.
    G15099740Courtesy of TESLA, INC.
  22. Install the front seat side shield RH carrier from the driver seat. See Carrier - RH - Side Shield - Inboard - Front Seat (Remove and Replace) .
  23. Install the driver seat inboard side shield. See Side Shield - Inboard - Driver Seat (Remove and Replace) .
  24. Install the front seat side shield LH carrier from the driver seat.
  25. Connect the electrical harness to the back rest and cushion adjust switch assembly, and then verify the functions of the seat switches.
    G15099741Courtesy of TESLA, INC.
  26. Position the driver seat outboard side shield onto the seat, and then install the clips (x7) that attach the side shield to the seat.

    Tip: Apply pressure to the side shield to fully seat the clips. The side shield should sit flush against the seat cushion.

    G15099742Courtesy of TESLA, INC.
  27. Install the screw that attaches the driver seat outboard side shield to the seat assembly.

    4 N.m (2.9 ft-lbs) 

    Tip: Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:

    • Torx T20 socket
    • 2 in extension
    • Ratchet/torque wrench
    G15099743Courtesy of TESLA, INC.
  28. Install the driver seat into the vehicle. See Seat Assembly - 1st Row - LH (Remove And Replace) .
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