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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.
    G15407812Courtesy 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).
    G15407813Courtesy of TESLA, INC.
    G15407814Courtesy of TESLA, INC.
    G15407815Courtesy 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.
    G15407816Courtesy of TESLA, INC.
  4. Install the clip that attaches the driver seat harness to the RH side of seat back frame.
    G15407817Courtesy of TESLA, INC.
  5. Carefully secure the RH side of the driver seat back trim onto the driver seat frame.
    G15407818Courtesy of TESLA, INC.
    G15407819Courtesy 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
    G15407820Courtesy of TESLA, INC.
    G15407821Courtesy 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.
    G15407822Courtesy 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
    G15407823Courtesy of TESLA, INC.
  9. Install the clip that attaches the driver seat side airbag harness to the driver seat, seat frame.
    G15407824Courtesy of TESLA, INC.
  10. Connect the driver seat side air bag electrical connector, and then secure the safety lock.
    G15407825Courtesy of TESLA, INC.
    G15407826Courtesy of TESLA, INC.
  11. Carefully secure the LH side of the driver seat, seat cover and foam onto the seat frame.
    G15407827Courtesy of TESLA, INC.
    G15407828Courtesy of TESLA, INC.
  12. Secure the retainers (x6), and then secure the trim strap onto the driver seat, seat back frame.
    G15407829Courtesy of TESLA, INC.
  13. Secure the female side of microphone connector and harness clips (x2) onto seat back suspension.
    G15407830Courtesy of TESLA, INC.
    G15407831Courtesy of TESLA, INC.
  14. Connect the driver seat microphone, and then secure harness clip onto the seat back foam.
    G15407832Courtesy of TESLA, INC.
    G15407833Courtesy of TESLA, INC.
  15. Slide the fan controller electrical connector downward to install it onto the bracket, and then connect the electrical connector.
    G15407834Courtesy of TESLA, INC.
  16. With assistance, align and fully secure the clips that attach the driver seat back shell to the seat assembly.
    G15407835Courtesy of TESLA, INC.
    G15407836Courtesy of TESLA, INC.
    G15407837Courtesy 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.
    G15407838Courtesy of TESLA, INC.
  20. Connect the FSB vent heat pad electrical connector from the seat controller.
    G15407839Courtesy of TESLA, INC.
  21. Secure the seat back elastic straps (x2) to the seat frame.
    G15407840Courtesy 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. See Carrier - LH - Side Shield - Outboard - Front Seat (Remove and Replace) .
  25. Connect the electrical harness to the back rest and cushion adjust switch assembly, and then verify the functions of the seat switches.
    G15407841Courtesy 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.

    G15407842Courtesy 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
    G15407843Courtesy of TESLA, INC.
  28. Install the driver seat into the vehicle. See Seat Assembly - 1st Row - LH (Remove and Install) .