Removing the Front Seats From a 2004 F150

Ford started the F series truck line in the 1948 model year and labeled them the F1, F2 or F3, based on their trim level. In 1975 Ford released the F150 trim level as the next option up from the base model, and hasnt missed a single year of production; the 2004 model year brought the F150 one year away from its 30th anniversary. Depending on your individual trim level and options, your F150 may be equipped with a seat mounted airbag and seatbelt pretensioners. Before removing the seats you have to disable the airbag system. Both front seats can be removed using the same procedure.

Instructions

Removal

1

Park the vehicle on a level surface and set the parking brake. Lift the vehicle hood and support it with the hood prop rod. Open the passenger door and position yourself in a way you can easily access the under dash trim.

2

Remove the mounting bolts for the trim panel under the passenger side of the dash with the nut driver. Lower the trim from under the dash and set it aside to reveal the central junction box. Remove the lid from the CJB and review the inside of the lid for the restraints control module fuse; it is on the right side of the box and is red in color.

3

Turn the Ignition on and watch the airbag indicator on the instrument cluster; The light will remain on without any flashing if the correct fuse has been removed. Turn the ignition key to the Off position. Disconnect the negative ground cable with the battery wrench and set it aside. Wait at least 1 minute before continuing this procedure.

4

Remove the front seat mounting bolts with the socket and ratchet and set them aside. Lift up on the seat adjustment bar and slide the seat all the way forward. Remove the rear mounting bolts and set them aside.

5

Position the seat assembly so that you can access the connectors under the seat. Squeeze the release clip and carefully unplug the airbag pigtail and the seat belt pretensioner pigtail from the wiring harness, if equipped. Install one of the restraint system tools into the air bag pigtail and one into the open plug on the vehicle wiring harness. Slide the seatbelt out of the restraint loop on the seat back and remove the seat from the vehicle.

Installation

6

Set the seat into position inside the truck. Position the seat so you can access the airbag pigtail and wire harness. Remove the restraint system tools from the airbag pigtail and wiring harness. Connect the air bag pigtail to the vehicle wiring harness, if equipped.

7

Thread the front mounting bolts through the seat track and into the floor board. Slide the seat forward and install the rear mounting bolts through the seat track and into the floor board. Torque the seat mounting bolts to 35 foot-pounds with the torque wrench. Slide the seat belt into the belt restraint loop on the seat back.

8

Install the RCM fuse into the control junction box and clip the CJB lid into place. Lift the dash under panel into position. Install the under panel retaining bolts and tighten with the socket and ratchet. Turn the ignition key to the On position and remove everything from the passenger seats.

9

Install the negative battery cable to the negative battery terminal. Tighten the terminal with the battery wrench. Turn the ignition key from On position to the Off position and wait 10 seconds. Turn the ignition key to the On position and observe the airbag light. The air bag light will remain lit for 6 seconds and then turn off if the airbag system is completely functional. Inspect the seat airbag connector for proper installation if the bag light flashes, remains lit, or doesnt turn on.

10

Turn the ignition off and shut the vehicle hood.