Seat Belt Systems: Description and Operation

SAFETY BELT SYSTEM

WARNING:
- All safety belt assemblies (including retractors, belt tension sensors [BTS] if equipped, buckles, shoulder belt height adjusters [if equipped], child safety seat tether attachments and attaching hardware) should be inspected after any collision. All new belt assemblies should be installed unless a qualified technician finds the assemblies show no damage and operate correctly. Belt assemblies not in use during a collision should also be inspected and new assemblies installed if either damage or incorrect operation is noted.

The automatic locking retractor (ALR) feature of the safety belt retractor must be checked by a qualified technician to verify that the ALR feature for a child safety seat is functioning correctly, in addition to other checks for correct safety belt system function. A new belt and retractor assembly must be installed if the safety belt assembly's ALR feature, or any other safety belt function, is not operating correctly when inspected according to the functional inspection procedures. Failure to install a new belt and retractor assembly could increase the risk of serious personal injury in collisions.

- The safety belt retractor pretensioner is a pyrotechnic device. Always wear safety glasses when repairing an air bag equipped vehicle and when handling a safety belt buckle pretensioner or safety belt retractor pretensioner. Never probe a pretensioner electrical connector. Doing so could result in pretensioner or air bag deployment and could result in serious personal injury.

When replacing any active occupant restraint components, use only the replacement parts specified in the Ford Customer Service Division Master Parts Catalog.

The active restraint system consists of the following:
- Front row safety belt buckles and pretensioners, attached to the inboard side of the seats
- Front row safety belt retractors, located behind the lower B-pillar trim panels
- Second row outboard safety belt retractors, located behind the rear quarter trim panels
- Second row 60/40 seat center safety belt retractor and LH safety belt buckle assembly is integrated into the 60 percent seat back
- Second row dual safety belt buckle assembly for the 60/40 seat attached to the 60/40 seat
- Second row lower anchors and tethers for children (LATCH) at all outboard seating positions, welded to the seat backrest frame
- The child safety seat tether anchors are attached to the back of the rear seat

Fastening Safety Belts
Always follow the preceding safety precautions when fastening the safety belts.