Cleaning and Inspection

SAFETY BELT MAINTENANCE

WARNING: ALL SAFETY BELT ASSEMBLIES INCLUDING RETRACTORS AND ATTACHING HARDWARE SHOULD BE INSPECTED AFTER ANY COLLISION. FORD RECOMMENDS THAT ALL SAFETY BELT ASSEMBLIES IN USE DURING A COLLISION BE REPLACED UNLESS COLLISION WAS MINOR AND A QUALIFIED TECHNICIAN FINDS THAT SAFETY BELTS SHOW NO DAMAGE AND CONTINUE TO OPERATE PROPERLY. SAFETY BELT ASSEMBLIES NOT IN USE DURING A COLLISION SHOULD ALSO BE INSPECTED AND REPLACED IF EITHER DAMAGE OR IMPROPER OPERATION IS NOTED

Check the safety belt systems periodically to ensure they are functioning properly. If the safety belts are removed for any reason, the anchor bolts should be tightened to 38-78 Nm (28-58 lb-ft).

If a retractor jams, free the safety belt by performing the following:
1. Pull forcefully on the safety belt in order to tighten it on the retractor spool.
2. Feed the safety belt back into the retractor until it is completely retracted. Repeat the previous step, if necessary.
3. Pull the safety belt out of the retractor as far as it will go. Remove any foreign matter or untwist the safety belt as necessary, and let the safety belt retract.
4. Fully extend and retract the safety belt at least five times to ensure the retractor is operating properly.

SAFETY BELT WEBBING
The following procedure is recommended for the removal of spots and stains from safety belts. It is important that proper cleaning techniques and cleaning agents be used to prevent setting the stain or affecting the color and/or flame resistance of the safety belts. Avoid bleaching or redyeing the safety belt webbing as this could hinder safety belt strength and performance.

The following materials are needed to clean safety belts:
1. Clean, undyed cotton fabric.
2. Medium hard bristle brush.
3. Ford Extra Strength Spot and Stain Remover B7A-19521-AA (ESR-M5B197-A) or equivalent.
4. Ford Soil and Spot Lifter D8AZ-19526-A or equivalent aerosol spray can.

General Cleaning Method A
For stains from grease, oil, tar, water spotting, crayon, and lipstick.

NOTE: Using other than recommended cleaners or procedures may affect flammability or fabric appearances.

CAUTION: Care should be used in application of the spot lifter to prevent it from contacting vinyl trim.

1. Remove excess staining material from the fabric by scraping or wiping with a clean cloth.
2. identify the staining material if possible.
3. Spray the stain with Ford Soil and Spot Lifter D8AZ-19526-A or equivalent from a distance of 204-254 mm (8-10 inches) as directed by instructions on can.
4. Allow the spot lifter to dry completely, until it forms a white powder on the surface of the fabric.
5. Brush and vacuum the white powder from the fabric.
6. if the soiled spot is not removed from the fabric, repeat Steps 1 through 5 as necessary.
7. Wipe the cleaned area with a damp cloth to remove any residual cleaner.

General Cleaning Method B
For stains such as grease, oil, tar, adhesive, crayon and lipstick.
1. Remove excess staining material from the fabric by scraping or wiping with a clean cloth.
2. Identify the staining material if possible.
3. If stain is still visible after the spot cleaning procedure (Method A), blot the soiled area with a clean cotton cloth saturated with Ford Extra Strength Spot and Stain Remover B7A-19521-AA (ESR-M5B197-A) or equivalent.
4. Rub in a circular motion while continuously exposing the clean portion of cloth.
5. Gradually widen the area of application onto the edges of the safety belt.
6. Repeat Steps 1 through 5 as necessary.
7. Wipe the cleaned area with a clean, damp cloth to remove any residual cleaner.

General Cleaning Method C
For stains from dirt, soil, food, soft drinks, and coffee.
1. Remove excess staining material from the fabric by scraping or wiping with a clean cloth.
2. Identify the staining material if possible.
3. Apply Rosenthal or Bissell or equivalent upholstery cleaner with cloth or brush as directed by instructions on container.
4. Rub in a circular manner until the stain is removed.
5. Gradually widen the area of application to the edges of the safety belt.
6. Repeat Steps 1 through 5 as necessary.
7. Rub the cleaned area with a damp cloth to absorb residual cleaner.
8. Allow the safety belt webbing to dry at room temperature.

NOTE: Spot cleaning as described in Method A will be sufficient when the soiled area is not excessive. In the event of severe soiling or staining, clean the entire safety belt webbing to avoid a "ring" condition.