Seat Belt Systems: Description and Operation

The seat belts and shoulder belts are factory-installed in their proper locations. If the seat belts or shoulder belts are removed for any reason, they should be installed using proper service procedures.

When replacing safety belt buckles and/or retractor assemblies, use only the replacement parts specified in the Ford Parts and Service Division Master Parts and Accessories Catalog for the vehicles serviced.

OCCUPANT RESTRAINT SYSTEM
The outboard safety belt for the front and rear seats is a continuous-loop three-point system. The combination lap and shoulder belt (continuous-loop) uses a common sliding tongue and retractor.

The shoulder harness retractor is designed to let the webbing freely move in or out at all times, except during vehicle hard braking, hard cornering or impact of 8 km/h (5 mph) or more, when it is automatically locked by a mechanically actuated inertia sensor.

SAFETY BELT BUCKLE
The safety belt buckle ends are designed to lock onto the safety belt tongue and to serve as an anchor for both the lap and shoulder portions of the safety belt.

FRONT LAP/SHOULDER SEAT BELT
On bench seat installations, the inboard belts with the buckle are attached to the seat. On Econoline bucket seats and captain's chairs, the inboard buckles are attached to the floor. Attaching the tongue and buckle secures the occupant with both lower and upper restraints.

CENTER LAP SEAT BELT
The center seat belts do not have retractors. To lengthen the belt, tip the tongue at a right angle to the belt, and pull the tongue until the ends can be joined with front safety belt buckle end or rear safety belt and buckle over the lap.

To fasten the belt, insert the tongue into the open end of the front safety belt buckle or rear safety belt and buckle until a snap is heard. To shorten the belt, pull on the loose end of the webbing. The lap belt should be snug across the hips, NEVER ACROSS THE WAIST.

REAR LAP/SHOULDER SEAT BELT
All of the rear outboard seats are provided with shoulder belts. Some outboard seat positions may be equipped with belts detachable from their seat anchors. Center seating positions are provided with adjustable lap belts only.

SEAT BELT WARNING SYSTEM
The continuous-loop system units incorporate a safety belt warning indicator switch warning light and chime. The warning light and chime function as reminders to fasten the safety belt.
- If the safety belt is not buckled when the key is turned to the ON position, the light and chime will turn on for 4-8 seconds.
- If the safety belt is buckled while the light is on and the chime is sounding, both light and chime will turn off.
- If safety belt is buckled before the key is turned to the ON position, the light will come on for 4-8 seconds with no chime.