Seat Belt Systems: Description and Operation
Supercab:
Regular Cab:
The safety belt components consist of:
^ outboard front seat safety belt retractor with adjustable D-rings.
^ center front seat safety belt tongue and buckle (with 60/40 split bench).
^ passenger side front seat safety belt buckle.
^ driver side front seat safety belt buckle.
^ outboard rear seat safety belt retractor (if equipped with rear seat).
^ outboard rear seat safety belt buckles (if equipped with rear seat).
^ center rear seat safety belt tongue and buckle (if equipped with rear seat).
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 slip tongue.
The shoulder harness retractor is designed to let the webbing move freely in or out at all times, except during vehicle hard braking, hard cornering or an impact of 8 km/h (5 mph) or more, when it is automatically locked by a mechanically actuated inertia sensor.
Dual Locking Mode Retractors
NOTE: When replacing a dual locking mode retractor, the retractor should be checked to make sure it is not in the Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR) mode after installation in the stowed position.
All outboard continuous-loop, three-point retractor systems, except the driver position, are equipped with the dual locking mode system.
The Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) mode will allow the occupant freedom of movement, locking tight only on hard braking, hard cornering, or an impact of approximately 8 km/h (5 mph). The ELR mode helps to reduce the forward movement of the driver and passengers. The ELR mode is continuously in operation at all seating positions.
The ALR portion of this system does not allow the occupant freedom of movement. The ALR mode is used when locking a child seat in an outboard seating position or when a tight belt fit is desired. The ALR mode is disengaged when the webbing is free to move in or out of the retractor. The ALR mode is automatically engaged when the webbing is fully extracted from the retractor and then allowed to retract. As the webbing is retracted back onto the spool, an audible clicking sound is made indicating the retractor is in ALR mode. The ALR mode is automatically disengaged when most of the webbing is retracted back onto the spool.
Safety Belt Extension Assembly
In certain cases, the safety belt may be too short even when it is fully extended. About 20 cm (8 inches) can be added to the belt length by using a safety belt extension. Safety belt extensions are available through the dealership parts department at no cost. Safety belt extensions are only available with black webbing. There is one extension assembly available for the front and rear seating positions.
Use only extensions manufactured by the same supplier as the safety belt. Manufacturer identification is located at the end of the webbing on the label. Also, use the safety belt extension only if the safety belt is too short for you when fully extended. Do not use the extension to change the fit of the shoulder belt across the torso.
Warning System - Driver Safety Belt
The driver safety belt incorporates a safety belt warning indicator switch, warning indicator and chime. The warning indicator and chime are reminders to fasten the safety belt.
^ If the driver safety belt is not buckled before the ignition key is turned to the ON position, the safety belt warning light illuminates for one to two minutes and the warning chime sounds for four to eight seconds.
^ If the safety belt is buckled while the warning indicator is on and the chime is sounding, the warning light and warning chime turn off.
^ If the safety belt is buckled before the key is turned to the ON position, the warning indicator will come on for 4 to 8 seconds with no chime.
WARNING: ALL SAFETY BELT ASSEMBLIES INCLUDING RETRACTORS, BUCKLES, FRONT SEAT BELT BUCKLE SUPPORT ASSEMBLIES (IF EQUIPPED), SHOULDER BELT HEIGHT ADJUSTERS (IF EQUIPPED), CHILD SAFETY SEAT TETHER ATTACHMENTS (IF EQUIPPED), AND ATTACHING HARDWARE SHOULD BE INSPECTED AFTER ANY COLLISION. ALL BELT ASSEMBLIES SHOULD BE REPLACED UNLESS A QUALIFIED TECHNICIAN FINDS THE ASSEMBLIES SHOW NO DAMAGE AND OPERATE PROPERLY. BELT ASSEMBLIES NOT IN USE DURING A COLLISION SHOULD ALSO BE INSPECTED AND REPLACED IF EITHER DAMAGE OR IMPROPER OPERATION IS NOTED.
When installing new safety belt buckles and/or retractor assemblies, use only the replacement parts specified in the Ford Customer Service Division Master Parts and Accessories Catalog.
Belt Minder (if equipped)
The Belt Minder feature is a supplemental warning to the safety belt warning function. This feature provides additional reminders to the driver that the driver's safety belt is unbuckled by intermittently sounding a chime and illuminating the safety belt warning lamp in the instrument cluster.