Seat Belt Systems: Service Precautions
SAFETY BELT SYSTEMWARNING: All safety belt assemblies (including retractors, belt tension sensor [BTS] if equipped, buckles, front seat belt buckle support assemblies, slide bar [if equipped], shoulder belt height adjusters [if equipped], child safety seat tether bracket assemblies [if equipped], and attaching hardware) should be inspected after any collision. Ford recommends new safety belt assemblies be installed unless a qualified technician finds the assemblies show no damage and operate correctly. Safety 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 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 injury in collisions.