Seat Belt Systems: Description and Operation

SAFETY BELT SYSTEM

WARNING: 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.

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:
- Front outboard safety belt buckles
- Front outboard safety belt retractors integral to the seat backrest (vehicles with SIR)
- Front outboard safety belt retractors (vehicles without SIR)
- Front row center passenger safety belt buckle and lap belt
- Second row outboard safety belt retractors
- Second row safety belt buckles and lap belts
- Safety belt shoulder height adjusters (adjustable and nonadjustable)
- Child safety seat tether anchors

Seat Integrated Restraints (SIR)

Seat Integrated Restraints (SIR) Identification:

SuperCab vehicles may be equipped with a safety belt retractor that is integral to the front outboard seat backrest. To identify a SIR equipped seat, look for the integral safety belt guide tower cap located to the outboard side of the headrest (see arrow).

Fastening Safety Belts

WARNING: Do not introduce slack into the safety belt system because the belt locks upon impact where it is positioned. Use the shoulder safety belt on the outside shoulder only. Never wear the shoulder safety belt under the arm. Never swing the shoulder safety belt around the neck over the inside shoulder. Never use a single belt for more than one person. Make sure the lap portion of the belt is fitted snugly and as low as possible around the hips, not the waist. Failure to follow these precautions could increase the chance and severity of injury in a collision.

Always follow the preceding safety precautions when fastening the safety belts.