Seat Belt Systems: Description and Operation

WARNING:
^ ALL SAFETY BELT ASSEMBLIES INCLUDING RETRACTORS, BUCKLES, FRONT SEAT BELT BUCKLE SUPPORT ASSEMBLIES (SLIDE BAR), SHOULDER BELT HEIGHT ADJUSTERS, 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 THAT 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.
^ REAR FACING CHILD SEATS OR INFANT CARRIERS SHOULD NEVER BE PLACED IN THE FRONT SEATS. IF YOU MUST USE A FORWARD FACING CHILD SEAT, MOVE THE SEAT ALL THE WAY BACK.

The outboard safety belt is a continuous-loop three-point system. The combination lap and shoulder belt (continuous-loop) uses a common slip tongue and retractor.

The shoulder harness retractor is designed to let the webbing move freely in and 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.

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

Automatic Locking Retraction (ALR) System

NOTE: When replacing an automatic locking retraction (ALR) equipped retractor, only the outboard retractors should be checked to make sure they are not in the ALR mode after installation.

All outboard continuous-loop, three-point retractor systems, except the driver position; are equipped with the ALR system. This system is used when installing a child safety seat in an outboard seating position or when a tight lap/shoulder belt is desired by the occupant. The ALR system is automatically engaged when the webbing is fully extracted from the retractor. As the webbing is retracted back onto the spool, an audible clicking sound is made indicating the retractor is in the ALR mode. The ALR mode is automatically disengaged when most of the webbing is retracted back onto the spool. The ALR mode is disengaged when the audible clicking sound ceases and the webbing is free to move in or out of the retractor indicating a normal mode of operation.

The automatic locking mode must be used when installing a child safety seat in the front passenger and rear outboard passenger seating positions where dual locking mode retractors are provided.

The second row 60% portion of the 40/60 split bench seat center passenger retractor is equipped with ALR only.

Safety Belt Extension Assembly
In certain cases, the safety belt may be too short even when it is fully extended. About 20 cm (8 in) can be added to the belt length by using a safety belt extension. Safety belt extensions are available through any Ford or Lincoln Mercury dealer parts department at no cost. Safety belt extensions are only available with black webbing. There are two extension assemblies available, one for the front seating positions and one for the rear seating positions. They are not interchangeable. Only use 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.

Attaching Safety Seats With Tether Straps
Some manufacturers make child safety seats that include a tether strap that goes over the back of the vehicle seat and attaches to an anchoring point. Other manufacturers offer the tether strap as an accessory. Contact the manufacturer of the child safety seat for information about ordering a tether strap.

Child safety seat tether anchors are manufactured into the vehicle. See the Owners Literature for locations.

For removal and installation of child safety seat tether anchors, refer to Seats.

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 ON, the safety belt warning light illuminates for one to two minutes and the warning chime sounds for four to eight seconds.
^ If the driver side safety belt is buckled while the indicator light is illuminated and the warning chime is sounding, the safety belt 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 four to eight seconds with no chime.







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.