Attachment III - Technical Information
RIGHT FRONT SAFETY BELT RETRACTOROVERVIEW
This procedure will require the technician to locate and inspect the build label for the front right-hand seat belt retractor. The build label is located at one of two possible places on the seat belt webbing. Some minor disassembly may be required to access the build label. An affected seat belt retractor will be identified by the build date. Only a seat belt retractor determined affected by the build date will be replaced. Follow the appropriate procedure in the workshop manual.
LOCATING BUILD LABEL
NOTE:
The build label is located either on the seat belt webbing above the anchor boot or under the anchor boot.
1. Locate the build label on the webbing of the front right-hand seat belt retractor as follows:
^ Look for the build label on the webbing directly above the anchor boot. If the build label is located here proceed to Label Inspection. If the label is not located here proceed to the next bullet point. See Figure 1.
^ Remove the anchor bolt cover, then the anchor bolt. Cut off the steel washer and remove the rubber washer to allow the bolt to come off, then slide the anchor boot off of the webbing. The build label is folded and sewn into the webbing. See Figures 2 and 3. Proceed to Label Inspection.
LABEL INSPECTION
1. Locate the build date code on the build label. Use the examples in Figure 4 and the Build Date Code Translator chart to determine the build date.
2. The affected seat belt retractors were built from 6/01/98 (23 198 R) through 5/21/00 (21700R) and must be replaced.
a. If you have determined the seat belt must be replaced based on the build date, replace the seat belt retractor following the service procedures in Section 01-20A or 501-20A of the appropriate workshop manual.
NOTE:
Some of the safety belt retractors received from Ford Customer Service Division for the affected vehicles have been reworked to include a stowage clip. Retractors with stowage clips are acceptable regardless of date code.
b. If you have determined the seat belt does not need replacement, reassemble the retractor (if disassembly is required) as follows:
^ Using a length of mechanic's wire, pull the seat belt retractor anchor and webbing through the anchor boot.
^ Install the anchor bolt and rubber washer. Tighten the bolt to 40 Nm (30 lb-ft).
^ Install the anchor bolt cover.