Seat Belt Systems: Description and Operation

SAFETY BELT SYSTEM

WARNING: All safety belt assemblies (including retractors, belt tension sensors [BTS] if equipped, buckles, shoulder belt height adjusters [if equipped], child safety seat tether attachments and attaching hardware) should be inspected after any collision. All new belt assemblies should be installed unless a qualified technician finds the assemblies show no damage and operate correctly. 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 safety 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 installing any new 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 the following:
- Front safety belt shoulder height adjusters
- Front row safety belt buckles attached to the inboard side of the seats
- Front row safety belt retractors and pretensioners located behind the lower B-pillar trim panels
- Rear center safety belt retractor, attached to the parcel shelf sheet metal and safety belt buckle assembly, attached to the floor pan under the rear seat cushion
- Rear dual safety belt buckle assembly, attached to the floor pan under the seat cushion
- Lower anchors and tethers for children (LATCH) at all 3 rear seating positions, attached below the rear seat cushion
- Child safety seat tether anchors are attached to the parcel shelf sheet metal for all 3 rear seating positions