Seat Belt Systems: Description and Operation
SAFETY BELT SYSTEMWARNING: All safety belt assemblies (including retractors, belt tension sensors [BTS] if equipped, buckles, shoulder belt height adjusters [if so 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 "automatic locking retractor" 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.
The active restraint system consists of:
- the front safety belt retractors and tongues, which are secured to the body under the B-pillar trim panels.
- the rear LH and RH safety belt retractors, which are secured to the body behind the quarter trim panels.
- the rear center safety belt retractor, which is located under the package tray trim.
- the front center safety belt, which is attached to the floor pan through a slot in the driver seat track.
- the front safety belt buckle ends (LH and RH), which are secured to the driver or front passenger seat track.
- the front center buckle end, which is attached to the floor pan through a slot in the passenger seat track.
- the rear LH, RH and center buckle ends, which are secured to the rear floor pan under the rear seat.
- the child safety seat tether anchors, which are attached to the package tray under the rear package tray trim.
- the child safety seat LATCH system, which is located at the LH and RH rear seating positions protruding between the seat back and cushion.
Dual Locking Mode Retractors
WARNING: After any collision, the safety belt system at all outboard seating positions (except driver, which has no "automatic locking retractor" feature) must be checked by a qualified technician to verify that the "automatic locking retractor" feature for child seats is still functioning correctly, in addition to other checks for correct safety belt system function. A new belt retractor assembly must be installed if the safety belt assembly's "automatic locking retractor" feature, or any other safety belt function, is not operating correctly when inspected according to the procedures. Failure to install a new belt and retractor assembly could increase the risk of injury in a collision.
NOTE: When installing a new dual locking mode retractor, the retractor should be checked to make sure it is not in the automatic locking retractor (ALR) mode after installation in the stowed position.
All continuous loop, 3-point retractor systems, except the driver position, are equipped with the dual locking mode system.
The "emergency locking retractor" (ELR) mode will allow the occupant freedom of movement, locking tight only on hard braking, hard cornering or an impact of approximately 8 km/h (5 mph). The ELR mode helps to reduce the forward movement of the driver and passengers. The ELR mode is continuously in operation at all seating positions.
The ALR portion of this system does not allow the occupant freedom of movement. The ALR mode is used when locking a child seat in an outboard seating position or when a tight belt fit is desired. The ALR mode is automatically engaged when the webbing is fully extracted from the retractor and then allowed to retract. As the webbing is retracted back into the spool, an audible clicking sound is made indicating the retractor is in ALR mode and the webbing will not pull back out of the retractor.To disengage the ALR mode, let the webbing retract back into the spool. The ALR mode is disengaged when the webbing is free to move out and back into the retractor.
The automatic locking mode must be used when installing a child safety seat in the front or rear passenger seating positions where dual locking mode retractors are provided.
Energy Management Retractor
This vehicle has a safety belt system with an energy management feature at the front seating positions to help further reduce the risk of injury in the event of a head-on collision.
The energy management retractor feature is designed to pay out webbing in a controlled manner. This feature is designed to help reduce the belt force acting on an occupant's chest.
Safety Belt Pretensioners
The front safety belt retractors use a safety belt pretensioner system. This works in conjunction with the front and side air bag system mounted in the steering wheel, instrument panel and front seat backrest. The pretensioner is a pyrotechnic device that removes excess webbing slack from the safety belt. When the pretensioner deploys in the retractor, excess slack is removed from the lap and shoulder safety belt. The pretensioners are activated when the restraints control module (RCM) detects a force exceeding a programmed limit. If the vehicle is involved in a collision that results in deployment of the front or side air bags and safety belt pretensioners, a new driver and passenger seat belt system (including safety belt buckle and pretensioners or safety belt retractor and pretensioners, safety belt retractors, safety belts, buckles and height adjusters), must be installed.
Safety Belt Tension Sensor
The safety belt tension sensor is part of the front passenger safety belt buckle assembly. The safety belt tension sensor is used in conjunction with the occupant classification sensor (OCS) system.
Safety Belt Warning System
The safety belt warning indicator illuminates and a chime sounds to remind the occupants to fasten their safety belts.
The conditions of operation for the safety belt warning indicator and chime are as follows:
- If the driver safety belt is not buckled before the ignition switch is turned to RUN, the safety belt warning indicator illuminates for 1-2 minutes and the warning chime sounds for 4-8 seconds.
- If the driver safety belt is buckled while the warning indicator is illuminated and the reminder chime is sounding, the safety belt warning indicator and reminder chime will turn off.
- If the driver's safety belt is buckled before the ignition switch is turned to the ON position, the safety belt warning indicator and reminder chime will remain off.
Belt Minder
The Belt Minder feature is a supplemental warning to the safety belt warning function. This feature provides an additional reminder that the driver or passenger safety belt is unbuckled by intermittently sounding a chime and illuminating the safety belt warning lamp in the instrument cluster.
The passenger seat Belt Minder feature is activated only when the occupant classification sensor (OCS) system detects a passenger in the right front seat and the passenger's weight exceeds a programmed limit.
To activate or deactivate the Belt Minder feature, refer to Seat Belt Systems.
Safety Belt Extension
A safety belt extension is available. This assembly will add approximately 20 cm (8 inches) to the length of the safety belt. Use the safety belt extension only if the safety belt is too short when fully extended. Do not use the safety belt extension to alter the fit of the shoulder belt across the torso. Safety belt extensions are available from any authorized Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer.
Child Safety Seat Tether Anchors
WARNING: The child safety seat tether anchor/bolt MUST be securely tightened to specification. Otherwise, the child safety seat may not be correctly secured and the child could be injured if the vehicle is involved in a collision or stops suddenly.
Child safety seat tether anchors, located in the package tray, have been provided at all 3 rear seating positions. If a child safety seat was in use during a collision, inspect the tether anchor and all surrounding sheet metal for damage. Install a new tether anchor if necessary. Rework or install new sheet metal to restore the vehicle to its original condition and structural integrity.
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH)
The lower anchors and tethers for children (LATCH) system is a standardized and uniform attachment system for installing child safety seats in passenger vehicles. LATCH-equipped child safety seats have 2 lower attachments that connect to the vehicle portion of the LATCH system.
The vehicle portion of the system consists of 2 attachment points (6 mm wires) bolted to the floor pan at both second row outboard. seating positions. The attachment points protrude from the biteline between the seat cushion and seat backrest.
If a child safety seat was in use during a collision, inspect the vehicle portion of the system for damage. If any of the attachment points (6 mm wires) are damaged, a new one must be installed. See the appropriate removal and installation procedure for service.