Seat Belt Systems: Description and Operation

Buckles, Four-Door:

Buckles, Two-Door:

Retractors And Tongues, Four-Door:

Retractors And Tongues, Two-Door:

Occupant Restraint System

WARNING: All seat belt assemblies including retractors, buckles, front seat belt buckle support assemblies (slide bar), shoulder belt height adjusters (if so equipped) child safety seat tether attachments 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.

When replacing seat belt buckle or retractor assemblies, use only the replacement parts specified in the Ford Customer Service Division Master Parts Catalog.

The outboard seat belt for the front and rear seats is a continuous-loop three-point system. The combination lap and shoulder belt (continuous-loop) uses a common sliding tongue and retractor.

The shoulder harness retractor is designed to let the webbing move freely in or out at all times, except. during vehicle hard braking, hard cornering or an impact of 8 km/h (5 mph) or more, when it is automatically locked by a mechanically actuated, inertia sensor.

Dual Locking Mode Retractors

NOTE: When replacing a 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 outboard continuous-loop, three-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 disengaged when the webbing is free to move in or out of the retractor. The ALR mode is automatically engaged when the webbing is full), extracted from the retractor and then allowed to retract. As the webbing is retracted back onto the spool, an audible clicking sound is made, indicating that die retractor is in ALR mode. The ALR mode is automatically disengaged when most of the webbing is retracted back onto the spool.

WARNING: After any vehicle collision, the seat 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 properly, in addition to other checks for proper seat belt system function. A belt and retractor assembly must be replaced if the seat belt assembly's "automatic locking retractor" feature or any other seat belt function is not operating properly when checked according to the procedures in the workshop manual. Failure to replace the Belt and Retractor assembly could increase the risk of injury in collisions.

This vehicle has a seat 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.

This seat belt system has a retractor assembly that is designed to pay out webbing in a controlled manner. This feature is designed to help reduce the belt force acting on occupant's chest.

Seat Belt Warning indicator and Chime
The warning indicator and chime are reminders to fasten the seat belt. The following conditions will take place:
- If the seat belt is not buckled before the ignition is turned to the ON position, the chime will turn on for four to eight seconds and the indicator will come on for one to two minutes.
- If the seat belt is buckled while the indicator is on and the chime is sounding, both the indicator and chime will turn off.
- If the seat belt is buckled before the ignition is turned to the ON position, neither the indicator nor the chime will turn on.