Passive Restraint - Ratcheting Noise During Operation
^ PASSIVE RESTRAINT (MOTORIZED) - Article NoRATCHETING NOISE DURING OPERATION - 87-4-2
VEHICLES BUILT PRIOR TO 01/05/87
^ NOISE - RATCHETING - DURING OPERATION OF PASSIVE RESTRAINT SYSTEM - VEHICLES BUILT PRIOR TO 01/05/87
FORD 1987 ESCORT
LINCOLN-MERCURY 1987 LYNX
ISSUE: An objectionable "ratcheting" noise from the passenger side of the vehicle during operation of the passive restraint system may be caused by the plastic (vertical) guide for the front seat shoulder strap drive belt. On some vehicles, the plastic guide may have a sharp or distorted rear inside edge which causes the "ratcheting" noise when the drive belt passes through the plastic (vertical) guide.
ACTION: To correct this, rework the top rear inside edge of the plastic (vertical) guide using the following illustrated service procedure and Section 41-54 of the 1987 Escort/Lynx Shop Manual.
CAUTION: Prior to performing this modification, the vehicle must be warmed to room temperature to prevent breakage of the guide during disassembly.
Figure 2 - Article 87-4-2:
1. Remove the center body "B" pillar's upper finish panel (3-door units) or the "B" pillar's (full) finish panel (5-door units), to gain access to the top area of the drive belt's (vertical) guide, Figure 2.
2. Remove the screw retaining both the upper portion of the guide and the existing upper finish panel attachment bracket to the body structure (3-door units), or two (2) screws retaining the upper portion of the guide to the body structure (5-door units), Figure 2.
3. With the shoulder strap carrier positioned at the front body upper "A" pillar, provide about six (6) inches (150 mm) of drive belt slack by manually rotating the thumb wheel located on the motor/drive assembly.
Figure 3 - Article 87-4-2:
4. Carefully, release the drive belt's (vertical) guide from the belt's upper rear guide locking tab (beneath the "B" pillar limit switch). Grasp the top portion of the (vertical) guide firmly with both hands. While applying slow, steady pressure, forcefully pull it downward and toward the front of the vehicle, followed by forcefully pulling it again downward slightly but directly rearward, to gain access to the top rear inside edge of the guide for rework, Figure 3.
5. Rework the plastic (vertical) guide as illustrated throughout Figure 3.
6. After performing the required rework, prior to reinstalling the interior trim, remove the improvised guard and make sure the (vertical) guide is snapped into the upper rear guide's locking tab.
7. Make sure the noise has been corrected.
OTHER APPLICABLE ARTICLES: None
WARRANTY STATUS: Reimbursable within the provisions of the Warranty and Policy Manual
OPERATION: SP870402A
TIME: 0.5 Hr. DLR. CODING: Basic Part No. 70611A72 -
Code: 56