Front Safety Belt: Notes

WARNING: All safety belt assemblies including retractors, buckles, 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 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.

WARNING: The safety belt pretensioner is a pyrotechnic device. Always wear safety glasses when repairing an air bag equipped vehicle and when handling a safety belt buckle pretensioner or safety belt retractor pretensioner. Never probe a pretensioner electrical connector. Doing so could result in pretensioner or air bag deployment and could result in personal injury.

WARNING: To reduce the risk of personal injury, do not use any memory saver devices.

NOTE: If a seat equipped with a supplemental restraint system (SRS) component is being serviced, the SRS must be diasabled.

NOTE: The air bag warning lamp illuminates when the RCM fuse is removed and the ignition switch is ON. This is normal operation and does not indicate a supplemental restraint system (SRS) fault.

NOTE: The SRS must be fully operational and free of faults before releasing the vehicle to the customer.

NOTE: Right side shown, left side similar.

When servicing the safety belt buckle, remove the affected seat and disable the SRS. For additional information, refer to SEATING .
When servicing the safety belt retractor pretensioner:
- Disable the SRS. For additional information, refer to AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEMS .
- Remove the rear trim panel and speaker grille to access the affected retractor. For additional information, refer to BODY SYSTEM - EXTERIOR .

Remove the components in the order indicated in the following illustration and table. To remove individual components, carry out only the following steps.

FRONT SAFETY BELT COMPONENT REMOVAL STEPS

Component	Steps
Safety belt retractor pretensioner	1-6
Safety belt buckle	7-9

To install, reverse the removal procedure.

Fig 1: Front Safety Belt Removal Sequence
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
When installing the safety belt retractor pretensioner:
- Install the rear trim panel and speaker grille. For additional information, refer to BODY SYSTEM - EXTERIOR .
- Reactivate the SRS. For additional information, refer to AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEMS .
When installing the safety belt buckle, install the seat and reactivate the SRS. For additional information, refer to SEATING .
Check the active restraint system for correct operation. For additional information, refer to SAFETY BELT SYSTEM .