Safety Belt Maintenance
WARNING:
All safety belt assemblies include retractors, buckles, front seat belt buckle support assemblies (slide bar, if so equipped), shoulder belt height adjuster (if equipped), child safety seat tether bracket assemblies (if equipped) and attaching hardware should be inspected after any collision. Ford recommends all safety belt assemblies in use during a collision be replaced unless the collision was minor and a qualified technician finds that the belts show no damage and continue to operate properly. Safety belt assemblies not in use during a collision should also be inspected and replaced if either damage or incorrect operations is noted.
- The safety belt assemblies should be periodically inspected to make sure that they have not become damaged and that they remain in correct operating condition, particularly if they have been subjected to severe stress.
- Before installing the new safety belt assembly, the safety belt retaining areas must be inspected for damage and distortion. If the retaining points are damaged and distorted, the sheet metal must be reworked back to its original shape and structural integrity.
- Install the new safety belt(s) using the appropriate instructions. Carry out the Functional Test Procedure.