Safety Belt Procedure After a Collision
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 correctly. Safety belt assemblies not in use during a collision should also be inspected and replaced if either damage or incorrect operations is noted.
NOTE:
A new driver and front passenger seat belt system (including belt and retractor assembly buckles, and height adjusters) must be installed if the vehicle is involved in a collision that results in deployment of the front air bags and safety belt pretensioners.
- Before installing a new safety belt assembly, the safety belt attaching areas must be inspected for damage and distortion. If the attaching points are damaged and distorted, the sheet metal must be worked back to its original shape and structural integrity.
- Install the new safety belt(s). For additional information, refer to the appropriate removal and installation procedure in this section. Carry out the Functional Test. For additional information, refer to COMPONENT TEST in this section.