The passenger front seat combination lap/shoulder belt has an Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR) mode for child seat installation. The belt webbing is labeled with a warning tag.
NOTE: When replacing an automatic locking retractor (ALR), the retractor should be checked to make sure it is not in the ALR mode after installation.
Both outboard rear safety belts are equipped with ALR mode retractors for child seat installation. The belt webbing is labeled with a warning tag. The ALR mode is activated by pulling all of the belt webbing out of the retractor. The belt will retract (tighten) but cannot be pulled out to gain additional length. The ALR mode is disengaged by unbuckling the belt and fully retracting the webbing.
All of the safety belt retractors have an Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) mode. During sudden deceleration, a small weight inside the retractor swings a locking pawl into position against the teeth on the reel.
The short plastic boots on both the driver and passenger seat belt anchor ends cover an energy absorbing sew pattern. In the event of a collision, the sew pattern may release and the red portion of the warning label will become visible. If this occurs, replace the entire front safety belt retractor and tongue and the front safety belt buckle end.
The safety belt warning system incorporates a chime and an indicator lamp located on the lower LH side of the instrument cluster. The safety belt warning lamp illuminates for several seconds for prove out after the ignition switch is turned to the ON position. A ground switch in the driver side buckle activates the safety belt warning chime. The safety belt warning chime will sound if the driver safety belt is unbuckled.
WARNING:
WHEN USING ANY INFANT OR CHILD RESTRAINT SYSTEM, IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOU FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS PROVIDED BY THE MANUFACTURER CONCERNING ITS INSTALLATION AND USE. FAILURE TO FOLLOW EACH OF THE RESTRAINT MANUFACTURER'S INSTRUCTIONS CAN RESULT IN A CHILD STRIKING THE VEHICLE'S INTERIOR DURING A SUDDEN STOP OR COLLISION.
REAR FACING CHILD SEATS OR INFANT CARRIERS SHOULD NEVER BE PLACED IN THE FRONT SEATS. IF YOU MUST USE A FORWARD FACING CHILD SEAT, MOVE THE SEAT ALL THE WAY BACK.
IT IS IMPORTANT THAT THE BOLT/ANCHOR BE SECURELY TIGHTENED TO SPECIFICATION. OTHERWISE, THE CHILD SAFETY SEAT MAY NOT BE CORRECTLY SECURED AND THE CHILD COULD BE INJURED IN CASE OF A SUDDEN STOP OR ACCIDENT.
If a tether is required for the child safety seat, tether anchor hardware kits can be obtained at no charge from a Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer. Use only the tether anchor bolt supplied in this kit. If any other bolt is used, the anchor weld nut may be damaged. Attachment holes at each rear seating position have been provided in all vehicles. Follow the instructions that are supplied with the tether anchor hardware kit.
WARNING: ALL SAFETY BELT ASSEMBLIES, INCLUDING RETRACTORS, BUCKLES, FRONT SEAT BELT BUCKLE SUPPORT ASSEMBLIES (SLIDE BAR) (IF EQUIPPED), SHOULDER BELT HEIGHT ADJUSTERS (IF EQUIPPED), CHILD SAFETY SEAT TETHER BRACKET ASSEMBLIES (IF EQUIPPED), AND ATTACHING HARDWARE SHOULD BE INSPECTED AFTER ANY COLLISION. FORD RECOMMENDS THAT ALL SAFETY BELT ASSEMBLIES USED IN VEHICLES INVOLVED IN A COLLISION BE REPLACED. HOWEVER, IF THE COLLISION WAS MINOR AND A QUALIFIED TECHNICIAN FINDS THAT THE BELTS DO NOT SHOW DAMAGE AND CONTINUE TO OPERATE CORRECTLY, THEY DO NOT NEED TO BE REPLACED. SAFETY BELT ASSEMBLIES NOT IN USE DURING A COLLISION SHOULD ALSO BE INSPECTED AND REPLACED IF EITHER DAMAGE OR IMPROPER OPERATION IS NOTED.
Before installing the 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 reworked back to its original shape and structural integrity.
All safety belt assemblies must be replaced after a collision, provided the safety belt was in use at the time of the accident, the safety belt was damaged by the accident (bent retractor, torn webbing, etc.), or the safety belt attaching areas were damaged.
Always replace the safety belt retractor and buckle end on the outboard sides and the center tongue and buckle end as an assembly. The manufacturer's identification on the label of the retractor webbing must match the manufacturer's identification on the buckle base. Never interchange any part of a safety belt between vehicle models. If any part of the safety belt assemblies must be replaced, always replace the entire assembly and use only the replacement parts specified in the Ford Customer Service Division Master Parts and Accessories catalog.
Always replace the entire rear safety belt if the assembly has been subjected to loading by passengers in a collision.
Child Safety Seat Tether Anchors
Child safety seat tether anchors are located in the package tray in two locations for the Coupe and three locations for the Sedan. The child safety seat tether anchors are replaceable. If a child safety seat was in use during a collision, inspect the tether anchor and all surrounding sheet medal for damage.
