System Operation

Safety Belt System - 2nd Row

System Operation

The shoulder harness retractor is designed to let the webbing move freely in and out at all times, except during vehicle hard braking, hard cornering or an impact of 24 km/h (14.9 mph) or more, when it is automatically locked by a mechanically-actuated inertia sensor (ELR (Emergency Locking Retractor)). On vehicles equipped with inflatable safety belts, the lap belt retractor is also equipped with the ELR (Emergency Locking Retractor) feature.

For vehicles without inflatable safety belts, all 3 second row seating positions are equipped with ALRs (Automatic Locking Retractors).

Vehicles equipped with inflatable safety belts have ALRs (Automatic Locking Retractors) at the outboard lap belt retractors and the center seating position. The outboard shoulder belt retractor is not an ALR (Automatic Locking Retractor).

Inflatable Safety Belt System (if equipped)

The inflatable safety belt system uses a pyrotechnic device mounted below the seat to release an inert gas which deploys the inflatable shoulder belt. The pyrotechnic device (safety belt inflator) deploys upon receipt of current from the RCM (Restraints Control Module). Upon deployment, gas flows through a manifold tube into the safety belt buckle. From the buckle, gas moves through the safety belt tongue and into the inflatable shoulder belt, causing the belt to expand. The RCM (Restraints Control Module) monitors the readiness of the safety belt inflator and uses this information, as well as other information provided by the restraints system, to determine if inflatable safety belt deployment is appropriate.

REFER to DTC Chart: Restraint Control Module (RCM) DTC Chart: Restraint Control Module (RCM) to diagnose any inflator DTCs (Diagnostic Trouble Codes) and REFER to Symptom Chart: Safety Belt System Symptom Related Diagnostic Procedures for any concerns regarding safety belt buckle or retractor function.

When replacing safety belt buckles, retractor assemblies, or safety belt inflators, use only the replacement parts specified in the Ford Catalog Advantage or equivalent.