Seat Belt Buckle: Description and Operation

Safety Belt System

WARNING: After any crash, all of the following safety belt assemblies and attaching hardware must be inspected by an authorized dealer to verify correct function:
- Retractors
- Buckles
- Belt tension sensor (BTS) (if equipped)
- Front safety belt buckle support assemblies (slide bar) (if equipped)
- Safety belt shoulder belt height adjusters (if equipped)
- Child safety seat tether bracket assemblies
- Automatic locking retractor (ALR) feature for child safety seats (passenger seating positions only)
If any safety belt assembly is damaged, does not operate correctly or does not pass all of the Functional Tests in the Diagnosis and Testing, a new safety belt assembly must be installed. If any safety belt assembly attaching areas are damaged or distorted, the sheet metal must be restored to its original structural integrity and new safety belt assembly and attaching hardware must be installed. Failure to install new safety belt assemblies and attaching hardware may increase the risk of serious personal injury or death in a crash.

After any crash that results in deployment of the driver and/or front outboard passenger safety belt pretensioners, new driver and/or front outboard passenger safety belt systems (including retractors, buckles and height adjusters) must be installed. Failure to install new safety belt systems increases the risk of serious personal injury or death in a crash.

When replacing any active occupant restraint components, use only the replacement parts specified in the Ford Catalog Advantage(TM) or equivalent.

Safety Belt Buckles

Safety Belt Buckle and Pretensioner

The safety belt buckle and pretensioners are located on the inboard side of the seat track and is for front seat occupants.

The safety belt buckle and pretensioner is a pyrotechnic device that removes excess webbing from the safety belt system when deployed. When the pretensioner deploys, the buckle moves downward, removing excess webbing from the lap and shoulder safety belts.

If the vehicle is involved in a crash that results in pretensioner deployment, a new safety belt buckle pretensioner must be installed.

If the ignition is ON with the safety belt buckle pretensioner electrical connector(s) disconnected, a DTC will set.

For safety belt buckle pretensioner diagnosis and disposal information, refer to Restraint Systems.

Rear Safety Belt Buckles

The second row dual safety belt buckle assembly is attached to the floor pan under the LH seat cushion.