Attachment III - Technical Information
ATTACHMENT Ill Safety Recall 00S21SEAT BELT BUCKLE INSPECTION AND REPLACEMENT
AFFECTED VEHICLES: CERTAIN 2000 MODEL YEAR CONTOUR, ESCORTIZX2, TOWN CAR, EXPLORERIMOUNTAINEER, F-SERIES (LIGHT DUTY), RANGER, VILLAGER AND WINDSTAR (EUROPE ONLY)
OVERVIEW
The affected vehicles in this program will require inspection of seat belt buckles in certain seating positions to determine if replacement is necessary.
^ Not all seat belt buckles will require ins~ection. Only the seat belts identified in the Build Date Code Inspection chart will need to be inspected.
^ The build date code is located on the seat belt buckle end. A plastic anchor boot covers the build date code on some affected seat belt buckles. These vehicles will require removal and disassembly of the seat belt buckle, and are identified in the Build Date Code Inspection chart.
SERVICE PROCEDURE
1. Refer to the Build Date Code Inspection chart on page 3 to identify the seat belt buckle(s) that require inspection.
2. Inspect the build date code located on the seat belt buckle end(s). Refer to Figure 1. If the build date code is covered by the plastic anchor boot, proceed as follows:
^ Remove the seat belt buckle from the vehicle. Refer to the service procedures in section 501-20A of the appropriate Workshop Manual.
^ Separate the seat belt buckle from the plastic anchor boot to access the build date code. If the plastic anchor boot is damaged during separation, replace the seat belt buckle assembly regardless of the build date code.
3. Compare the seat belt buckle date code to the code listed in the Build Date Code Inspection chart.
NOTE:
On certain vehicles, you will receive a retractor and buckle as an assembly. Only the buckle is to be replaced under this program. The retractor portion of the new assembly should be discarded.
NOTE:
Apply Ford Threadlock 262 (E2FZ-19554B) or equivalent to fasteners when installing seat belt buckle assemblies.
^ If the build date code matches that listed in the chart, replace the seat belt buckle assembly. Refer to the service procedures in section 501-20A of the appropriate Workshop Manual.
^ If the build date code does not match those listed in the chart, the seat belt buckle does not require replacement. Assemble and install the seat belt buckle, if removed. Refer to the service procedures in section 501-20A of the appropriate Workshop Manual.
