Safety Belt Buckle - Front

SAFETY BELT BUCKLE - FRONT







Removal and Installation

WARNING: All safety belt assemblies including retractors, buckles, belt tension sensor (BTS), if equipped, 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 new safety belt assemblies be installed unless a qualified technician finds the assemblies show no damage and operate correctly. Safety belt assemblies not in use during a collision should also be inspected and new assemblies installed if either damage or incorrect operation is noted.

The Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR) feature of the safety belt retractor must be checked by a qualified technician to verify that the ALR feature for a child seat is functioning properly, in addition to other checks for proper safety belt system function. A belt and retractor assembly must be replaced if the safety belt assembly's "automatic locking retractor" feature or any other safety belt function is not operating properly when inspected according to the functional inspection procedures. Failure to replace the belt and retractor assembly could increase the risk of injury in collisions.

NOTE:
- If a seat equipped with a supplemental restraint system (SRS) component is being serviced, the SRS must be depowered.
- The air bag warning lamp illuminates when the RCM fuse is removed and the ignition switch is ON. This is normal operation and does not indicate a SRS fault.
- The SRS must be fully operational and free of faults before releasing the vehicle to the customer.
- Repair is made by installing a new part only. If the new part does not correct the condition, install the original part and carry out the diagnostic procedure again.

1. Position the seat to its most rearward position.
2. Depower the SRS.
3. Disconnect the safety belt buckle switch electrical connector and wire routing clip noting the location.
- Release the J-clip on the side of the seat cushion cover to remove the wire for the safety belt buckle switch.

4. Remove the safety belt buckle nut.
- To install, tighten to 50 Nm (37 lb-ft).

5. Remove the safety belt buckle through the opening in the seat cushion cover.

6. NOTE: The anti-rotation tab must be correctly aligned for proper installation.

To install, reverse the removal procedure.
- Make sure that the safety belt buckle is routed through the seat cushion cover.

7. Repower the SRS.
8. Check the active restraint system for correct operation.