Symptom Chart: Seatbelt System

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2018 Lincoln Navigator. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Diagnostics in this article assume a certain skill level and knowledge of Ford-specific diagnostic practices. REFER to: Diagnostic Methods .

Preliminary Inspection

Before diagnosing or repairing the seatbelt system, inspect the following items:

Seatbelt webbing integrity (torn, frayed, cut or stretched)
Seatbelt buckle and tongue assembly (latching and release, foreign debris)

Condition	Possible Sources	Actions
Both seatbelt tension reducers do not operate	Refer to the pinpoint test	GO to Pinpoint Test A
An individual seatbelt tension reducer does not operate	Refer to the pinpoint test	GO to Pinpoint Test B
The seatbelt warning indicator does not operate	Burned-out indicator Wiring, terminals or connectors IPC RCM	If the airbag warning indicator is illuminated, REFER to:Airbag Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) . If the airbag warning indicator is not illuminated, REFER to: Instrumentation, Message Center and Warning Chimes .
The seatbelt warning chime does not operate	Wiring, terminals or connectors Seatbelt switch IPC RCM	If the airbag warning indicator is illuminated, REFER to:Airbag Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) . If the airbag warning indicator is not illuminated, REFER to: Instrumentation, Message Center and Warning Chimes .
The seatbelt retractor webbing does not extract or exhibits excessive pressure on the occupant during use	Seatbelt retractor is in web sensing mode	UNLOCK the locked seatbelt retractor. REFER to: Locked Seatbelt Retractor Releasing .
	Interior trim is not installed correctly	CORRECT the interior trim installation. REFER to INTERIOR TRIM AND ORNAMENTATION .
	Seatbelt retractor is in Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR) mode Seatbelt retractor binding internally	CARRY OUT the appropriate functional test. REFER to Component Test INSTALL new components as directed.
The seatbelt retractor webbing does not retract or has excessive slack during use	Twisted or incorrectly routed seatbelt webbing	CORRECT the twisted seatbelt webbing. REFER to: Seatbelt Tongue Rotated On Belt . REFER to: Seatbelt Twisted at the Seatbelt Guide .
	Interior trim is not installed correctly	CORRECT the interior trim installation. REFER to INTERIOR TRIM AND ORNAMENTATION .
	Seatbelt retractor binding internally	CARRY OUT the appropriate functional test. REFER to Component Test . INSTALL new components as directed.
The Belt-Minder® feature is inoperative	Belt-Minder® feature is deactivated Wiring, terminals or connectors	To activate the Belt-Minder® feature, REFER to the Seatbelts information of the Owner's Literature or REFER to: Seatbelt Minder Deactivating/Activating . If the Belt-Minder® is activated, DIAGNOSE the inoperative Belt-Minder® feature. REFER to: Instrumentation, Message Center and Warning Chimes .
The seatbelt tongue is rotated on the seatbelt webbing	Twisted or incorrectly routed seatbelt webbing	REFER to: Seatbelt Tongue Rotated On Belt .
The seatbelt webbing is twisted at the seatbelt guide	Rotated or incorrectly routed seatbelt webbing	REFER to: Seatbelt Twisted at the Seatbelt Guide .
The seatbelt webbing is dirty or soiled	Dirty or soiled seatbelt webbing	REFER to: Seatbelt Cleaning .